In a novel twist under the Biden administration, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC presented a lawsuit against Meathead Movers, a moving company based in California. The bone of contention? The alleged age discrimination.
EEOC Takes On Moving Company Over Age Discrimination
The EEOC, charged with combating employment discrimination, alleges that Meathead Movers has been systematically refusing to hire older workers. These allegations have now culminated in a suit after unsuccessful settlement negotiations.
Allegations of Ageist Recruitment Practices
In their press release, the EEOC states that since 2017, Meathead Movers has omitted applicants over 40 from hiring for moving, packing, and customer service positions. They further lay into the company, alleging that they systematically prioritize young college students while disregarding capable older workers.
Interestingly, this legal action stemmed from the EEOC's investigation, launched in 2017. This investigation targeted marketing and hiring practices at Meathead Movers designed to disfavor older workers.
During the subsequent settlement negotiations, the EEOC sought $15 million in damages to reduce their demand to $5 million. The response from Meathead's end was an offer to settle at a substantially lower $750,000, according to documents reviewed.
Maintaining Their Innocence
For their part, Meathead Movers vehemently denies any wrongdoing. The company proudly presents itself as deploying "student-athlete movers," an image frequently promoted on its dynamic social media posts. Their competitive company culture includes a company-sponsored wrestling tournament and an internal "Meathead Olympics."
Echoing this firm positioning was Meathead Movers' owner, Aaron Steed, who declared to the Journal, "We are 100% open to hiring anyone at any age if they can do the job". He acknowledged that their work is physically demanding, noting, "You have to move furniture and run to get more."
Steed seemed genuinely taken aback by the allegations, stating, "We had no idea we were doing anything wrong by being a moving company that hires a lot of student-athletes."
A Preemptive Shift in the Market?
This intriguing contest between the EEOC and Meathead Movers might have ripple effects on the job market. Other companies or programs targeting young workers may find themselves on the defensive. This could trigger a wave of preemptive rebranding and more nuanced recruitment strategies.
Renewed Commitment to Addressing Age Discrimination
This stance against age discrimination in the workforce aligns with sentiments expressed by EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows. Notably appointed by President Biden, she used Older Americans Month in May this year to highlight the EEOC's commitment to addressing challenges older Americans face in the workforce.
Quoting an AARP survey that revealed nearly two-thirds of older Americans believe age discrimination is a norm in the workforce, Burrows emphatically stated, "Employers who believe older workers are less capable than younger workers are ignoring the law and evidence to the contrary." She promised that the EEOC will continue to "combat age discrimination and help ensure that all workers have the opportunity to contribute to the economy and benefit from equal employment opportunities in the workplace."
Your Rights Deserve Respect
Suppose you have experienced or are now facing age discrimination at work or during the hiring process. Remember that you have rights. Accept the aid of legal experts who can assist you with the process. They can defend your rights instead of going it alone. Getting a job shouldn't ever be restricted by your age.
