EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County man is suing a Collinsville business, alleging he was fired because of his age.
Stephen F. Fergesen filed a lawsuit Aug. 24 in Madison County Circuit Court against Eaton Corporation PLC, alleging age discrimination and wrongful termination.
According to the complaint, after 38 years of employment with Eaton, Fergesen, 59, was fired Aug. 8, 2015, for alleging violating the defendant's "diversity and inclusion policy." The suit says this reason was a pretext to get rid of Fergesen who was making too much money, sometimes more than $100,000 per year including overtime.
The lawsuit also says a plant manager referred to the plaintiff as "Old Ferg" and "Old Man."
The plaintiff alleges Eaton failed to memorialize the separation of his employment and failed to produce any documentation regarding its action.
Fergesen seeks trial by jury and judgment of more than $50,000. He is represented by attorney William L. Berry of William Berry & Associates in Collinsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1199