Randall Boersig v. Union Electric Co.

**What Happened** Randy Boersig worked for Union Electric Company and had a disability that required workplace accommodations. He asked his employer to give him a different job position that would better suit his needs. However, this request would have required the company to bypass the seniority system established in the union contract, which determines who gets certain jobs based on how long employees have worked there. **What the Court Decided** The Eighth Circuit Court ruled against Boersig and sided with Union Electric Company. The court found that employers are not required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to break the rules of union contracts, even when accommodating workers with disabilities. Additionally, the court determined that Boersig waited too long to file his lawsuit, missing important legal deadlines. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling shows that disability accommodations have limits when they conflict with union contract terms like seniority systems. Workers with disabilities should understand that reasonable accommodations cannot override existing union agreements that other employees rely on. The case also highlights the importance of filing discrimination claims quickly, as waiting too long can result in losing the right to pursue legal action entirely.