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Press Release 08-01-2013

Mobility Works to Pay $65,000 to Settle EEOC Sex Discrimination Lawsuit

Agency Said Employer Fired Top Sales Associate Because of Her Gender

SAGINAW, Mich. - An Akron, Ohio-based van company has agreed to resolve a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.

The EEOC charged that WMK, Inc., doing business as Mobility Works, engaged in sex discrimination when it unlawfully terminated a top female sales associate because of her sex, while opting to retain a male sales associate with significantly less sales. 

Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Michigan (Case No. 1:12-CV-15588) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.  

Under the terms of the three-year consent decree settling the suit, Mobility Works will pay $65,000 to the sales associate and will conduct training on Title VII for its management staff. 

"With this resolution, Mobility Works has taken a positive step towards protecting the rights of women in the workplace," said EEOC Regional Attorney Laurie Young.  

EEOC Trial Attorney Nedra Campbell added, "Mobility Works should be commended for agreeing to resolve this case at this juncture before engaging in costly litigation."   

Mobility Works provides vans for wheelchair users.  The company has 14 retail stores located in seven states, and is one of the largest accessible-vehicle suppliers in the country. 

The EEOC is the federal agency that enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.  Further information about the EEOC is available on the agency's web site at www.eeoc.gov.