Los Angeles Weatherman Files Suit For Discrimination

Any employer who discriminates by not hiring an applicant based on age, disability, national origin, race, sex or pregnancy is in violation of the law. Typically, protection against discrimination has been intended for minority groups or other vulnerable individuals who otherwise would not have equal opportunity for employment.However, discrimination based on a person’s sex applies to both men and women. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission notes that “[t]he law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment” based on any of the protected categories.

Weatherman Sues for Age and Gender Discrimination

In what might be the first case of its type, a weatherman who has worked in Southern California for 20 years is suing local CBS affiliates KCBS and KCAL for sex and age discrimination. Hunter claims that he was not interviewed for a position at the stations because they were only interested in hiring young, attractive women.

After longtime weatherman Johnny Mountain left KCBS in 2010, Hunter contacted the station and told them of his interest in applying for the position. They did not respond, and instead hired KCAL weathercaster Jackie Johnson. Hunter then contacted KCAL to apply for that position, but was told that there was not an opening for him. KCAL eventually hired Evelyn Taft to fill the position, despite the fact that she does not have an American Meteorological Society certification, which Hunter has. Hunter claims that KCAL dropped certification as a job requirement in order to hire Taft. In addition, while Hunter has a degree in meteorology, Taft has a degree in broadcast journalism and no degree in any scientific field.

When he contacted a manager at KCAL to ask why he was not considered, management told him that they catered to males and that “you wouldn’t be the type men would want to look at.”

Hunter is seeking an unspecified amount of damages, including punitive damages in employment discrimination claims against the stations.

Discrimination Claim

If you have been the subject of discrimination at work or while seeking employment, contact an experienced employment attorney who can defend your rights in court.