Sandra Maas‘ lawsuit against the parent company of San Diego local station KUSI is heading to trial after more than three years.
The suit against KUSI parent station McKinnon Broadcasting alleges Mass’ was making $90,000 less than her longtime co-anchor Alan Denton.
“It’s humiliating to share everything that happened to me but I’m hoping to make a difference for other women in the workplace,” said Maas.
The San Diego Union-Tribune said Maas’ lawsuit alleges McKinnon violated the state’s Equal Pay Act, including allegations of age and gender discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation.
Last week, Maas’ attorney Josh Gruenberg said that the former anchor performed similar work to Denton when the pair co-anchored the station’s afternoon and evening news broadcast for six years.
“We believe there is no legal or reasonable justification for paying Mr. Denton more,” Gruenberg said. “He was a hell of a news anchor but so was Ms. Maas. They sat side by side for a number of years and did excellent work.
“I’m relieved this day is finally here. It’s scary, it’s stressful. I feel betrayed. It has been three and a half years since I lost my job that I loved – and was devoted to – and dedicated my life to because I was fighting for equal pay,” Maas said.
Maas is asking for $10 million.