3M Facing Class Action

A lawsuit against 3M Co. was given class-action status Tuesday in a Ramsey County court.

The suit against Maplewood-based manufacturer 3M (NYSE: MMM) over alleged age-discrimination may include as many as up to 6,000 current and former of the company's employees who are over the age of 45.

A suit was filed by five plaintiffs about three years ago, who alleged that the company, led by former 3M CEO Jim McNerney, favored younger workers with pay, promotion and training, and instituted termination policies unfavorable to older workers.

Michael Lieder, an attorney for Sprenger & Lang in Washington, D.C. who represents the plaintiffs, said Wednesday, "We believe that the type of environment created by 3M is detrimental to business in general and to employees."

3M has denied the allegations, a spokeswoman for the company telling the Star Tribune that the company believes the claims to be groundless. The company plans to fight the charges.