Temp agency settles federal lawsuit alleging Wis. office discriminated against deaf applicant

Temp agency settles federal lawsuit alleging Wis. office discriminated against deaf applicant

A temp agency has agreed to pay $75,000 to settle a federal lawsuit alleging its La Crosse office discriminated against a deaf job seeker.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleged Olsten Staffing Services refused to refer Zachary Schaefer for a temporary production position at Main Street Ingredients, a La Crosse food manufacturer, because Schaefer is deaf. The EEOC maintained the ability to hear was not a job requirement.

Melville, N.Y.-based Olsten has agreed to pay Olsten $5,000 in lost pay and $70,000 damages and offer its employees training on the Americans With Disabilities Act's requirements.

Olsten spokesman Anthony Guerrieri says in statement the company did nothing wrong and provides a lawful work environment.