Federal agency sues Amtrak, claims disability discrimination in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a federal lawsuit against Amtrak that claims it discriminated against a worker who was turned away because of his epilepsy.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday claims Amtrak withdrew a job offer to Shawn Moe in 2013.

Moe was scheduled to start as a machinist journeyman at Amtrak's yard in Seattle. But during his medical exam, he reported that he had epilepsy and takes medications to control it.

He had been working in a similar position with another locomotive company for years, the lawsuit said.

But Amtrak withdrew the job offer, saying it feared for his safety if he should have a seizure.

The EEOC says refusing to hire a person based on a disability violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Messages left with Amtrak seeking comment were not immediately returned.