The federal government is suing Texas company BAE Systems on behalf of Ronald Kratz. At the time of his dismissal, Kratz weighed 680 pounds. Kratz handled materials for a military manufacturer. He was a model employee. The job required computer and miscellaneous desk work. Sometimes he moved items that were above chest level. Ronald never asked for special treatment except for a seat belt extension on a forklift. The HR representative that fired Ronald Kratz told him he was being fired because of his weight. Ronald took his severance pay and got reduction surgery and now weighs 300 lbs, but that is beside the point.
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reps with BAE Systems had the nerve to say they acted lawfully. In a press statement, reps said, “BAE Systems takes pride in the diversity of the company and in supporting employees with disabilities.”
Ronald Katz disagrees as he lives with the humiliation of not being able to provide for his family. Katz is asking for his job back and seeks back pay and unspecified damages. Times are hard if Katz is requesting to go back to work for a company who fired him for such a shallow issue. Perhaps he hasn’t been able to find a new job in the past two years and is now in a desperate situation.
Americans should be glad that Katz is standing up for his rights and he was smart to get the government involved. If one employer is allowed to get away with discrimination against obese citizens, then they’ll all think it is acceptable to fire and not hire obese employees.
The Texas company is a drop in the bucket concerning immoral behavior by American employers towards obese employees. In 2010, Lisa Harrison filed a suit against Human Development, Inc. (RHD) for wrongful termination and violation of civil rights. RHD claimed that Lisa’s severe obesity limited her in major life activities, including walking. Lisa was a Prevention and Intervention Specialist. She worked with children whose mothers were getting treatment for addiction. Unfortunately, Lisa died after filing her complaint. However, the EEOC is proceeding with the suit on behalf of her estate. The EEOC believes that Harrison was able to perform all the required functions of her position.
Employers should be held accountable when they unjustly fire someone. They are playing with people’s livelihood and their futures. It’s hard enough to live with the fact that you were fired from a job. But, it is absolutely humiliating when you’re fired for being obese. Unless you’re in modeling, pro-sports, or a school gym teacher a person’s weight should not be a factor concerning employment. Obese people need to work, too.
“Man Allegedly Fired for Being Obese,” WFSB News.
Jane Genova,”Woman Fired for Being too Fat. Claiming it’s a Disability,” AOL.com
Kristina C.,”Woman Fired Because of Her Obesity-Suit Alleges,” Care2.com