AARP joining age bias suit against automaker

Monday, July 9, 2001 | 10:45 a.m.

DETROIT -- A class-action lawsuit filed against Ford Motor Co. for alleged age discrimination is gaining support from the nation's largest advocacy group for people over the age of 50.

The Washington-based AARP plans to provide research, free legal services and attorneys to litigate the case, the Detroit News reported Sunday.

About 60 Ford middle managers filed suit in Wayne County state court in May, charging that Ford's employee-ranking system is being used to sweep out older workers.

The automaker denies the allegation.

"We only get involved in cases we think are important and will set a precedent for the future," said Laurie McCann, head of AARP Foundation Litigation. "This could be a very important case."

archive