Dollar General Stores has agreed to pay $295,000 and implement corrective measures to resolve
allegations of age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The lawsuit revealed a pattern of
age discriminatory behavior by the regional director in Oklahoma. This new, young director
targeted district managers in their 50s and older. The lawsuit highlighted the behavior of the
regional director, who repeatedly harassed older district managers by derogatorily referring to
them as grumpy old men; and emphasizing a desire for young blood to create a millennial
team.
After one of the district managers resigned and reported the misconduct, the conduct went
unchecked. Instead of addressing the issue, Dollar General failed to investigate the claims of age
discrimination, effectively allowing the harassment to continue. The situation escalated when the
regional director retaliated against others who reported his behavior, resulting in the firing of two
managers and the resignation of another.
This case is a clear violation of the ADEA and the FEAH, which prohibits discrimination and
harassment based on age, as well as retaliation against employees who report such misconduct.
The law protects workers aged 40 and older from being unfairly treated due to their age, ensuring
they have equal opportunities in the workplace.
At The Law Offices of Eric A. Boyajian, we regularly litigate age discrimination cases. If you
believe you have been subjected to age discrimination or harassment, give us a call for a free
evaluation.