“Golden Girl” Sues For Age Discrimination: Hogwash Says Boss

A South Carolina head police dispatcher who is 57 was fired after 20 years on the job and her federal complaint alleges that: “Employees often ridiculed [her] because of her age by inferring that she was too old to use (the town’s) computer programs. Employees also referred to (her) and other female employees over the age of 40 as ‘the golden girls.’”

She was replaced by a younger woman.

The police chief called her complaint “hogwash,” and said she was fired for performance issues.

“Golden girls” – a new way to describe older employees for my collection of ageist comments.

About the Author: Richard Cohen

Richard B. Cohen is a partner in the New York City office of FisherBroyles, LLP, a national law firm. Richard Cohen has litigated and arbitrated complex corporate, commercial and employment disputes for more than 35 years, and is a trusted advisor to business owners and in-house counsel both in the United States and internationally. His clients have included Fortune 100 companies, domestic and foreign commercial and investment banks, Pacific-rim corporations and real estate development companies, as well as start-up businesses throughout the United States. Email Richard at Richard.Cohen@fisherbroyles.com

C O N T R I B U T O R S :

RICHARD COHEN

Richard Cohen has litigated and arbitrated complex corporate, commercial and employment disputes for more than 35 years, and is a trusted advisor to business owners and in-house counsel both in the United States and internationally. His clients have included Fortune 100 companies, domestic and foreign commercial and investment banks, Pacific-rim corporations and real estate development companies, as well as start-up businesses throughout the United States.

AMY EPSTEIN GLUCK

Amy Epstein Gluck has represented individuals and corporate clients in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and various federal district courts for more than twenty years. Ms. Epstein Gluck’s current practice areas include employment law—advising on and drafting employment agreements; handling employment negotiations, severance agreements, noncompete and nondisclosure agreements, “wrongful terminations” and other EEO matters; representation at the EEOC level; advising employers about discrimination laws and how to remain in compliance, and employment negotiations.