KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and SportsRochester woman settles discrimination lawsuit

Rochester woman settles discrimination lawsuit

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ROCHESTER, MN (KTTC DT) -- The law says employers can't discriminate against people in wheelchairs. But how far does an employer have to go to make a "reasonable accommodation" for someone with a physical disability?

Julie Tufts of Rochester is a former employee who filed suit against Hobby Lobby.

Tufts is also disabled.

She says she didn't go after the store for the money, but rather did it for the principle.

Julie Tufts spends most days inside.

When she's not playing catch-up with friends on the phone, Julie is working. 

Working on quilts and 'get well' cards for friends, that is.

The 53-year-old is unemployed, in part because she's disabled.

Julie says, "I wasn't really having any health problems then and I loved the job."

Three years ago she did work for Hobby Lobby - the Rochester craft store suited Julie perfectly.

After climbing up and down store ladders she injured her ankle and doctors put her in a wheelchair.

Her leg did not heal.

Julie says, "I wanted to work in a wheelchair, but they refused to let me work in a wheelchair - I went back there every week and pleaded for them to let me do so."

After a year of this, Julie was fired.

Store management said employees must be able to carry 40 pounds up and down a ladder.

Julie says, her dismissal was discrimination.

Her attorney filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which filed a lawsuit against Hobby Lobby last September.

Laurie Vasichek, Senior Trial Attorney says, "We contended that they should have permitted Ms. Tufts to do her job in her wheelchair, that she could have done it from a wheelchair."

Monday, the EEOC announced it settled the suit, and Hobby Lobby will pay $35,000 into a trust account that will pay for Julie's medical expenses.

Joe Schmitt, Attorney for Hobby Lobby says, "Litigation is never a fun process for anyone, but we're happy we could reach an amicable agreement and put the problem behind us."

Hobby Lobby will also clarify its policy about its accomodations for employees whose impairments are not permanent, but long-lasting like Julie.

Julie says, "I didn't want any money, it was principle, that no one should be treated the way I was treated."

Julie says, Hobby Lobby has since offered her job back.

But she says her health is worse and she can no longer work.