RIPLEY – A Jackson County man is suing over his termination by the defendant, citing violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
Gordon M. Hopper filed the suit Dec. 7 in Jackson Circuit Court against Century Aluminum Co.
At the time of his discharge, the plaintiff worked as plant manager at the defendant's Ravenswood location, although he would sometimes work in two of its Kentucky plants.
According to the complaint, it was the plaintiff's understanding that once he no longer was needed at the Ravenswood operation, that he would be employed elsewhere in the company. But instead of retaining the plaintiff, who had 41 years of experience at the company, the defendant selected younger, less qualified individuals, the suit states. He was terminated on July 31 at age 60.
Further, when the plaintiff filed an age discrimination suit against the defendant, he was offered a sum of money by the defendant in exchange for dropping the case; the plaintiff refused.
In addition to a trial by jury, the plaintiff seeks a judgment equal to all lost back pay and benefits, an award of reinstatement or front pay in lieu of reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs. He is represented by J. Michael Ranson and Cynthia M. Ranson of Ranson Law Offices of Charleston. The case is being heard by Judge Thomas C. Evans.
Jackson Circuit Court Case number 15-C-149