Maine Human Rights Commission finds that Saco-based machine shop discriminated against applicant because of his age

The Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has found reasonable grounds to believe that Lank Machining discriminated against Ronald Vilandry because of his age. According to the report from the MHRC, Mr. Vilandry interviewed for a job with Lank Machining as a CNC Operator. Mr. Vilandry maintains that during his interview the owner of Lank Machining correctly surmised that Mr. Vilandry was in his 60’s; told Mr. Vilandry that he was also in his 60’s; and said that people their age should be thinking about retirement.

Instead of Mr. Vilandry, Lank Machining hired an applicant who was about 40 years old and less qualified than Mr. Vilandry. Mr. Vilandry had experience working with the equipment that Lank Machining used. The younger applicant that the company hired did not. Mr. Vilandry also had more experience, in general, than the younger applicant that the company hired. Lank Machining claimed that the younger applicant’s lack of experience was irrelevant because it hired him for a position different than the CNC Operator position that Mr. Vilandry sought. This claim is contrary to what Lank Machining told the temp agency that it used to find the younger applicant. Lank Machining told the temp agency that it hired the younger applicant as a CNC Operator.

Mr. Vilandry is represented by Chad Hansen of the Maine Employee Rights Group.