California Lab Settles Age Discrimination Suit for $37.25M

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is paying $37.25 million to settle a lawsuit brought by 129 workers who say they were fired because of their ages.

The Contra Costa Times reported Mike McElfresh says he was a physicist for the company when he was laid off at age 51, finding himself in a long line of other soon-to-be former employees who were no younger than 50 years old.

McElfresh was among 430 people who were laid off in 2007 as the company shifted its focus.

Five lead plaintiffs litigated claims in separate jury trials in 2013. One was awarded a $2.73 million judgment over employment contracts, while jurors sided with the lab on the age discrimination case.

Both sides appealed, and the settlement was reached after months of mediation.