WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing retail giant Kmart for employment discrimination, alleging that the company fired an employee in Norfolk because he used a cane.

The EEOC says the retailer violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by firing Alonzo McGlone who was hired as a greeeter around September 2004.

The lawsuit claims the greeter was "successfully performing his duties" while using a cane because of a severe back impairment.

The agency says it filed suit after trying to reach a voluntary settlement with Kmart.

The lawsuit, filed in Norfolk, seeks reinstatement of the greeter, back pay and compensatory and punitive damages as well as and order that Kmart carry out policies offering equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“Mr. McGlone lost his job because he needed to use an assistive device to walk,” said Herbert Brown, director of the EEOC’s Norfolk Local Office. “It is unfortunate that many employers still deny people who are ready and able the opportunity to work simply because of a disability. The EEOC will continue to fight for the rights of people victimized by such prejudices.”

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