US:Ex-worker sues Ford over layoff - Ford Forums

Stacy94PGT · 09-22-2006, 06:38

Ex-worker sues Ford over layoff

Man claims automaker didn't give list of those in his division, with their ages, who were also fired.

Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News

A former Ford Motor Co. salaried worker sued the automaker in federal court Thursday, alleging that the company failed to provide him with required documentation when he was laid-off in January.

Thomas Stout was 49 when he was terminated as part of the last round of white-collar layoffs at Ford.

John Hergt, the attorney representing the former manufacturing adviser, said federal law requires corporations to give laid-off employees a list of all the workers who were terminated in their division, along with their ages, to demonstrate that age was not a factor in the decision to fire them.

While Ford did provide Stout with such a list, Hergt said it only covered his immediate work area and therefore did not satisfy that requirement. He wants his job back, along with back pay and additional damages.

Ford spokeswoman Kathleen Vokes said the company has not seen the suit and cannot comment on the specifics. She said Ford handled the layoffs appropriately.

"Ford took numerous steps to ensure it complied with all requirements and treated all employees fairly," Vokes said.

Hergt, who is seeking the federal equivalent of class status for the case, brought a similar lawsuit against Ford on behalf of another former employee in February. But there is one important difference: Unlike the worker in that case, Stout signed a document waiving his right to sue Ford as part of his settlement agreement with the company. Hergt says that waiver is not valid because Ford did not comply with the federal requirements.

"To be a valid agreement, you have to comply with the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act," Hergt said. "That statute requires everyone to be listed."