Hawaii woman called “bag of bones” by employer, awarded $193K

Hawaii woman called “bag of bones” by employer, awarded $193K

It's being called a victory for civil rights law, one that sends a strong message to all Hawaii business owners.

A federal judge has handed down a $193,000 award in an age discrimination case the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission called especially appalling.

The case landed in court after Debra Moreno, theMaui office coordinator for Hawaii Healthcare Professionals, said she was fired because of her age. Moreno lost her job in 2008. At the time she was 54 years old.

The EEOC filed the lawsuit on Moreno's behalf.

The suit claimed the company's owner ordered that Moreno be fired after telling a manager that Moreno "looks old"..."sounds old on the telephone"...and is "like a bag of bones."

Moreno moved to Idaho after losing her job.

"I am elated about it.  I have waited over 4 years now patiently and I am glad it came to the result that it did,” said Moreno.  “When someone says I look like a bag of bones or I sound old on the telephone or I look old it’s very hurtful,” she added.

Moreno says her former employer is no longer in business, meaning there's no way to know right now exactly how much of the $193,000 award she'll receive.

Commentary: Hopefully business owners, companies around the nation will take serious notes, after this victory for a former worker. Workers and management should always treat one another with respect, shouldn't degrade the other to the point where it can come back and haunt you later. Although, the compensation doesn't replace the emotional distress, it sends a stern message that should be heeded.