NEW YORK (WBNG) — The New York State Division on Human Rights reached an agreement with American Airlines Group, Inc. and several affiliated airlines on Monday to update policies governing thousands of New York-based employees.
With this new agreement, the airlines have modified internal policies to implement the definition of disability under the New York State Human Rights Law. They will use that definition when deciding whether to grant reasonable accommodations to employees with disability-related absences.
New York State has some of the strongest disability rights in the country, according to New York State Chief Disability Officer Kim Ridley. This agreement and its affiliates are seen as a victory by the state, as it ensures corporate policies actually reflect the state’s stronger laws.
“Ensuring that disability-related absences and medical appointments are properly accommodated means New Yorkers with disabilities can stay employed, stay healthy, and thrive in their careers without fear of unfair retaliation,” Ridley said.
Monday’s agreement is a result of an investigation by the Division Initiated Action Unit, a specialized unit within the New York State Division of Human Rights. This unit launches investigations into patterns of discrimination and follows up on reported complaints.
The DIAU’s investigation started after receiving reports that airline employees were being penalized for taking time off related to medical needs covered under the New York State Human Rights Law.
The DIAU filed a complaint alleging that the airlines operated ‘point-based’ attendance policies where an accumulation of attendance points could result in disciplinary action or termination, and that employees had been penalized for taking time off even when their absence was related to a medical condition protected by law.
Before the agreement, the unit alleged that the airlines of American Airlines Group, Inc., Envoy Air, Inc., Republic Airways Inc., and Piedmont Airlines, Inc, were evaluating disability-related accommodation requests using only the definition of disability in the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
With this new agreement, all parties have agreed to modify their policies governing New York-based employees so that they include a reference to the New York State Human Rights Law. The airlines will use this expansive definition when they are evaluating requests for disability-related absences.
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