A proposed class action alleges U.S. Steel is violating the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) by requesting family medical history from its employees during the hiring process.
The lawsuit was filed in the Madison County Circuit Court by plaintiff Dwight Cooke, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, against United States Steel Corporation.
This, according to Cooke, is a means of determining who to hire based on genetic predispositions to certain diseases or disorders. The plaintiff disclosed his genetic information during his application process, stating he would not have done so if not asked.
The suit seeks an order restraining such activities and awarding actual damages for all affected employees. Cooke is represented by attorney Philip Fraietta of Bursor and Fisher PA in New York.