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A Brainerd company that builds ice fishing houses will pay more than $100,000 to settle a claim that it discriminated against an employee with cancer. 

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigated the complaint against Timberland, which operates in Brainerd as Glacier Ice House.

The department said the employee took disability leave in 2023 to receive cancer treatment.

During the leave, the employee lost their job as part of widespread company layoffs, but wasn't given the same opportunity as others to transition to other positions in the company, the investigation found.

The department said Glacier company leaders mentioned the employee's medical condition as a factor in their decision.

“No Minnesotan should have to choose between fighting cancer and fighting for their job,” stated Rebecca Lucero, state human rights commissioner.

Under the settlement agreement, Glacier will strengthen its policies and training related to employees with disabilities. The human rights department will monitor the company’s compliance for the next three years.

The employee will receive a settlement of $115,000.

A call to Glacier Ice House's president, Jason Jaeckels, was not immediately returned.

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Kirsti Marohn

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The Minnesota Department of Human Rights says Glacier Ice House laid off an employee who was on leave for cancer treatment, and didn’t give the worker a chance to move into a different position.

Brainerd fish house company to pay $115,000 to settle discrimination claim

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