PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A former plant manager contends in a federal lawsuit that Austin “Jack” DeCoster wanted him to hire Mexican-Americans for his egg operations in Maine because they were willing to do dangerous or demeaning tasks.
The lawsuit brought by 56-year-old Homero Ramirez, who was born in Mexico and lives in Lewiston, contends DeCoster discriminated based on age, race and national origin. It also claims violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Family Medical Leave acts.
His complaint says he was ordered to hire only Mexicans, was forced to do dangerous work and was discouraged from receiving medical care.
Daniel Bates represents DeCoster and most of the 11 egg farm-related business entities named in the lawsuit. He tells the Portland Press Herald that the claims are “nonsensical.”
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://preprod.pressherald.com
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- Austin “Jack” DeCoster, right, sits with Timothy O’Brien, a lawyer representing Maine Contract Farming, LLC, in 10 counts of animal cruelty stemming from an undercover investigation in 2009 by Mercy For Animals at the Turner egg farm.
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