As the actual workforce ages, the problems of discriminatory actions increase exponentially. Age discrimination haunts many corporations. But what does ageism look like in the workplace?
State and federal laws protect employees from any type of discrimination. For example, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 is a labor law that prohibits employment discrimination against workers who are at least 40 years old in the United States.
This statute prohibits employers from discriminating in any aspect of employment, including:
- Hiring
- Job duties
- Pay and benefits
- Promotions
- Firing
Additionally, employees may not:
- Refuse to hire or unreasonably eliminating a job candidate.
- Withhold benefits or privileges granted to other employees.
- Require/request that a person provide age-related information.
- Require/ask a person to perform a physical examination, unless used to determine fitness for job duties.
Sometimes age discrimination is not clear. Here are some indicators that age was a determining factor in decisions to take contradictory action, including age-related comments such as:
- Discuss that older employees are not tech-savvy.
- Ask more senior employees about their retirement.
- Say that young workers are faster.
- Offer younger employees higher training and promotion opportunities.
Our team at Aiman-Smith & Marcy is dedicated to protecting your rights. We seek all available remedies to stop discriminatory behavior and seek monetary damages to compensate you for your losses. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated because of your age or have experienced age discrimination at work, contact our attorneys today.
