An arbitrator has ruled against a former longtime Mattel HQ Inc. worker who alleged that in 2022 his job duties were gradually given to new employees who were younger and paid less before he was wrongfully fired that year because of his age.

Jose Arrellano’s Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit alleged wrongful termination, age discrimination and failure to prevent discrimination. Arrellano sought a total of more than $600,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

In October 2023, Judge Douglas W. Stern approved an agreement between Arrellano to refer the case to binding arbitration. On Sept. 10, the arbitrator, retired Judge Katherine Chilton, ruled in favor of Mattel on all three causes of action.

“The evidence is undisputed that (Arrellano) failed to perform competently and was termina

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