American Airlines to Settle Hiring Lawsuit

AMR Corp.’s American Airlines said it has agreed to pay up to $500,000 to settle a government lawsuit claiming the airline engaged in discriminatory hiring practices. The agreement resolves a class-action lawsuit by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of people who applied for flight-attendant positions. The lawsuit claimed Fort Worth-based American Airlines and its affiliate, American Eagle, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 by implementing medical guidelines that were too broad and tended to screen out otherwise qualified applicants. The airlines deny they engaged in any discriminatory hiring practices, but agreed to pay the amount under the terms of a consent decree approved in federal court. AMR shares fell 19 cents to close at $32.88 on the NYSE. *

Guide to Our Staff: Need to reach Business section reporters or editors? A guide to the section’s staff can be found at: https://www.latimes.com/bizstaff.