Costco manager files age discrimination lawsuit

SHERMAN - A Costco meat department manager has filed a lawsuit claiming he was fired from his position because the store was trying to create a younger workforce.

Lawrence G. Wojcik filed suit against Costco Wholesale Corp. on June 18 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Wojcik began working for Costco as a meat cutter on Sept. 27, 1988, and was promoted to meat department manager.

According to the suit, on Feb. 9, 2012, Wojcik informed his supervisor that he would be taking 60 days leave due to heart issues under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

However, Wojcik returned back to work within 30 days and was placed on suspension the day he returned. On March 13, 2012, Wojcik was terminated after 24 years of employment with Costco. At the time of his termination, he was 60 years old.

In his suit, Wojcik alleges that Costco was “trying to push out their older employees while trying to create a younger workforce.”

The defendant is accused of violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the FMLA and the Texas Commission on Human Rights.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of actual damages, lost wages, medical costs, lost employment, liquidated damages, compensatory damages for emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, interest, attorney’s fees and court costs.

Wojcik is represented by Yona Rozen and Adam S. Greenfield of Gillespie, Rozen & Watsky P.C. in Dallas. A jury trial is requested.

Case No. 4:13-cv-00334