Airlines - A Weighty Matter? Many airlines often have policies that charge certa

Question

Airlines - A Weighty Matter? Many airlines often have policies that charge certain larger people for two seats if they do not fit into the regular seat under certain guidelines. But what about guidelines for employees? Airlines' fuel cost is based on weight, and according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), obesity is a disability. Assume you are the manager of the Human Resources Department at an airline. Should your airline screen out overweight applicants in its hiring practices? What will your policies be, and why? Discuss the issues in a post of at least 200 words

Explanation / Answer

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC § 2000e et seq) prohibits discrimination in workplace based on race, religion, color, sex, or nationality. Employees can successfully sue under Title VII for weight discrimination.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC § 706) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with handicaps, solely on the basis of handicaps, in federal assisted programs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) extended the protection against disability discrimination to the sector. The ADA stipulates that employers provide reasonable accommodation in workplace to qualified individuals having a disability.

Considering the above mentioned legislations, it is not only unfair, but illegal as well on the part of the airlines to screen out candidates solely on the basis of weight in its hiring practices.

My policies will be in compliance with the laws such as ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), and EEOC guidelines and any other relevant federal and local laws. The policies will have specific guidelines not to make assumptions about what functions overweight candidates might or might not accomplish. Policies would cover treating request for accommodation with sensitivity, considering the ADA protection. Ensure that all employees are treated with basic courtesy irrespective of disability, shape, size and physical appearance. The policies will have guidelines for managers about the inappropriate, illegal or unprofessional conduct towards overweight employees. My policies will ensure that participation by employees in proactive wellness programs is completely voluntary and private.

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