CHICAGO (WREX) — Mercyhealth has agreed to pay more than $1 million to settle charges of religious discrimination related to its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced.

The EEOC's investigation revealed that Mercyhealth's actions violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The health care provider denied religious accommodations to employees from Sept. 2021 to May 2022, resulting in either their termination or a $60 monthly wage deduction for those who did not comply with the vaccine mandate without signing a consent form.

The settlement includes offering reinstatement to employees who were terminated for refusing the vaccine due to religious reasons.

Andrea Lucas, Acting Chair of the EEOC, emphasized the agency's commitment t

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