A former manager of a Costco meat department has filed a lawsuit claiming that the company fired him because of his age.
Lawrence G. Wojcik filed the lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corp. June 18 in United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division, alleging violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Wojcik started working as a meat cutter in September 1988 and was later promoted to meat department manager. Wojcik claims that on February 9, 2012, he informed his employer that he was taking 60 days medical leave under the FMLA. When he returned to work after 30 days, he was immediately placed on suspension. According to the complaint, Wojcik’s employment was terminated on March 13, 2012. He was 60 years old at the time of his termination and had worked for the company for 24 years.
Wojcik claims that the company was attempting to create a younger workforce and that one manager in particular made numerous comments about not wanting older employees. According to the lawsuit, Wojcik had exemplary performance reviews, in which managers said that he was “outstanding” and “does an excellent job.”
A jury trial is demanded and damages are sought for lost wages and benefits, emotional pain and suffering, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs of suit.
Gregory D. Jordan is an employment lawyer. To learn more, visit http://www.theaustintriallawyer.com or call 512-419-0684.
