A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major retail company, alleging discrimination based on age and association with a disabled person. Michael Schlink filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on June 14, 2024, accusing The Neiman Marcus Group, LLC of discriminatory practices.
According to the complaint, Schlink began his employment with Neiman Marcus on April 1, 1996, and held various positions over nearly three decades. In 2013, he became the Director of Operations for the East Coast Distribution Center (ECDC). Schlink claims that his troubles began when Amanda Martin was promoted to Senior Vice President in January 2021 and Anthony Suggs was promoted to Vice President of Supply Chain in March 2021—a position for which Schlink asserts he was more qualified but was not given an opportunity to apply.
Schlink alleges that despite his long tenure and exemplary performance, he faced discriminatory actions due to his age—he was born in September 1970—and because of his association with his son who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These conditions require constant care and attention from Schlink and his wife.
The complaint details several instances where Schlink felt sidelined or unfairly treated. For example, in September 2021, Suggs and Martin informed him that he would not oversee the new ECDC facility despite overseeing the current one. Instead, they hired Alicia Sheeler for the Senior Director position at the new ECDC. When Sheeler rescinded her acceptance in September 2022, Suggs questioned whether Schlink could handle the role due to his son's medical conditions but eventually promised him the promotion. However, this promise was broken in February 2023 when Nate Winkler was hired instead.
Schlink also recounts being placed on an unjustified Performance Opportunity Plan (POP) and receiving a Written Warning on August 4, 2023. He believes these actions were pretexts for discrimination based on age and association with a disabled person. Despite rebutting these measures and choosing to stay employed rather than accept severance pay under duress, Schlink's employment was terminated effective August 28, 2023.
In seeking judgment from the court, Schlink is asking for back pay and front pay; compensatory damages for pain and suffering; liquidated damages; punitive damages; interest; costs of suit including attorney’s fees; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Michael Schlink is Lane J. Schiff from Console Mattiacci Law LLC. The case is assigned to Judge KNS under Case ID: 2:24-cv-02630-KNS.