Allen Theatres Settles Age Discrimination Lawsuit for $250K

A New Mexico-based movie theater chain, Allen Theatres, Inc., will pay $250,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit alleged age discrimination practices, particularly affecting employees aged 65 and older, including former manager Abby Parrish. Parrish was reportedly pressured to retire and denied health insurance coverage after the theater reopened post-COVID restrictions due to a discriminatory compensation policy.

 
Under the settlement, Allen Theatres is mandated to revise their policies and ensure that health insurance coverage is available for all employees aged 65 and older, addressing the systemic discrimination claims brought forth by the EEOC. This case highlights the importance of compliance with age discrimination laws, which have significant implications for employers in the U.S. insurance and healthcare contexts, as they affect employee benefits and insurance coverage.