Raytheon Manager’s ‘Young Mechanics’ Remark Spurs Age Bias Trial

A trial is needed to determine if Raytheon Co. moved a longtime equipment mechanic in Louisville, Ky., off a line deconstructing computerized munitions components because of his age, a federal judge ruled.

The issues for a jury include whether Fred McDowell’s reassignment to the gun-and-ammo line was adverse despite his pay, supervisor, and job title all remaining the same.

It could be, the US District Court for the Western District of Kentucky said, even though McDowell’s situation doesn’t bear “the typical markers” of a material change in work terms or conditions.

McDowell testified the gun-and-ammo line was a prestigious assignment, ...