Woman says Bath & Body Works discriminated against her

CHARLESTON - A former employee says Bath & Body Works LLC discriminated against her based on her age.

Deborah Dearing and Glenda Sagoos were also named as defendants in the suit.

Mary Beth Slater was employed by Bath & Body Works from February 1998 until March 15, according to a complaint filed May 20 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Slater claims during the majority of her employment with Bath & Body Works, she served as the store manager and was repeatedly recognized for her outstanding performance as a store manager.

On Feb. 8, Dearing had a face-to-face conversation with Slater and specifically stated that Slater was "advancing in age," and that she should consider "other options than remaining a store manager with Bath & Body Works..." according to the suit.

Slater claims her employment was willfully, maliciously and unlawfully terminated on March 15, which was done because of her age.

The defendants violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act, according to the suit.

Slater claims the defendants' actions were done with the intent to humiliate, embarrass and disgrace her.

As a result of the defendants' actions, she sustained damages for mental anguish and severe emotional distress; humiliation and embarrassment; denial of occupational standing and reputation; loss of earnings and earning capacity; and loss of enjoyment of life, according to the suit.

Slater is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Gene W. Bailey II and Raj A. Shah of Hendrickson & Long PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-987