MONTROSE, Colo. (KREX) — On Tuesday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Montrose Regional Health for age discrimination and retaliation.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado after EEOC first attempted to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process. It includes several claimants who either left voluntarily or were terminated for cause between 2020 and 2025.
The suit states that two older nurses who worked in the Same Day Surgery/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit were allegedly harassed by two managers who said that they wanted “younger nurses [to] take over” and that older workers were “lazy” during a staff meeting. The older nurses were allegedly subjected to heightened scrutiny and supervision.
“When older workers complained about discrimination, Montrose [Regional Hospital] failed to adequately address their complaints, and fired multiple workers in retaliation for complaining,” the lawsuit alleges.
The claims violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit discrimination and harassment based on age.
“Age discrimination continues to be a persistent problem in the workplace, and especially in the nursing industry,” said Mary Jo O’Neill, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Phoenix District. “Older nurses come with significant expertise and are an essential part of any medical center’s workforce, and the EEOC is committed to fighting for the rights of all workers, including vulnerable older workers.”
MRH denied the allegations made in the lawsuit, planning to defend itself against the claims while working with the EEOC to address concerns.
“We adamantly deny any wrongdoing and remain confident in our employment practices, which comply fully with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and all applicable laws. Montrose Regional Health is committed to fostering a workplace where all employees are valued and supported,” said MRH Chief Human Resources Officer Erin Skees.
“Our health system has always been dedicated to treating our employees with respect and fairness,” said Dr. Mary Vader, chairperson of the MRH Board of Directors. “We are proud of the dedicated people who choose to work here and the high standards they uphold every day.”
This is the second time the EEOC has sued MRH for age discrimination, with the first instance taking place in September 2016. Two years later, in January 2018, it was settled by a three-year consent decree for $400,000.
“While MRH takes this type of claim very seriously, the organization is both disappointed and concerned that the EEOC has chosen to pursue litigation given MRH’s longstanding commitment to providing a respectful and nurturing workplace,” stated MRH in a press release.
According to MRH, over 61% of its workforce is aged 40 or older.
Montrose Regional Health is a nonprofit healthcare system serving residents in Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties in Colorado. The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses or other private sector employers for violations of federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
