Wilson Logistics sued by EEOC over alleged ADA violation

Strafford-based over-the-road trucking company Wilson Logistics plans to "vigorously defend its employment practices" after being sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for an alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The complaint announced in an EEOC news release alleges Transportation Management Group Inc., dba Wilson Logistics, refused to hire a deaf job applicant because of his disability.

The complaint – filed July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Middle District of North Carolina Greensboro – alleges job applicant Jerrell McCrary was denied employment as a truck driver despite possessing a commercial driver’s license and relevant experience, as well as being granted a U.S. Department of Transportation exemption from regulatory hearing requirements. The suit alleges a Wilson Logistics representative told McCrary through a video relay service that the company does not hire people who cannot read, write and speak English nor those who communicate using sign language.

The suit cites the ADA, which prohibits companies from refusing to hire individuals with a disability.

“An employer cannot refuse to consider a job applicant because of a disability without conducting an individualized inquiry,” said Melinda C. Dugas, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Charlotte district, in the release. “The EEOC will continue to litigate cases in which qualified individuals with disabilities are summarily dismissed from the application process.”

Jay​​​​ M. Dade, a Kansas City attorney at Jackson Lewis PC who represents Wilson Logistics, provided a statement to Springfield Business Journal.

"Wilson Logistics has not yet seen the lawsuit. However, the company strives to maintain a supportive workplace free from discrimination," the statement reads. "It shall vigorously defend its employment practices at the appropriate time and at the appropriate manner."