A Michigan auto parts manufacturer is facing a federal lawsuit after allegedly blocking an older, female worker with a disability from rejoining its apprenticeship program. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says Autokiniton, based in Plymouth, violated federal laws by treating the employee unfairly.
The worker, who has more than 30 years of experience in car manufacturing, started the company’s apprenticeship program in 2018. She was the only woman and faced discrimination because of her gender and disability. Despite using a cane at times, she did well in the program. However, the company seemed to see her as a risk because of her disability.
In March 2020, Autokiniton laid off workers due to the pandemic. When the program resumed, the company allowed men to continue their apprenticeships but told the female worker she could not rejoin the program. This meant she missed out on better pay and the chance to work overtime. Meanwhile, three younger men were brought in as new apprentices in 2022. Although Autokiniton re-admitted her in 2025, they paid her less than the other apprentices.
The EEOC says this treatment breaks several laws, including the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The agency took the case to court in Michigan’s Eastern District after trying to solve the issue without a lawsuit.
This case highlights ongoing challenges for older women and people with disabilities in male-dominated industries. It also shows the importance of enforcing rules that protect workers from discrimination based on age, gender, and disability. For this experienced worker, the fight isn’t just about one job—it’s about fairness and respect in the workplace.