McAdams v. U & I, Inc.

In this unlawful employment practice case, plaintiff appeals from a judgment denying him back pay and reinstatement to his position as a mechanic at defendant U & I, Inc.’s potato processing plant, after defendant terminated him due to a physical disability. On de novo review, we reverse and remand.

Plaintiff began work for defendant as a welder in 1975. At the time, he was 54 years old and had been working in mechanics and equipment maintenance for 35 years. In 1976, he injured his back on the job. He saw Dr. Pettee, who eventually gave him a release to return to work on the condition that he…