GALVESTON – Alleging BP Products North America Inc. discriminated against her because of her age and gender, Texas City resident Ann Wagenfuhr has filed a lawsuit against the petrochemical company.
According to the suit filed March 23 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas, 67-year-old Wagenfuhr claims she was told by BP in late 2009 that her position as an administrative assistant/material coordinator was no longer available.
The plaintiff, who held the job for 17 years, claims she learned the position was still on the company's payroll and put out for bids, but not offered to her.
Wagenfuhr notified her superiors about her interest to keep working as an administrative assistant/material coordinator. According to the original petition, the defendant allowed her to apply again.
The complainant interviewed for the position last February, only to be turned down.
"Despite her impeccable service, she was not hired," the suit says.
A month later, BP brought in her replacement. She was terminated in March 2010.
Wagenfuhr alleges the company later hired a 51-year-old man to replace her, who she claims did not have the appropriate skills for the job and had to be trained.
She is suing for mental anguish as well as economic and compensatory losses.
A jury trial is requested.
Shellist, Lazarz & Slobin LLP is representing the plaintiff, and U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt is presiding over the case.
Case No. 3:11-cv-00135