A local wholesale bakery that ran afoul of the American with Disabilities Act has agreed to pay a $50,000 fine and update its workplace policies, federal officials announced today.

In its settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Holsum of Fort Wayne Inc. also agreed to provide additional training to its workforce about ADA protections, according to a news release.

The federal lawsuit was filed after a Holsum worker was told in 2021 that she couldn't use a walker in the facility and was forced to take medical leave. After a few months on leave, the woman was fired because she couldn't return to the job without use of her walker.

Holsum management said the walker violated its policy that forbids personal items in the production area.

Kenneth Bird, regional attorn

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