U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission sues Minn. Dept. of Corrections
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has sued the Minnesota Department of Corrections for violating federal age discrimination laws.
The EEOC alleges the department discriminated against its workers aged 55 and over by denying them early retirement incentives offered to younger workers.
Senior Trial Attorney Laurie Vasichek said the department contributed to health and dental insurance for employees until age 65 only if they took early retirement before they turned 55.
"We're just looking for equal treatment for the people who are eligible to retire and can take retirement either early or regular. We don't want people to be punished for working past their 55th birthday," Vasichek said.
A spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Corrections said the department has a policy of not commenting on pending cases.
The EEOC says the suit would apply to an estimated 330 workers.
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