The Minnesota Department of Human Services has been ordered to pay $467,000 to resolve age-discrimination claims filed on behalf of 29 individuals who were turned down for employer contributions for retiree health and dental insurance.
The Star-Tribune reports the consent decree entered by U.S. District Judge David Doty also mandates the department to pay future premium costs for anyone still entitled to receive them. (WCxKit)
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) had sued the department over the plan and contended that an employee retiring at 55 got employer contributions for health and dental insurance until 65, but an employee retiring after 55 received no such contributions.
Ten months ago, a similar order was issued against the Minnesota Department of Corrections. In that case, the Minnesota Department of Corrections was told it must pay $724,000 to 35 retirees. (WCxKit)
"The EEOC litigated and won on the issue of the illegality of this incentive plan," the EEOCs regional attorney in Chicago, John Hendrickson, said recently in announcing the order. "We will continue to be on the lookout for similar plans, which essentially end up punishing people who want to work after a certain age."
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact:Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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