Pipeline worker files age-discrimination suit

SANDPOINT - A Bonner County man is seeking damages from Loy Clark Pipeline Co. for age discrimination.

Counsel for Emilio "Lee" Pedrini alleges that he was cut as a pipeline laborer and replaced with a younger employee, according to a suit filed in 1st District Court on July 14.

Pedrini, 52, contends he has worked on natural gas pipeline projects in the Panhandle since 2006 and been working for Loy Clark since 2009. Loy Clark maintains and repairs pipelines under a contract with Avista Utilities, according to court documents.

Pedrini said he is laid off annually, but is rehired each spring to work on projects. He contacted a supervisor at Loy Clark in 2014 and inquired when work would resume, but was told that he would not be hired due to changes that were being made to the Sandpoint crew, the suit alleges.

Pedrini asked if the change was due to his job performance and the supervisor said it was not. He contacted Avista and said he was told he wasn't being re-hired because of his age, the suit said.

Pedrini asserts he was replaced by an employee who was under the age of 40.

Pedrini filed complaints with the Idaho Human Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but both complaints were dismissed, according to court documents.

Pedrini is seeking damages in excess of $10,000.

A message seeking comment from Loy Clark was not returned.