A Bethel Park man is suing a racetrack/casino business, alleging he was the victim of age discrimination.
Ellis Allen filed a lawsuit June 18 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against The Washington Trotting Association, doing business as The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington, Pa., alleging age discrimination.
According to the civil action, Allen worked for The Meadows Racetrack and Casino as a table games dealer from late June 2010 to late June 2014. During this time, although his work performance was considered fully acceptable by the defendant, the suit says, members of management would refer to Allen and other older employees using an age-based pejorative. The lawsuit also states that not only was Allen was denied training provided to younger employees but, compared to younger employees, older workers were disciplined more severely and for less serious violations.
Allen alleges on June 28, 2014, he was fired for missing work because he accidentally overslept due to a change to his normal work shift. He was 63 at the time.
The plaintiff says while his action was designated "no call/no show" and he was fired without warning, younger employees whose actions were designated "no call/no show" were warned, were not dismissed from their job, and were only subjected to minor discipline--that is if they were disciplined at all.
Moreover, despite having a meeting with Allen to tell him he was fired, the lawsuit states, Meadows Racetrack and Casino told the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that Allen quit and nothing in his work history was a factor in his discharge.
The suit states after the plaintiff was fired the defendant hired an individual almost 40 years younger to replace him.
Allen seeks reinstatement, front and back pay, compensation for lost benefits, and attorney fees, plus court courts and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. He is represented by attorney Samuel J. Cordes of Samuel J. Cordes & Associates in Pittsburgh.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case number: 2:15-cv-00797-CRE.