Suit accuses Exxon of age discrimination
DALLAS - A federal agency filed an age discrimination lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. on Friday, saying it forces pilots for the world's largest oil company to quit flying at 60.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is seeking a permanent injunction against the company's mandatory retirement age for pilots.
The EEOC said Exxon Mobil stripped Mike Moreschauser of his pilot duties after he turned 60 on Sept. 7, despite his excellent health and extensive experience. His job included flying senior executives and guests domestically and internationally.
"The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects these experienced, safe, competent pilots from being grounded just because they reach their 60th birthday," said Robert A. Canino, an EEOC attorney in Dallas. "We contend the way to determine if someone should continue to do the job is to use our modern-day avenues: physical and mental fitness, not a calendar."
Exxon Mobil spokesman Russ Roberts said the company's policy addressed the issue of safety and was modeled after
Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. He said the policy is long-standing and consistent, not arbitrary and discriminatory.
"Our pilots face the same challenges commercial pilots do flying large, complex, high-speed jets," he said. "We told the EEOC that we would not change our safety practices in response to complaints filed by pilots."