Popcorn Worker Terminated for Violations, Not Discrimination

INDIANAPOLIS - A popcorn factory worker who was terminated for failing to wear a respirator near known hazards has failed to persuade a federal judge that her former employer was guilty of discrimination in levying such a harsh sanction. Guy v. Weaver Popcorn Co., No. 1:07-cv-1668-SEB-TAB (S.D. Ind.).

Judge Sarah Evans Barker of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana granted Weaver Popcorn Co.'s motion for summary judgment on June 25, rejecting arguments by Jane Guy that the employer's action was either age discrimination or retaliation for her use of family medical benefits.

Weaver terminated Guy, …