The Maine Human Rights Commission on Nov. 24 voted that there are reasonable grounds to believe an employer discriminated on the basis of age in the matter E230469, filed by Eric Leffler against Eastern Events.

Leffler told commissioners the company’s succession plan and the hiring of a younger store manager-trainee were used to push him out despite strong past performance. Respondent counsel argued that the company implemented reasonable succession planning, that the complainant had been counseled on performance and conduct issues and that prior succession examples supported the employer’s approach.

After presentations and investigator testimony, the commission voted to find reasonable grounds and to attempt conciliation. Commissioner David moved the finding; the motion carried on the votes of the commissioners present.

The commission’s action opens the next administrative step, typically conciliation, and staff will notify the parties about next procedures and timelines.