ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- 3M Co. has agreed to pay up to $12 million to settle an age-discrimination lawsuit with as many as 7,000 current and former employees.
The 2004 lawsuit targeted the company's performance-review system, alleging that older workers were disproportionately downgraded. It also accused the company of favoring younger employees for certain training opportunities that could fast-track them for promotions.
The Maplewood-based industrial company and plaintiffs filed a joint motion Friday for preliminary approval of the settlement.
3M said the proposed settlement was not an admission of liability. Spokeswoman Donna Fleming Runyon said the deal would remove a legal distraction and cap its legal fees.
"We think it's a reasonable resolution," she told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "It will allow the company and our employees to focus on growing our business and serving our customers."
The 2004 lawsuit targeted the company's performance-review system, alleging that older workers were disproportionately downgraded. It also accused the company of favoring younger employees for certain training opportunities that could fast-track them for promotions.
The Maplewood-based industrial company and plaintiffs filed a joint motion Friday for preliminary approval of the settlement.
3M said the proposed settlement was not an admission of liability. Spokeswoman Donna Fleming Runyon said the deal would remove a legal distraction and cap its legal fees.
"We think it's a reasonable resolution," she told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "It will allow the company and our employees to focus on growing our business and serving our customers."