Workers Awarded $38.8 Million: A jury awarded...

Workers Awarded $38.8 Million: A jury awarded 36 former casino workers $38.8 million after ruling that the Las Vegas Hilton acted “maliciously and wantonly” in firing them in 1983 because the casino was not making enough money. The verdict in federal court was seen as a major setback for Nevada casinos, which for more than 50 years have maintained that they have the right to hire and fire employees at will. The jury found the Hilton guilty of age and sex discrimination, breach of contract, bad faith and inflicting severe emotional distress on the fired workers. The verdict came after a 14-week trial. All but five of the casino workers won claims for age discrimination and were awarded sums ranging from $7,000 to $107,000 for lost wages.