Facts

Defendant Jet Propulsion Laboratory was an employer engaged in an industry affecting commerce within the meaning of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Plaintiff United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against defendant for violation of the ADEA.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended defendant laid off employees over the age of 40 in favor of retaining younger employees and older employees were passed over for rehire in favor of less qualified, younger employees.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied the allegations.

Result

The parties entered into a settlement agreement for $10 million. Additionally, defendant agreed to injunctive relief intended to prevent further workplace discrimination. Defendant agreed to retain an Equal Employment Opportunity monitor, a diversity director and a layoff coordinator to monitor compliance with the ADEA and the consent decree.