Tewksbury, Massachusetts – A former employee of Market Basket, a popular supermarket chain, has been awarded nearly $135,000 in lost wages and damages. The decision was made by a jury in a federal case that accused Market Basket of age discrimination. Rodney Martinez, who had worked part-time for more than seven years, alleged that younger employees were consistently promoted over him. The court documents, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, revealed Martinez’s claims under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination.
After a trial, the jury ruled in favor of Martinez and granted him back pay of $54,749, along with compensatory damages of $20,251. Judge Andrea Johnstone further ordered Market Basket to pay $54,749 in liquidated damages and an additional $5,000 in enhanced compensatory damages.
Martinez, who was in his 50s when he started working for Market Basket in 2012, was employed as a produce associate at a store in Manchester. According to court documents, despite frequently working full-time hours, Martinez was denied the benefits of a full-time employee. The company allegedly disregarded his repeated requests for a promotion, instead choosing younger and less qualified candidates. The documents also revealed that Martinez holds a graduate degree in education and was paid $11.50 per hour in 2019.
In May 2019, despite Martinez’s qualifications and experience, Market Basket promoted a 27-year-old employee. The promotion was short-lived as the individual was fired in December of the same year, only to be replaced by a 22-year-old. Martinez, 59 years old at the time, continued to be overlooked.
In response to the ruling, Market Basket expressed surprise and disappointment. The retailer emphasized its commitment to employee longevity and stated that they are evaluating the possibility of an appeal.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of age discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination based on age can have devastating effects on an individual’s career and financial stability. As companies strive to create inclusive and diverse workplaces, it is crucial for them to address and combat age discrimination to ensure equal opportunities for employees of all ages.