EEOC suit alleges Georgia Power violated Americans With Disabilities Act

A small group of former Georgia Power employees and job applicants have accused the utility of violating the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Georgia Power told some employees they could no longer work for the utility despite being treated for conditions and cleared by their doctor. Separately, the EEOC has accused Georgia Power of not hiring some job applicants “because of their disabilities or because it perceived them as disabled.”

According to the EEOC complaint, “Georgia Power’s medical director disregarded the employees’ and applicants’ treating physicians’ opinions as to their ability to work.”

A Georgia Power spokesman said the utility just received the notice from the EEOC and is reviewing the complaint. He did not comment further.

The EEOC sued Georgia Power in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia after the two sides could not reach a settlement. The agency is asking that the former employees be rehired and receive back pay as well as compensatory and punitive damages. The EEOC also is asking for an injunction to prevent future discrimination.

Robert Dawkins, a regional attorney with the EEOC, said more workers could join the lawsuit.