EEOC Settles With Trucking Firm Over Complaints By Sikh Job Applicants

The EEOC announced yesterday that it has entered a conciliation agreement with J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. in connection with complaints by four East Indian Sikh job applicants based in California who say the company refused to provide an alternative to its hair sample drug testing policy.  Maintaining uncut hair is a Sikh article of faith. Under the agreement, which avoids litigation, the company will pay $260,000 in damages and will extend conditional offers of employment to the four complainants.  The company also agreed to designate an EEO consultant, develop complaint procedures, and conduct employee EEO training.