EEOC Accuses Daimler of Bias Against Disabled

For a second time this year, the government has accused DaimlerChrysler in a lawsuit of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. A suit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in federal court in Detroit alleges that the auto maker refused to hire a disabled mechanic at a plant.

The suit seeks to ensure compliance with the disabilities law as well as compensation for lost earnings and benefits for mechanic Thomas Diem.

A spokeswoman for the German auto maker said the company had not been served with the suit and would not comment on the allegations.

In March, the commission filed a class-action suit accusing the company of discriminating against disabled workers by impeding their transfers within a transmissions plant in Kokomo, Ind. That suit is pending in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.

DaimlerChrysler shares fell 55 cents to close at $46.05 on the New York Stock Exchange.