Ramon Alcantara, a former employee of Pebble Beach Co. for over 20 years, alleges he was fired as a result of age discrimination late in 2013. According to the complaint, Alcantara, who is over 55 years of age, injured his back while replacing a 50-pound pump motor at the beach and tennis club.
Following the injury, a physician employed by Pebble Beach Co. allowed Alcantara to return to work on the condition that he avoid lifting anything more than 50 pounds. Five months later, that same physician released Alcantara to return to work without any restrictions.
Still, Alcantara says that, in 2011, his work was reduced from 40 hours weekly to 32. In October 2011, he submitted a letter to human resources claiming age discrimination. “Alcantara’s letter complained that Pebble Beach was not restoring his normal work hours because of his ‘age and health issues,’” according to the complaint.
In July 2012, Alcantara was fired and a human resources representative outlined his termination blaming it on Pebble Beach Co.’s inability to accommodate his disability. The physician was shocked, according to the complaint. In two reports in September 2012 and February 2013, he reiterates, “I never recommended the applicant not continue work.”
Among the eight causes for suing, Alcantara’s attorneys list disability and age discrimination, retaliation, failing to prevent discrimination and retaliation, failing to engage in interactive process, failing to reasonably accommodate disability and wrongful termination.
Although the ultimate decision will be up to a judge and fact finders, Pebble Beach Co. Executive Vice President Mark Stilwell said, “We don’t think there’s any merit in the complaint and we’ll be defending it accordingly.”
If you or a loved one believes that you have been a victim of employment discrimination, contact an experienced attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected.
