Manager’s dumb comments lead to big court fight
February 23, 2009 by Sam NarisiPosted in: In This Week's E-Newsletter, Interviewing, Latest News & Views, Law
Despite HR’s hard work, some managers just don’t learn to avoid saying stupid and biased things to job candidates. But you’d think they’d know better when talking to an HR pro.
Frank Bruno, a 55-year-old with 25 years of experience in HR, applied for an HR director position at Unitek U.S.A., a communications firm in Blue Bell, PA.
He almost got the job, until he reached one final interview with a top company official.
One of the questions posed: “How old are you, 78?”
Bruno tried not answer, but after he was pressed, he told the exec his age.
He didn’t get the job — a 36-year-old woman with 11 years of experience was hired instead. Bruno filed a complaint with the EEOC, which is now suing the company for age discrimination.
The case is still pending. But given the explicit age-related questioning, it looks like Unitek will have a tough time winning this one.
Tags: age bias, age-related question, EEOC, interview
February 27th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I hope Frank wins!
February 27th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
And the new “top company officeal at Unitek is ???
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:26 am
DUH.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Unitek should lose if for nothing else then for stupidity. Bias, prejudice or what ever you want to call it; is still well and alive in the hearts of men (and women). I see this situation as the same thing as if a fair skinned African American came in and was asked: “What color are you?” Shakespeare once wrote a “rose by any other name”, in other words, it still smells. It is a shame that people who are in this protected age group are viewed in such a negative light. They bring skills, work and life experiences that “younger” applicants have not attained yet. Because you are over 50 does not mean you don’t have energy or lack enthusiasm. I am over 50 with passion and zeal for what I do. When I completed a ProScan Profile my energy level was under the “Ultra Force Zone” heading. Prejudice rears its ugly head when we stop looking at an individual’s uniqueness and clump that person together with in a whole group. Shame on Unitek! You go Frank!!!