HOUSTON - Harris County resident Keith Hall asserts his age was a "motivating factor" behind Haworth Inc.'s decision to terminate him, recent court documents say.
According to a lawsuit filed March 19 in Houston federal court, the defendant supposedly subjected Hall to mistreatment which included "a targeted effort at harassing and humiliating" the complainant.
Haworth hired Hall, who is in his early to mid-60s, as a global account manager in January 2010.
The plaintiff shows the alleged discrimination began when he received a new direct supervisor, stating the latter "became a significant obstacle" for him performing his required job duties.
A formal complaint was submitted to the human resources department; however, the plaintiff's supervisor stepped up his efforts of harassing him because of his age, the original petition says.
It describes Hall's work environment at the Houston office as "hostile, dysfunctional and unprofessional."
Hall further asserts that his work received criticism though he was "on track, objectively, to 'make his numbers' for the year.
He was purportedly ordered to be part of a conference call every Monday morning, something the company did not impose on other people in the similar position, the suit says.
The plaintiff insists his sales figures for 2011 were 93 percent of his goal, but the respondent did not count them "because of reasons of lack of capacity or client preference."
Haworth instead disciplined him on his performance in January 2012, the suit says.
He was terminated a month later.
A jury trial is requested.
Attorney Charles A. Sturm of Steele Sturm PLLC in Houston is representing Hall.
Case No. 4:13-CV-776
Haworth used Harris Co. man's age as 'motivating factor' for termination, suit says
