Scrap Metal Company Agrees To Settle EEOC Age Discrimination Lawsuit

A Charlotte-area scrap metal processing company has agreed to settle an age discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC had charged that Southern Metals Co. unlawfully refused to hire a 76-year-old man for a position because of his age.

Southern Metals Company recycles and processes different types of metals in the Charlotte Metro area. According to the EEOC’s complaint, Junior Revels applied for the position of diesel mechanic, for which he was fully qualified and able to perform the duties. In spite of his qualifications, Revels was told that Southern Metals had decided to hire someone “younger.” Thereafter, Southern Metals continued to seek applicants for the position and eventually hired an individual, according to an EEOC news release, who was substantially younger and less qualified than Revels.

In addition to monetary damages of $10,000 for Revels, the decree resolving the case includes injunctive relief enjoining the company from engaging in further age discrimination or retaliation against those who complain about discrimination; requires the posting of a notice about the settlement; and requires the company to report information about discrimination complaints to the EEOC for monitoring.