Meteorologist sues TV station, claiming age and disability discrimination

A Texas television station’s chief meteorologist has sued his former employer, claiming age and disability discrimination.

Bob French has filed the federal discrimination lawsuit against KBTX in College Station and Bryan. He has also claimed retaliation, harassment and violations of the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

French alleges that during the 2012 holidays, he was forced to work additional hours while younger staff members were given time off. He claims that the overwork led him to seek medical treatment for exhaustion and depression in 2013 under the Family and Medical Leave Act. 

According to the lawsuit, KBTX advertised an open meteorologist position during the time that French was on protected medical leave. French claims that when he returned to work, he was reprimanded and soon replaced by a meteorologist who was under 40 years of age and did not have a disability.

According to the lawsuit, French had worked for the station for 23 years, and his employment was governed by a written contract that stated that he could not be fired without cause. French said that none of the reasons given for his firing constituted proper cause.

French previously filed charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission, alleging discrimination and retaliation. The EEOC completed an investigation in May, clearing the way for the lawsuit to be filed.

Gregory D. Jordan is an employment lawyer. To learn more, visit http://www.theaustintriallawyer.com or call 512-419-0684.

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