Monday, December 29, 2014

SD Radio: Fired Sales Rep Sues Citing Age Discrimination

A fired Rapid City, SD radio sales executive has filed a federal lawsuit accusing her former employer, New Rushmore Radio, Inc., of age and sex discrimination, according to The Journal.

Sherry Erickson had worked as a sales representative for the radio group for almost 12 years when General Manager Lia Green fired her in September 2013 after she refused to resign, according to the suit.

A subsidiary of Schurz Communications, New Rushmore Radio operates Fox 96.9, KRCS 93.1 FM Hot93-1, KOUT 987. FM KatCountry and AC KKMK 93.9 FM Mix93-9.

Erickson, who the lawsuit identifies as "over age 40," was granted permission to sue the radio group by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September, one year after her termination.

In court documents, Erickson said her duties were equal to her male co-workers', Erickson asserted she was not treated equally when it came to overtime and a bi-weekly salary draw. Sales representatives worked on a salary plus commission basis, with a bi-weekly salary draw.

In 2012, Green used every opportunity to ask Erickson when she was going to retire, and in a sales meeting, Green once asked Erickson her age, according to the lawsuit. A supervisor also told Erickson that "the company would prefer a younger, more energetic employee," according to court documents.

Erickson seeks compensatory damages, including back pay, liquidated damages, and interest. She has also asked for general damages for past and future losses arising from the pain, anxiety, humiliation and embarrassment she suffered, along with punitive damages, court costs and attorneys' fees.

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