J.B. Hunt, EEOC Settle Religious Accommodation Case
J.B. Hunt ranks No. 4 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.
In a settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Arkansas-based logistics firm agreed to pay the sum and “other relief” in connection with a complaint that Hunt refused a religious accommodation by requiring the applicants to submit to hair drug tests, according to a statement by EEOC on Nov. 15.
Hunt did not return a phone message seeking comment.
The charges were filed by the Sikh Coalition on behalf of the applicants. One of the five articles of faith for Sikhs is maintaining uncut hair.
EEOC said three applicants were denied hire at a South Gate, California, location. The fourth was rejected after the pre-screening phone call prior to even having a face-to-face meeting at the South Gate hub.
Without admitting liability, Hunt agreed to enter into a two-year conciliation agreement with EEOC and the alleged victims, thereby avoiding litigation, according to EEOC.
During the course of the investigation, Hunt revised its written policies and procedures regarding discrimination and religious accommodations, and established an alternative to the drug testing by hair sample for those who need an accommodation.
“Aside from the monetary relief, the company will extend a conditional offer of employment to all complainants in this case,” EEOC said. “J.B. Hunt further agreed to designate an equal employment opportunity consultant, develop written complaint procedures and conduct training for all employees who participate in the hiring, compliance, or internal grievance process.” EEOC said it will monitor compliance with the agreement.
“J.B. Hunt has been cooperative in working with EEOC to resolve this charge without resorting to litigation,” said Rosa Viramontes, district director of EEOC’s Los Angeles District. “We commend J.B. Hunt’s willingness to revise its drug testing policy and take steps to make its hiring process more inclusive for qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin or religion.”
“Our clients repeatedly asked for alternatives within the drug testing regimes that would allow them to follow their religious tenets, and those requests were denied. Thankfully, J.B. Hunt has finally switched gears and moved into the right lane to comply with federal anti-discrimination law,” said the Sikh Coalition’s legal director, Harsimran Kaur.
