USPS Reaches Settlement Agreement With Deaf, Hearing-Impaired Workers

After eight years of litigation and a further two of fairness hearings, a Washington judge has given final approval for a $4.5 million settlement between the U.S. Postal Service and deaf and hearing-impaired employees.

The deal, approved by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon in Washington, grants $10,000 to each of eleven class representatives who accused the company of discrimination. The suit focused on the allegations that the USPS denied communication accommodation to deaf employees, and in addition to the payments, the settlement binds USPS to implement new management structures and technology to accommodate its workers. This includes providing American Sign Language interpretation at all significant workplace discussions. An independent ombudsman will monitor the company’s procedures. USPS is thought to have around 6,000 deaf or hearing-impaired employees.

USPS is thought to have around 6,000 deaf or hearing-impaired employees.

The litigation was first filed in November 2001 after employees claimed they were discriminated against after being denied interpreters and other communications accommodations at meetings related to hiring, firing, safety, promotion, and discipline. The lead plaintiff, Bruce Hubbard, alleged that he had no access to an interpreter while working at a USPS facility in Washington. After eight years of what were said to be good faith negotiations, a preliminary settlement approval was granted in 2011. Of the $4.5 million, just over $1 million has been approved for attorneys’ fees and expenses.

In approving the payments and the changes to USPC procedure, Judge Leon wrote that “The court finds this recovery to be fair, reasonable and adequate.”

The case is Hubbard et al. v. Donahoe, case number 1:03-cv-01062, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.