News Flash: Worker Sues Employer For Failing To Set Up A “Green” 401(k) Plan

A senior programmer who was fired allegedly because he complained about his employer’s 401(k) investment options has filed a religious discrimination lawsuit. James Salsman, a former employee of Veritas Software in MountainView, claimed it would violate his Quaker beliefs if his money were invested in businesses that produce weapons. Veritas’ retirement plan limited employees to investing in a select group of funds through Fidelity. Salsman says he asked Veritas to add a so-called green fund, which would only invest in socially responsible companies. He contends that when he was hired the employer initially agreed to offer such an investment option, but later decided that it would be too much of an administrative hassle. Veritas instead offered to let Salsman establish his own brokerage account, but he refused. The dispute allegedly resulted in Salsman walking out of a meeting about the retirement plan, and he was ultimately fired. He now charges the company failed to accommodate his religious beliefs.