PA Human Relations Commission Orders Harrisburg Construction Firm to Pay Perry County Man $33,710 for Disability Discrimination

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ordered Gary Deimler & Sons Construction of Harrisburg to pay former employee Larry Moyer Jr., of Duncannon, Perry County, more than $33,710 in lost wages, interest and expenses due to disability discrimination. The order took effect Jan. 24.

Moyer filed a complaint alleging that Deimler & Sons fired him from his job as a carpenter because of his disability, despite his demonstrated ability to perform his job duties. 

"Work is about ability, not disability," said JoAnn Edwards, the commission's executive director. "Basing a decision to fire someone on his disability is discrimination, and is illegal in Pennsylvania."

An investigation found sufficient evidence to support Moyer's allegations, but the case failed to settle. After holding a public hearing, commissioners considered the full record and testimony, and voted to hold the company liable for illegal discrimination.

The commission ordered the company to cease discriminating against its employees based on disability, to reimburse Moyer $1,200 for hearing expenses, and to pay him $30,064 for lost wages, plus six percent interest per annum until payment is made. To date, the total award comes to more than $33,710.

The commission also ordered the company to reimburse the commission $2,400 for expert medical testimony provided during a public hearing on the matter.

The company has 30 days to report to the commission on how it will comply with the order.

Media contact: Shannon Powers, 717-783-8266

SOURCE Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

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