DEARBORN, Mich. (AFX) - A former Ford Motor Co. employee fired in a downsizing move just before becoming eligible for a full pension says he's gotten a certificate honoring him for his years of service, calling it a 'slap in the face.'
Michael Stawasz, 49, lost his job as a transmission engineering technician in January about nine months short of his 30-year anniversary, the point when he would have been able to retire with full benefits, The Detroit News reported.
He and about two dozen others are suing Ford, accusing it of age discrimination and firing them to avoid paying full benefits.
Earlier this month, Stawasz got a package from Ford containing a certificate, a letter from Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford, and a gift catalog.
Ford said the anniversary package was meant to honor the recipients.
'People who may be in this situation had dedicated a lot of years to the company and, in accordance with company policy, they are eligible to receive an award in recognition for their service,' Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans said.
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