A former employee has taken legal action against his previous employer, alleging a series of discriminatory practices that led to his wrongful termination. Ronald Haire filed a complaint in the Ventura Superior Court on November 25, 2024, accusing CJ Berry Well Services Management, LLC of age discrimination and related offenses.
Ronald Haire, who had been employed by CJ Berry Well Services since May 1988, claims he faced continuous age-based harassment and discrimination during his tenure as District Manager at the company's Ventura operations. According to the complaint, supervisors Tim Koppi and Jack Renshaw made degrading comments about Haire's age. Despite raising these issues with the company, Haire alleges that no action was taken to address his concerns. Instead, on August 6, 2024, he was terminated from his position at the age of 68. Following his dismissal, Haire was replaced by a significantly younger employee.
The lawsuit details multiple causes of action including age discrimination under California Government Code Section 12900 et seq., retaliation for complaints of discrimination and harassment, failure to prevent such discrimination and harassment, and failure to pay owed wages. The plaintiff asserts that these actions were carried out with malicious intent to harm him both professionally and personally.
Haire is seeking damages exceeding $5 million for lost earnings and benefits due to his termination. He also seeks compensation for emotional distress and medical expenses incurred as a result of the alleged discriminatory actions. Additionally, Haire is requesting punitive damages to punish CJ Berry Well Services Management for their conduct and deter similar future behavior. He further demands restitution for unpaid wages under Labor Code §204 along with interest and penalties.
Representing Ronald Haire in this case are attorneys Michael B. Eisenberg, Bryan W. Edgar, and Michael A. Levy from Eisenberg & Associates based in Los Angeles. The case is presided over by Judge Brenda L. McCormick under Case No. 2024CUQE033745.