A lawsuit has been filed alleging age discrimination in the workplace. On November 22, 2024, David J. Pijut Jr. filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against his former employer, 7 Layer Solutions Inc., claiming unlawful termination based on age discrimination.
David J. Pijut Jr., who had been employed as Director of Managed Services at 7 Layer Solutions Inc. since July 21, 2019, alleges that he was subjected to discriminatory practices due to his age, which ultimately led to his wrongful termination on September 30, 2024. According to the complaint, Pijut claims that he was gradually sidelined from his role and replaced by a younger employee with less experience named Jeff Zerwer. The complaint states that this change began around June 2024 when Pijut was assigned sporadic tasks outside of his usual responsibilities while Jeff took over his primary duties. Despite having no prior disciplinary issues and receiving positive reviews during his tenure, Pijut was informed by Senior Vice President Bernie Barbaric on September 9, 2024, that he would be terminated if more work could not be found for him—a condition not imposed on younger employees.
The lawsuit asserts violations under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), highlighting that Pijut is part of a protected class due to being over the age of 40. It also accuses the company of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in harassment based on age. The complaint details how similarly situated employees who were younger did not face termination or reduction in responsibilities as Pijut did.
Pijut seeks several forms of relief from the court including back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, loss of benefits compensation, attorney fees and costs, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. He argues that these measures are necessary to address the financial and emotional distress caused by what he perceives as unjust treatment rooted in ageism.
Representing David J. Pijut Jr. is Nathan C. Volheim from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., located in Lombard, Illinois. The case ID is: 1:24-cv-12036.