Abbott Labs Gets Trial Over Sales Rep’s Whistleblower, Bias Suit

A jury will now decide whether a former cardiac equipment sales representative was terminated by Abbott Laboratories due to unlawful age discrimination and whistleblower retaliation, or for violating company policy.

There are questions of material fact regarding the reason for Thomas Rao’s termination, so a jury must decide his retaliation, age discrimination, and whistleblower claims, the US District Court for the District of Minnesota ruled Tuesday.

Rao started working as a sales representative for Abbott in 2017 when it acquired his former employer, St. Jude Medical S.C., according to the opinion. He specialized in selling cardiac rhythm management products ...