FORT MYERS – A former employee has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Turner Industries Group claiming he was threatened with demotion and subsequently terminated due to his age.
Plaintiff Durwood "Woody" Hill filed a lawsuit in federal court against Turner Industries Group citing allegations of discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
According to court documents, Hill was an employee of Turner Industries Group, a construction services firm located in Baton Rouge, and worked for the company from 1997 until his termination on January 24, 2022. Hill claims that prior to his termination, Turner intended to demote him from his position as administrative manager because of his age and replace him with a significantly younger employee. Hill claims that, when he refused the demotion, Turner terminated his employment. Hill was 63 years old at the time of his employment.
Hill adds that the decision to replace him was made by James Miller, a manager significantly younger than him who allegedly held hostility towards Hill due to his age. The complaint outlines various instances where Miller expressed dissatisfaction with Hill and ultimately threatened to demote him to force his resignation.
Hill says he has timely filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and received an issuance of a Notice of Right to Sue.
He is seeking compensatory damages for lost wages or reinstatement, liquidated damages, plus interest, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
Hil is being represented by Kevin S. Vogeltanz of the Law Office of Kevin S. Vogeltanz in Covington.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana case number 3:23-cv-01598