Which type of moving company seems more appealing for hiring? One that showcases energetic, youthful workers, or a firm that highlights bright, older staff? It’s a question most people could easily answer.
Yet, the federal government has spent almost a decade targeting Meathhead Movers, a family-owned business based in California, over allegations of age discrimination in its advertising. They’ve demanded a hefty $15 million penalty and initiated legal action when the company didn’t comply.
Interestingly, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has not cited a single instance of discrimination in its case against the company.
Meathhead Movers, the largest independent moving company in California, led by CEO Aaron Steed, is now pushing back against what many view as an overreach.
“The EEOC seems to be targeting successful American businesses based on, well, what looks like pretext. They owe the public an explanation,” Steed expressed.
The Goldwater Institute has filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking information, including the number of age discrimination complaints filed since January 2016. However, the federal government has not been forthcoming.
This week, Goldwater decided to sue, with Riches commenting that the EEOC has a month to respond before further legal action is taken.
“We’re challenging what we see as government overreach,” explained Riches, who joined Goldwater in 2012.
In most cases, the EEOC acts based on discrimination complaints, with only eight directed investigations in the past ten years. The case against Meathhead Movers is among these few.
“While we hope the EEOC stops this nonsense against Aaron and his business, we deserve clarity on the rationale behind it,” Riches stated.
Is the federal government really going to scrutinize a company for merely how it markets itself? “I doubt it. Plus, it raises First Amendment concerns. Meathead Movers has the right to present accurate information about its services,” Riches added. “People in this industry need to be fit for the work they do.”
He continued, “It appears the EEOC isn’t particularly interested in these nuances.” He noted receiving an astonishing gag order intended to prevent Steed from discussing the government’s actions on social media.
But Steed is resolute. “I know my rights and I’m defending my company and the more than 300 families that depend on us,” he asserted.
The EEOC initially began its investigation into Meathhead in 2015 and reached out to Steed in 2017. Steed insists that his company does not discriminate.
“We welcomed the EEOC and answered all their inquiries. But suddenly, we faced that staggering $15 million claim. It felt like we were being crushed under the government’s weight,” he recalled.
How did that number come about? “There wasn’t a single complaint to initiate this. Their theory was that we had around 500 hypothetical class members,” he said.
The EEOC calculated lost wages at $15,000 per individual, illustrating this as a landmark case for age discrimination. “We’ve never seen a settlement at this level, and they’ve since hiked it up twice,” Steed explained.
Why the increases? “Fines and penalties. We told them straight up, ‘We can’t handle this,'” he said. “It feels like they want to push us out of business, and it’s disheartening. It feels personal, and it just doesn’t make sense.”
Steed began his business in 1997 as a junior high student, remembering how he used the job to support himself while balancing school and sports.
“By the time I was 21 or 22, I had saved enough for a truck. Now, I manage hundreds of employees and around 80 trucks,” he shared.
While he does employ individuals over 40, he acknowledged that the physically demanding nature of moving often attracts younger workers. “The job involves moving heavy items up and down stairs all day,” he said.
This dynamic helps create an athletic environment, which Steed believes impresses clients and makes work enjoyable for employees. “It’s a great deal for all involved: my staff appreciates being paid to stay fit, and customers receive excellent service,” he noted.
Compensation ranges from $18 to $20 per hour, and hiring requires passing background checks and drug tests while showcasing a positive attitude.
Meathhead Movers has earned a reputation for quality work and community involvement, especially in aiding domestic violence shelters across Central and Southern California.
Steed sees this as his life’s work and hopes to pass the business on to his young son one day. However, he has already spent over a million dollars defending against accusations he believes are unfounded. “It’s taking a toll on us,” he admitted.
He simply can’t afford to go head-to-head with the federal government, which feels overwhelming and taxing.
Confusion persists about why he was singled out. “A friend joked if I’d run over someone’s cat with the EEOC. It’s a strange feeling—personally affecting, and I don’t quite get it,” he reflected.
Goldwater, working pro bono, shares similar bewilderment, suggesting possible competitive motivations behind the allegations.
Riches emphasized, “This incident raises alarm bells about how the government can be wielded.” He concluded, “If the government can target Meathhead, what’s preventing it from going after anyone else? This situation extends beyond just the EEOC or this one company.”
Steed, waiting for a flight to Washington, D.C., to meet with the acting EEOC chairperson, acknowledged it was a challenge to set up this meeting. “Yes, it took some time, but we’re appreciative of her making the effort,” he said.
The EEOC did not comment on the situation, with their representative stating, “We can’t speak on ongoing litigation, but we refer you to our earlier statements.”
