New York Beer Project Faces EEOC Lawsuit Over Disability Discrimination

Background:

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against New York Beer Project, LLC, which operates a restaurant, brewery, and beer hall in Victor, New York, for allegedly violating federal law by discriminating against two employees based on their medical conditions.

Allegations:

The EEOC's lawsuit alleges that the New York Beer Project discriminated against two bartenders, both of whom were fully capable of working despite their medical conditions. In one case, a bartender was diagnosed with cancer. After informing his employer of his diagnosis, the bartender found himself removed from the work schedule. Despite being able to perform his job duties, he was ultimately terminated, allegedly due to his medical condition.

In another instance, a second bartender experienced a nocturnal seizure. After a brief period of leave, he was medically cleared to return to work without any restrictions. Despite providing doctor's notes confirming his ability to work, the New York Beer Project refused to schedule him, allegedly due to unfounded fears of him having a seizure at work. This bartender was also eventually terminated.

Settlement:

The EEOC has filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York (EEOC v. New York Beer Project, LLC, Civil Action No. 1:24-cv-00377) following unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter through pre-litigation conciliation. The lawsuit seeks back pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages for the affected employees, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future instances of disability discrimination.

Conclusion:

This lawsuit underscores the EEOC’s commitment to enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects employees from discrimination based on disability. Employers are required to base their decisions on objective evidence and medical certifications, not on stereotypes or unfounded fears. The EEOC aims to ensure that all employees can work without fear of discrimination due to medical conditions or disabilities.