©vimaliss via Canva.com
Voyant Beauty Worker Fired on Her First Day After Firm Discovered She Was Deaf
February 29, 2024
According to a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Voyant Beauty, a maker of skincare, hair, and bath products in Illinois, dismissed a worker on her first day of employment after finding out she was deaf, reports Business Insider.
The lawsuit claims that the woman was put in the role of production worker at the Countryside, Illinois, site of Voyant by a staffing agency.
The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that on the worker’s first day, “Voyant learned that she was deaf and informed her that because she is deaf, Voyant was ending her employment there.”
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the EEOC said that the worker had the right requirements to carry out the job and was capable of performing essential job functions.
In the lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in September, the EEOC claimed that by terminating the worker, the beauty company breached the Americans with Disabilities Act, which obligates companies to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.
However, Voyant denied the allegations.
Gregory Gochanour, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Chicago District Office, said, “Relying on unfounded stereotypes about an individual’s disability in making employment decisions is illegal.” He added, “A decision not to hire someone with a disability based on a safety concern must be based on an individualized assessment of the person’s actual ability to safely perform the essential functions of the job, potentially with accommodations. The ADA requires this to be determined based on objective evidence, not assumptions or guesswork.”
On Tuesday, under a consent order signed by both sides, Voyant agreed to pay the former worker $75,000, which is a sum of $30,000 in back pay and $45,000 in compensatory damages.
The beauty company also committed to conducting annual training sessions for all supervisory staff members on the subject of disability discrimination.
Recent News
Premium and Healthier Food Options Gain Traction
As consumers become more mindful of their spending, the global sales of cooking ingredients and meals saw a notable increase of 4.4% in 2023, driven by inflation and higher commodity prices, according to Euromonitor International. This trend underscores a shift in consumer behavior towards more economical choices while still showing a preference for premium, healthier, and environmentally sustainable options.
Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Baby Formula
In a significant move, Dairy Manufacturers Inc., a Texas-based company, has initiated a voluntary recall of several baby formula products after they were found to be noncompliant with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The recall encompasses all lot codes of three specific products: Crecelac Infant 0-12, Farmalac 0-12, and Farmalac 0-12 Low Lactose. This announcement was officially published on the FDA’s website on Saturday.
Fitness Equipment to Become $18.4 Billion Market
The global fitness equipment market is projected to reach $18.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.02% from 2024 to 2033, according to Allied Market Research. Key drivers include the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in fitness devices and the rise of corporate wellness programs. IoT-enabled equipment captures workout metrics in real time, enhancing user engagement and offering personalized insights. Corporate wellness initiatives promote physical activity in the workplace, increasing demand for fitness equipment in corporate gyms.
Walmart Ends Partnership with Capitol One
Walmart has officially ended its consumer credit card agreement with Capital One, marking a significant shift in the retail giant’s financial partnerships. This decision follows a series of disputes over customer service issues that culminated in a legal battle and a federal judge’s ruling.