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Three additional state agencies sued on age bias

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Sep 27, 2011 at 8:30 am

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Three state agencies are facing age discrimination lawsuits which allege Minnesota discriminated against retirees in denying benefits.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed lawsuits against the Minnesota departments of Commerce, Public Safety and Natural Resources. The plaintiffs say an incentive to encourage unionized state workers to take early retirement violates age discrimination laws. The agencies signed collective bargaining agreements that include health and dental benefits for workers who retire at 55, but not for older workers.

The Star Tribune says the latest lawsuits are similar to those filed against the departments of Human Services and Corrections. Human Services deputy commissioner Anne Barry says the state has taken steps to rectify the contract's language following a settlement with the EEOC.