Starbucks sued for disability discrimination

8th September 2009

A US-based Starbucks outlet has been sued by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of a man with multiple sclerosis.

According to the EEOC, the Russellville store in Arkansas failed to consider Chuck Hannay for a position as a barista because of his condition.

Mr Hannay alleged that he pursued one of six positions at the coffee retailer, but was not contacted to progress his application.

Despite this, he attended the interview day anyway and was treated differently to other candidates taking part, according to the EEOC.

Katharine Kores, district director of the EEOC's Memphis District Office claimed Starbucks did not hire Mr Hannay even though he was qualified for the job.

She remarked: "Employers cannot refuse to hire people with disabilities simply based on discriminatory stereotypes."

The EEOC recently brought charges against Pine City, Minneapolis-based contract manufacturer Product Fabricators for alleged disability discrimination against long-term worker Dennis Anderson.