Age Bias Ruling

In reporting the Supreme Court decision in O’Connor vs. Consolidated Coin Caterers Corp. (April 2) The Times incorrectly summarized remedies available for plaintiffs in age discrimination in employment suits: “If successful, they can win only back pay and the right to reinstatement in their jobs.”

Actually, under federal law, where willful discrimination is shown, the court may award liquidated damages, equal to the amount of the employer’s back-wage liability. Thus, it may double the amount of lost earnings.

The court may also grant interest on all back-wage liability from the time of the adverse action to the date of judgment, benefits for the loss of pension benefits, full remedial seniority and reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing plaintiff. Many states (as California) have laws which provide additional relief to the complainant.

RALPH D. H. FERTIG

Administrative Judge

U.S. Equal Employment

Opportunity Commission

Los Angeles