Manager claims age discrimination after losing job

A former district manager for Commonwealth Brands has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging his termination was based on his age.

Tilden Holliday sued Commonwealth Brands Aug. 19 in federal court in New Orleans.

Holliday was hired by the defendant in September 2001 and was terminated in April 2008. He was employed as a territory manager and then a district manager for the defendant's southern territory.

Holliday was 55-years-old at the time of his termination from Commonwealth Brands.

Although he was told he was fired for "unsatisfactory job performance," the former manager states it was a pretextual reason for termination.

He was replaced by a younger and less-experienced employee, the suit claims.

According to the lawsuit, at least seven other employees within the Age Discrimination in Employment Act-protected class may have been terminated in a manner that demonstrates a pattern of age discrimination at Commonwealth Brands.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for back and front pay, interest, bonuses, pension, fringe benefits, lost benefits, compensatory damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of reputation, embarrassment, humiliation, double damages for defendant's willful violations of the ADEA, attorney fees, court costs and interest.

Holliday is represented by Caleb H. Didriksen, Richard Garvey and Amanda Wingfield of Didriksen Law Firm in New Orleans. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv02785