Market Basket to pay over $134K in age discrimination lawsuit
Market Basket to pay over $134K in age discrimination lawsuit WPRI.com
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Market Basket Ordered to Pay $134,000 in Age Discrimination Lawsuit
CONCORD, N.H. (WPRI) — Market Basket has been ordered to pay a New Hampshire man more than $134,000 after a jury determined he had been discriminated against because of his age.
Background
Rodney Martinez accused the Massachusetts-based supermarket chain back in December 2022 of violating the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
Martinez had been working as a part-time product associate for a store in Manchester at the time, according to the complaint.
The 62-year-old was described in the complaint as being a “hard-working” employee who “never called out sick” and only missed one shift due to a work-related injury.
Age Discrimination Allegations
- Martinez claimed he was passed over several times for younger employees, despite expressing interest in a full-time position.
- One of the younger employees who was promoted was later fired for using drugs on the job.
- Martinez’s manager asked him how old he was and suggested he step down to part-time status once he gets too old.
- Martinez was shocked by the suggestion and stated that anyone can face health issues regardless of age.
- Despite his efforts, Martinez was passed over again for a 22-year-old employee.
Impact on Martinez
Martinez was eventually promoted to full-time at another store by a different set of managers. However, he suffered significant lost wages and benefits due to the failure to promote him earlier.
Throughout his tenure as a part-time employee, Martinez consistently worked more than 45 hours each week.
Jury’s Verdict and Compensation
The jury ruled in Martinez’s favor, concluding that Market Basket willfully violated federal law by not considering him for a promotion due to his age.
Martinez will receive the following compensation:
- $54,749 in lost wages
- $20,251 in compensatory damages
- $5,000 in enhanced compensatory damages
- $54,749 in liquidated damages
Market Basket’s Response
In a statement to 12 News, a Market Basket spokesperson expressed surprise and disappointment with the verdict. They provided reasons for the delay in Martinez’s promotion and emphasized the company’s commitment to the longevity of its associates.
Market Basket has not yet decided whether it will appeal the jury’s decision.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The issues highlighted in the article are related to age discrimination in employment, which connects to SDG 8 and SDG 10. SDG 8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. SDG 10 focuses on reducing inequalities within and among countries.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Based on the content of the article, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 8.5 and Target 10.2. Target 8.5 focuses on achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all, including equal pay for work of equal value. Target 10.2 aims to promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of age.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for Target 8.5: Proportion of employees aged 15 years and older subjected to age discrimination in employment
- Indicator for Target 10.2: Proportion of individuals who have experienced age discrimination in various settings (e.g., employment, education, healthcare)
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, based on the identified targets, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets include the proportion of employees aged 15 years and older subjected to age discrimination in employment (for Target 8.5) and the proportion of individuals who have experienced age discrimination in various settings (for Target 10.2).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Proportion of employees aged 15 years and older subjected to age discrimination in employment |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Proportion of individuals who have experienced age discrimination in various settings (e.g., employment, education, healthcare) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wpri.com
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