GREENSBORO, N.C. — Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Company is facing a federal lawsuit alleging it violated disability law by forcing a merchandiser to take a medical exam and then firing her, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced last Wednesday.

According to the complaint, the woman worked as a store merchandiser for nearly six weeks before the company ordered her to take a medical exam in March 2023, earlier than other probationary employees.

She had been taking medication that caused hip cartilage deterioration, resulting in a limp, but still met the physical requirements of the job, the EEOC said. The lawsuit alleges the company placed her on unpaid leave until she obtained full medical clearance. When she submitted a doctor’s note clearing her to work on March 3

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