Disney IT Workers Plan to Sue Over Immigrant Replacements

A group of former Disney IT workers based in the US have filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after losing their jobs to foreign replacements. 

The fired Disney employees alleged that they were victims of discrimination after being replaced by H-1B visa workers and have begun the process of filing a lawsuit against the major US company. The lawsuit also reports that the Disney IT pros were forced to train their replacements, a move that has not only embittered them but also caused a stir for labour groups across the country.

"These employees are making discrimination claims with the EEO under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, citing in part 'hostile treatment in forcing the Americans to train their replacements'. The claims include discrimination based on national origin and age," the report said.

The process falls under the H1-B immigration policy which allows foreign workers to be imported in to replace American workers. Disney has stated that it complied with the applicable employment laws after they laid off 250 employees in June and replaced them with immigrants holding H1-B visas.

"We comply with all applicable employment laws. We are expanding our IT department and adding more jobs for US IT workers," said Jacquee Wahler, a spokesperson for Disney.

"I'm hoping that it signifies that American workers are being brave and standing up and doing something about it," said Sara Blackwell, the attorney representing the former Disney IT workers.