EEOC and Dish Network Conciliate Disability Charge Over Application Practices for $1.25 Million

DENVER - DISH Network LLC has agreed to conciliate a disability discrimination charge regarding its online assessment for applicants with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Com­mission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today.

DISH Network has agreed to pay $1,250,000 to compensate the original complainant and other aggrieved applicants who claimed they were denied an opportunity for employment at DISH Network due to an alleged discriminatory online application process.

In addition to the monetary settlement, DISH Network has agreed that applications will continue to contain a prominent statement regarding the company's willingness to provide required reason­able accommoda­tions and directions on how to request such accommodations during the application process. DISH Network will also retain outside consultant(s) to conduct a job analysis and validity study, which will evaluate and revise their online assessment to ensure that questions asked on the application relate to the job.

Additionally, DISH Network will designate a compliance officer that will provide training and monitor their application process to ensure compliance with the ADA.

"Employers must ensure that all individuals with disabilities are given an opportunity to request an accommodation, even during the online application process," said Elizabeth Cadle, district director of the EEOC Phoenix District Office. "Employers should know that the EEOC has the same expectations of employers operating in the virtual world as in the real world."

Amy Burkholder, director of the EEOC's Denver Field Office, said, "We thank DISH Network for cooperating with the EEOC. This is an example of the type of positive resolutions that we strive to reach at the Commission."

Colorado-based DISH Network, a Fortune 250 company, is one of the nation's largest television providers, with about 17,000 employees. 

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.