Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 11, 1990 TAG: 9005110386
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Janet S. Beahm of Roanoke is asking for back pay measured by the difference in the rate of pay she received and the rate paid to male employees. Beahm also asks that a permanent injunction be granted enjoining the home from engaging in any employment practice that discriminates against employees on the basis of sex.
Beahm filed the suit under the Equal Pay Act, which restrains the unlawful payment of wages to employees of one sex at rates less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex.
Beahm began working for the home in 1982 as food service director, while earning her master's degree in food and nutrition. In 1985, she became responsible for the duties of the assistant administrator, a position that had been vacant for two years. Beahm's position was then titled assistant to the administrator.
In 1986, she became a licensed nursing home administrator through the state's administrator-in-training program.
In 1987, the suit alleges, Roanoke United Methodist Home "hired one or more male employees to train for and perform the jobs and tasks that were being competently performed" by Beahm since 1985.
The home "paid [male] employees a wage rate substantially greater" than what Beahm received, she alleges. The home also paid the male employees to participate in the administrator-in-training program, the suit states.
As a result, the home unlawfully withheld and continues to withhold the payment of wages due her, Beahm alleges.
Beahm is seeking compensatory and consequential damages "to compensate for loss of opportunities, pain, suffering or other damage" and punitive damages "calculated to be sufficient to deter such misconduct in the future."
by CNB