A 69-year-old man has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging age discrimination and wrongful termination. Bruce Gavurnik filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on September 13, 2024, against Northampton Valley Country Club, Inc.
According to the court documents, Gavurnik was hired by Northampton Valley Country Club in March 2022 and worked in various roles including kitchen duties, maintenance, and event support. Despite his versatility and good job performance, he alleges that his hours were drastically reduced after the company hired younger employees aged between their 20s and 30s during the second half of 2023. By November/December 2023, Gavurnik's hours were cut to less than twenty per week. When he questioned this reduction to his supervisor Verdine Hurt, he was told that the new younger staff would not stay if they weren't given enough hours.
Gavurnik claims that he continued working despite feeling pushed towards quitting due to financial necessity. In December 2023, he applied for unemployment benefits because of his reduced hours. He alleges that management became hostile towards him in January 2024 while treating younger employees more favorably. He also states that Hurt made frequent comments about his age, calling him "the old guy" and questioning if he "still had it."
On February 2, 2024, Gavurnik was terminated under what he describes as false pretenses—specifically an accusation that he disabled a camera in a supply closet. He denies knowing how to disable a camera or even being aware of its existence. The only evidence presented by management was a picture showing him standing in the doorway of the closet.
Gavurnik is seeking compensation for lost wages and benefits, liquidated or punitive damages for willful misconduct by Northampton Valley Country Club, legal fees, and other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court. He has demanded a jury trial.
The case is being handled by attorney Ari R. Karpf from Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti P.C., with Judge RBS presiding over Case No.: 2:24-cv-04854-RBS.