An Austin woman has filed a lawsuit alleging age discrimination against her employer, Hormel Foods.

Jacque L. Mickey claims that from June 2003 to present, Hormel has denied her promotional opportunities based on her age. She was born in 1954.

According to court documents, Mickey filed the lawsuit against Hormel Foods Corporate Services, LLC, Hormel Foods Corp. and Hormel Foods, LLC in United States District Court on Jan. 9.

Records show the plaintiff claims that in a “series of decisions” from June 2003 to the present, the defendants denied her promotions, “hiring less qualified, younger applicants for the positions in violation of the ADEA (Age Discrimination in Employment Act) and in violation of MHRA (Minnesota Human Rights Act).”

As a result of the defendants’ alleged violations, the plaintiff claims, and failure to properly address the “improper conduct,” Mickey has “suffered lost income, mental anguish, emotional distress and other damages.”

Record show the plaintiff claims that following complaints of age discrimination reported by Mickey to her employer, the defendants retaliated against her by refusing promotions.

On Nov. 18, 2008, Mickey received from the Equal Opportunity Commission a Notice of Right to Sue her employer. On Nov. 26, she received a Notice of Right to Sue from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

The plaintiff is suing for violation of age discrimination under federal law; violation of retaliation under federal law; violation of age discrimination under Minnesota law; and violation of retaliation under Minnesota law.

Mickey is represented by attorney Charles Friedman of the Friedman Law Office in Minneapolis.

The plaintiff is demanding a jury trial on all counts.

Julie H. Craven, vice president of corporate communications at Hormel Foods, said they have “no comment on the pending litigation.”

Friedman could not be reached by deadline today.