EEOC sues FedEx for failing to accommodate deaf package handlers, job applicants

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit charging that FedEx discriminated against deaf and partially deaf workers and job applicants for years.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore and announced Friday. The EEOC says FedEx Ground employed a significant number of deaf package handlers nationwide but failed to provide needed accommodations.

The EEOC says FedEx didn't provide American Sign Language interpretation or closed-captioning training videos during mandatory tours and new-hire orientation or during staff and safety meetings. The EEOC says FedEx also refused to provide needed equipment substitutions such as scanners that vibrate instead of beep.

The lawsuit arose from 19 discrimination charges filed nationwide.

FedEx says it's committed to fair and equal treatment of employees and says the EEOC's claims are misleading.