Golden State Today

An attorney with the Goldwater Institute said his organization is "determined to find out why the federal government is targeting" a California moving company.

The federal government has imposed a $15 million fine on Meathead Movers, a California-based moving company, accusing it of age discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claims the company favored younger workers in its hiring practices and marketing materials. This case is notable because it was initiated by the agency itself rather than through individual complaints.

"The American public deserves to know why the EEOC is pursuing what appears to be a baseless attack against a model small business," said Jon Riches, Vice President for Litigation at the Goldwater Institute, in a press release. "And if the agency won’t provide answers voluntarily, we’ll get them—in court if necessary."

Meathead Movers, founded in 1997, has grown into California's largest independently owned moving company. Its founder, Aaron Steed, argues that the nature of the work requires employees who can handle physically demanding tasks, which often suits younger individuals. Despite this, Steed insists that older workers are also employed by the company.

The government's lawsuit comes after an eight-year investigation that began during the Obama administration. The Goldwater Institute is challenging the government's actions and has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to uncover any complaints against Meathead Movers.

"The EEOC is demanding that we pay an amount that we simply can’t afford for something that we absolutely did not do wrong," said Steed in the press release. "Additionally, he highlighted a gag order issued by the EEOC preventing him from discussing the case publicly."

"There’s no one that stood up and said, ‘Meathead Movers discriminated against me,’" Steed said. "The EEOC brought this action upon themselves against my company."

Despite these challenges, Meathead Movers continues its operations and community service efforts. The Goldwater Institute remains committed to investigating why this small business is being targeted by federal authorities.