Thersa E. v. U.S. The Postal Service has a comprehensive workplace violence program to identify, review, report, and address employee assaults nationwide. 0120172604 (Apr. Generally, to win a retaliation case, you have to show (1) legally protected activity -- of which Ryan had tons, (2) adverse employment action -- and getting fired is clearly "adverse," so Ryan had that, too, and (3) a "causal connection" between the legally protected activity and the adverse employment action (uh-oh). For our clients, please provide your updated contact information to us. usps eeoc settlements 2020. boca beacon obituaries. 2019004084 (Sept. 15, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019004084.pdf. No violation of Equal Pay Act where Agency established that the Agency-wide salary increases and the performance-based salary increase system were gender-neutral factors, were applied consistently, and explain any compensation disparity between Complainant and her male coworkers. The EEOC concluded that the employee demonstrated that the Postal Service reasons for its actions were more than likely a pretext for reprisal discrimination and that the award of $40,000 was consistent with the amounts awarded in similar cases. 2019004187 (Nov. 30, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_25/2019004187.pdf. Irvin M. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. EEOC Awards $165,000 in Compensatory Damages The EEOC recently awarded $165,000 in non-pecuniary damages for pain and suffering to an employee of the U.S. 3, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120180568.pdf. Velva B. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. She alleged that the USPS has subjected her to disability discrimination and harassment. The best way to provide this information is to email us at nrpclassaction@theemploymentattorneys.com. Substantial evidence supported the Administrative Judge's finding that the Agency subjected Complainant to a hostile work environment based on age and in reprisal for protected EEO activity when she was issued a lowered performance evaluation, subjected to false allegations, and subjected to unfair terms and conditions of employment. Annalee D. v. General Services Administration, EEOC Request No. 5, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_08_10/0120180519.pdf. 2020003134 (Oct. 15, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_19/2020003134.pdf. 2020002082 (Sept. 15, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_19/2020002082.pdf. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Agency defense counsel may assist agency management officials and witnesses in the preparation of their affidavits during the investigative stage but may not instruct officials to make statements that are untrue or make changes to any affidavit without the affiant's approval of such changes; agency defense counsel also may assist agencies in informal resolution talks during the counseling stage so long as counsel suggests, but does not dictate, settlement terms. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0520130618.txt. Kylee C. v. Dep't of the Army, EEOC Appeal No. Moreover, some EEO complaints dated back as far as 2001. The Agency articulated a legitimate reason for disciplining Complainant, but it did not explain why other employees who engaged in similar behavior were not disciplined. 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_04_05/2019005824%20DEC.pdf. 19, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_04_30/2021001898.pdf. Tanya P. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. 2019001284 (Aug. 4, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019001284.pdf. Substantial evidence supported Administrative Judge's determination that Complainant did not show that he personally was subjected to conduct sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile work environment based on race where Complainant did not witness most of the racially insensitive incidents alleged, he learned of the conduct second or third hand, he did not work at the office when the offensive conduct occurred, and the offensive behavior was not directed toward him; agreeing with the AJ's finding that the office where the conduct occurred was rife with offensive and racially hostile behavior, and given that substantial evidence established that other African-American employees were subjected to race-based conduct, the decision ordered the Agency to conduct training, to consider disciplining several identified Agency employees, and to post a notice. Washington, DC 20507 0120150213 (Feb. 16, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120150213.txt. 0120180641 (Aug. 6, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/0120180641.pdf. Will K. v. U.S. Cristen T. v. U.S. The AJ took account of several factors that limited Complainants non-pecuniary damages award, found that the Agency was not the sole cause of Complainants emotional and psychological harm, and limited the award of pecuniary damages to the amounts contained in "legitimate receipts.". usps eeoc settlements 2020 usps eeoc settlements 2020. ps4 controller trigger keeps activating. In December 2011 the USPS announced that it planned to close more than half252 out of a total of 461of its mail processing centers, eliminating 28,000 positions and reducing the delivery of overnight first-class mail. Postal Service who was subjected to a hostile work environment for over three years and then removed. Workers allege that they were let go from their new positions when the USPS told them that there was not enough work in the new positions to keep the workers employed. 26, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120172637.pdf. The MVS Craft continues to grow. Last year, when the city of Minneapolis awarded $27 million to the family of George Floyd, their attorney called it the largest pretrial civil rights settlement ever. 15, 2016), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120123215.txt. Former USPS workers in the NRP class action suit allege that they were discriminated against after showing proof that they had been injured at work. This booklet also provides an explanation of the REDRESS program REDRESS, an alternative dispute resolution process, may offer you an opportunity to request mediation in addition to traditional EEO In 2009, an administrative judge awarded back pay with interest and $100,000 in compensatory damages. The class action suit is currently open and continues to process claims from approximately 28,000 victimized postal workers. 0120122672 (Feb. 24, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120122672.txt. workers that this case involved. Joan S. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. 0120172637 (Mar. A lock ( 0120171387 (May 2, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120171387.pdf. 0120180568 (Apr. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Gabriele G. v. Social Security Administration, EEOC Appeal No. 26, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/2019002318.pdf. For complaint closures with monetary benefits, the averageawardwas$9,418. 2, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120172604.pdf. Stefan C. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. Frequently Asked Questions, Commissioner Charges and Directed Investigations, Office of Civil Rights, Diversity and Inclusion, Management Directives & Federal Sector Guidance, Federal Sector Alternative Dispute Resolution, Selected Noteworthy Federal Sector Appellate Decisions. information only on official, secure websites. USPS' average processing time for all complaint closures increased from 238 days in FY 2008 to 243 days in FY 2009. Agency did not show that employment of Complainant in Deportation Officer position would pose a direct threat where Medical Review Board made a blanket determination that Complainants medication created a potential risk of injury while performing Deportation Officers duties, but the Board ignored his work history in a similarly strenuous law enforcement position and discounted the opinion of his cardiologist. Sherrie M. v. U.S. Arbitration Awards & Settlements Arbitration Clerk Jobs Bargaining Unit Work The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently unveiled regulations to modify the presuit conciliation process in hopes of finally settling some employment disputes. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The DFEC Web site provides very useful information regarding the claims process. 0120182601 (Nov. 8, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120182601.pdf. The Administrative Judge properly awarded Complainant $3,000.00 in nonpecuniary compensatory damages where Complainant offered corroborative testimony from his family, friends, and colleagues; the AJ found that Complainant's testimony was not credible in some respects but was credible with respect to how the discrimination affected his family and work life; and the amount awarded was consistent with amounts awarded under similar circumstances. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In January 2016, the Postal Service paid $40.2 million to employees; however, it subsequently notified the APWU of errors in these initial payments. In these districts, the Postal Inspection Service investigated 145 . Speaking of Special Interest Groups it is pathetic. 0120141484 (Jan. 30, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120141484.txt. 0720160006 and 0720160007 (Sept. 25, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0720160006.0720160007.txt. Marquis K. v. Dep't of the Navy, EEOC Appeal No. 2020005108 (Apr. Celine B. v. Dep't of the Navy, EEOC Appeal No. Moreover, some EEO complaints dated back as far as 2001. He has the experience federal employees need to help with with EEO claims and hearings before the EEOC. Sol W. v. Dep't of Defense, EEOC Appeal No. The NRP was utilized by the USPS from 20062011. The EEOC has tremendous flexibility when deciding whether to sue an employer or accept an employer's offer to settle. To help the public identify those decisions, the Commission has decided to assign randomly generated first names and initials, along with a brief summary of the decisions, to the cases. Permanent Workforce: 622,045 Temporary Workforce: 85,843 Total Workforce: 707,888. 2020001428 (Aug. 13, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2020001428.pdf. Case remanded to Agency for further investigation of Complainant's harassment claims where record was devoid of any evidence that Complainant's co-workers, including the alleged harasser, were interviewed during the investigation. Postal Service who was subjected to a hostile work environment for over three years and then removed. The Agency subjected Complainant to adverse treatment based on protected EEO activity when the office director informed Complainant's detail supervisor that Complainant was engaged in settlement discussions for an EEO complaint. Official websites use .gov Assuming that Complainant established that he was subjected to sexual harassment because of his sex/sexual orientation, the decision found that the Agency was not liable for the alleged harassment because management began an investigation immediately after Complainant reported a coworker's comments, an EEO Counselor spoke to employees about EEO guidelines at a meeting, a Power Point on sexual harassment was presented at a group meeting, an Agency official spoke to the group about the matter, the union president was made available for counseling, the coworker received a letter of reprimand regarding her comments, and there was no evidence that the coworker made any comments about Complainant's sexual orientation after he reported the matter to management. 1-844-234-5122 (ASL Video Phone), Call 1-800-669-4000 As of September 30, 2009, USPS employed 5,372 (0.76%) Individuals with Targeted Disabilities (IWTD). January 17, 2020 - Status Update - Pittman Settlement Letters. Claim regarding the denial of official time remanded to Agency for investigation; although Agency did not need to investigate whether the denial was discriminatory, it should have determined whether the denial was justified. Find your nearest EEOC office USPS agreed to pay a total of $5,631,795 plus other benefits for 598 complaint closures through settlement agreements, final agency decisions, and final agency orders fully implementing AJ decisions. 0120182505 (Nov. 7, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120182505.pdf. 0720170034 (June 15, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0720170034.txt. The USPS now employs around 630,000 workers compared to 900,000 in 1999. Ruben T. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. Kristofer D. v. Dep't of the Army, EEOC Appeal No. Agency did not meet its burden to show that the disparity between Complainant's pay and that of two male general surgeons was based on a factor other than sex where Agency provided only vague statements to justify the pay differential and there was a lack of information reflecting how the salaries of Complainant and the comparators were set. Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. The struggles the Craft has faced over the Financial Issues for Local, State Union Officers, Arbitrator Sharnoff Issues National-Level Award on ADUS Craft Jurisdiction, Das Issues Remedy Award on PM End of Day Button Case, Arbitrator Sustains APWUs Position on Clerk Craft Jurisdiction over Parcel Sorting Work, Taking the MVS Craft Forward One Step at a Time. %%EOF 6, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120161068.txt. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuitthat Eclipse Advantage, Inc., violated federal law by subjecting an African-American employee to racial discrimination and retaliation at its Aldi Food Service warehouse in Hinckley, Ohio. Agency failed to take prompt and effective action to address Complainant's claim of sexual harassment; a supervisor's fear of retaliation by his or her superior is an insufficient argument for failing to take action as a supervisor. Complainant established that she was subjected to a hostile work environment because of her sex where a coworker made several offensive comments to her about her sexual orientation, including "you need a man in your life" and "I do not think same sex couples should be allowed to get married"; Complainant asserted that the comments occurred on a weekly basis, and other coworkers corroborated that the comments occurred. 1 min read. 2019003996 (May 24, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_06_08/2019003996.pdf. It experienced five straight years of operating losses between 20112016 with the majority of its deficit coming from $5.8 billion in accruals of unpaid mandatory retiree health insurance payments. 0120160256 (Apr. 2019001961 (Sept. 21, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019001961.pdf. 12, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_06_08/2019005682.pdf. For our 2021 report, we analyzed USPS data from fiscal years 2016 through 2020 to determine turnover and injury rates. Antony Z. v. Dep't of the Army, EEOC Request No. Eleni M. v. Dep't of Transportation, EEOC Appeal No. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) Can I be reinstated to my USPS job now while this relief process is ongoing? 131 M Street, NE Padilla v. USPS, EEOC Appeal No. After an appeal, complainant later requested the EEOC reopen her case. Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") complaint with the Postal Service on November 7, 2002. The settlement provided that USPS will pay, in full settlement of all claims in this Case: The total sum of three-million-eight-hundred-fifty-thousand-dollars ($3,850,000) We wanted to reach out and give a quick update on the case, and answer some questions that have been raised. Where there was no basis to support the Administrative Judge's award of $9,122.50 more than the requested $122,150.00 in attorney's fees, the appellate decision adjusted the award to reflect the actual amount claimed in the fee petitions. Merit resolutions refers to charges that are resolved in the agency's administrative process (pre-litigation) in favor of the individual who filed the charge. 2022_11_29_Ordr_Prdc_UntimelinessSprdsht_Redacted.pdf, Motion to Clarify or Supplement (11.15.22) (as filed)_Redacted.pdf, 2022 11-3 Order Following Conference_Redacted.pdf, Copyright United States Postal Service 2019. 1-844-234-5122 (ASL Video Phone) The Commission has jurisdiction over complaints alleging discrimination occurring in the course of a dual-status technician's civilian employment in a General Services position. Based on Title VII charges alone, the EEOC collected $234,000,000 in monetary benefits in 2020. 536 0 obj <>stream Welcome to the USPS Class Action Claim Website This website is intended for the sole use of claimants and their attorneys/representatives in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission class action involving the NRP and allegations of discrimination (Velva B, et al. The Administrative Judge's denial of class certification was appropriate where the putative class agent failed to establish that the class met the commonality, typicality, and adequacy of representation requirements. The bases of alleged discrimination most often raised were: (1) Reprisal; (2) Disability (Physical); and (3) Age. USPS' average processing time for all complaint closures increased from 238 days in FY 2008 to 243 days in FY 2009. We keep track of our clients contact information, and we can provide that to USPS or the EEOC Administrative Judge when they need it. Complainant was entitled to an award of $25,000.00 in nonpecuniary compensatory damages where he demonstrated that, because of the Agency's conduct, he endured emotional distress which affected not only him but his family relationships and that, due to his inability to gain employment, his depression worsened and he was unable to afford healthcare for treatment. Wilfredo M. v. Dep't of Treasury, EEOC Appeal No. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Postmaster engaged in an impermissible disability-related inquiry when the Postmaster asked Complainant in front of a customer if she was dyslexic. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) 30, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120160846.txt. Although the Agency argued that there were "security reasons" for delaying the accommodation, it did not provide any details describing the concerns, it "lost track" of his request for approximately five months, and it failed to respond adequately to his request for a list of Agency-approved software. Although Petitioner was entitled to back pay as a component of make-whole relief, she was not entitled to a sum greater than what she would have earned but for her constructive discharge; because her earnings while in active-duty military service between the time of her constructive discharge and her reinstatement exceeded her gross civilian back pay, Petitioner was not entitled to receive back pay. Supervisor engaged in per se reprisal when he told Complainant that her complaints about EEO issues were causing him extra work and stress, threatened her with termination, and labeled her as someone who does not work well with others because of her oral complaints about co-workers. 20, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170604.pdf. Summary judgment in favor of Agency appropriate where there were no genuine issues of material fact or credibility that merited a hearing; record showed that Agency issued Complainant a Letter of Counseling because of allegations that he had used improper language of a vulgar or sexual nature and that Agency discharged him during his probationary period due to his repeated discourteous behavior; Complainant provided no evidence that raised a genuine issue of material fact that any of his protected bases played a role in the Agency's actions. The four unions which officially represent the postal workersthe American Postal Workers Union, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Postal Mail Handlers Union and National Rural Letter Carriers Associationhave not lifted a finger to mobilize workers to oppose these attacks, including the loss of over 250,000 post office jobs since 1999an almost 28 percent reduction in its workforce. Their is no accountability in Michigan, so why would i be surprised !. 0720180014 (May 10, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0720180014.pdf. Mr. Angel has represented federal employees, including USPS employees for nearly 15 years. Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. 25, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170498.pdf. 2020001922 (May 24, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/2020001922.pdf. Workers in the class action suit claim that this is false and that other workers had to speed up to cover their heavy workloads after they were fired. Thus the Commission limited its award of attorney fees to $1,000 based on an hourly rate of $250 per hour rather than the requested amount of $5,094.73. Agency properly dismissed complaint as untimely filed where Agency notified Complainant of applicable filing deadline and proper address to file her complaint with the Agency but Complainant nonetheless sent the complaint to the EEOC's Office of Federal Operations. Including the NRP case, the USPS estimates that it may owe up to $178 million in potential liabilities for pending employment claims. The reduction in attorney fees indicates the importance of a timely submitted detailed fee petition for attorney fees and expenses, including a printout of the time and costs incurred, the services rendered, and a sworn affidavit setting forth justification for the attorneys requested hourly rate(s), fees and costs. The appellate decision modified an Administrative Judge's order requiring the Agency to post a notice to employees at facilities other than where the discriminatory conduct occurred because the AJ did not provide a justification for ordering the wider distribution. Agency engaged in per se reprisal when, at the direction of the attorney representing the Agency in Complainants prior EEO complaint, it sent him correspondence requesting the name of his treating physician, asked him to sign a medical release, and proposed conducting a fitness-for-duty examination; the attorney instigated the actions based on statements that Complainant made in the prior EEO proceeding. She further alleged the USPS retaliated against her for prior EEO action from 2005-2006. shooting in sahuarita arizona; traduction saturn sleeping at last; is bachendorff a good brand; 2019004252 (Aug. 10, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019004252.pdf. Aida E., et al v. Dep't of Agriculture, EEOC Appeal Nos. This means a settlement from the EEOC or business is not accepted and the victim decides to take the matter to court. Patricia W. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. Frequently Asked Questions, Commissioner Charges and Directed Investigations, Office of Civil Rights, Diversity and Inclusion, Management Directives & Federal Sector Guidance, Federal Sector Alternative Dispute Resolution, Decision to File Complaint Pending at End of Fiscal Year, Completed/Ended Counselings/Complaint Closures, All Pre-Complaint Counselings (minus remands). "A$~ XD,R=T0Y& IkN =@&F>_ {. A class actioncomplaintfor injured on duty postal employees was certified by an EEOC Administrative Judge (AJ) on May 30,2008. 2020002487 (Dec. 29, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_25/2020002487.pdf. michael sandel justice course syllabus. Administrative Judge properly ordered Agency to stop issuing cease-and-desist letters to employees who have reported discrimination, absent clear, documented evidence of some conduct (other than reporting discrimination) that the Agency reasonably concludes would warrant discipline in the absence of the employee's protected activity; issuing Complainant a cease-and-desist letter gave the appearance that Complainant, who complained of ongoing racial and sexual harassment, was just as culpable as her harasser. It is by no accident that our craft is taking positive strides. Costs USPS agreed to pay $840,044 for 4,584 pre-complaint settlements, of which 433 were monetary settlements averaging $1,940. At the conclusion of the EEO investigation, plaintiff requested a hearing with an Administrative Judge. In reversing the agencys final decision, the EEOC held that evidence from a health-care provider or other expert is not a mandatory prerequisite for recovery of compensatory damages for emotional harm. It went to state that: Objective evidence of compensatory damages can include statements from the Complainant concerning his emotional pain or suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, injury to professional standing, injury to character or reputation, injury to credit standing, loss of health and any other non-pecuniary losses that are incurred as a result of the discriminatory conduct. According to the decision, Phase 1 of NRP consisted largely of reviewing the files and medical records of all these employees; where needed requesting updated medical documentation from the employee; and verifying that current work actually being performed matched the current job offer. info@eeoc.gov Mail sorters must routinely squat and lift heavy bins of mail over 70 pounds, which can cause knee, back and rotator cuff injuries. Agency subjected Complainant to a retaliatory hostile work environment when, during a conversation in which Complainant asked her supervisor to investigate her allegations of race discrimination, the supervisor reminded Complainant that she was still in a probationary status, denied that the Agency was discriminating, told Complainant "to calm down on that," and stated that Complainant's co-workers might file complaints against her because they found her claims of race discrimination offensive. International Committee of the Fourth International. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. An agency will qualify as a joint employer if it has the right to control the means and manner of the individual's work, regardless of whether the individual is paid by an outside organization or is on the federal payroll. A transgender male complainant stated a cognizable claim of sex discrimination when he alleged that his Federal Employee Health Benefits insurance plan denied pre-authorization for nipple-areola reconstruction; the failure to use or exhaust the process for Agency review of an insurance carrier's decision does not preclude an employee from asserting a viable claim in the EEO process. USPS Settlement An EEOC Administrative Judge has approved a settlement in the Pittman v. USPS Class Complaint in which the complaint alleged discrimination based on disability against a class of employees in permanent rehabilitation positions, on a nation-wide basis. The more inherently degrading or humiliating the defendants action is, the more reasonable to infer that a person would suffer humiliation or distress from that action. Postal Service warns vaccine rules could affect deliveries, OSHA Vaccine Rule Applies to USPS Employees. EEOC resolved 70,804 charges in FY 2020 and increased its merit factor resolution rate to 17.4 percent from 15.6 percent the prior year. Of the 3,014 completed investigations, 99.2% were timely. Class members should expect to receive written notice concerning the claim procedure within the next month. Genny L. v. Dep't of Defense, EEOC Appeal No. o o o o O o o O o tri 6 > CD o O o e o o o o o o o Q o o o O o o o o O o Administrative Judge should not have sanctioned Agency for holding a fact-finding conference where legal counsel for Agency and Complainant were allowed to ask follow-up questions after EEO Investigator questioned witnesses; EEO MD-110 language permitting an EEO Investigator to be a "presiding official at a fact-finding conference" anticipates that parties may ask questions, and the fact-finding conference transcript showed that Agency counsel did not direct, control, interfere with, or overrule the investigator. We are looking for people who may have been affected by the unlawful discrimination alleged in these suits. 0120161851 (June 15, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120161851.txt. In 2009, an administrative judge awarded back pay with interest and $100,000 in compensatory damages. Agency denied Complainant a reasonable accommodation for his hearing disability when it did not provide a sign language interpreter during training and safety meetings; where the physical safety of employees in the workplace is the subject of discussion, it is uniquely pressing for Complainant to have access to the information being conveyed.