Age discrimination is a common issue faced by employees in various industries. It occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfavorably because of their age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects individuals 40 or older from age-based discrimination in the workplace.
Identify Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination can take many forms, including:
- A younger employee being promoted or promoted over you.
- Being assigned less desirable tasks or being given fewer opportunities for advancement.
- Receiving negative performance evaluations based on age-related stereotypes.
- Being subjected to age-related jokes or derogatory comments.
- Being terminated or laid off because of your age.
Not all age-related actions are discriminatory. If an employer has a legitimate, non-age-related reason for making a decision, such as poor job performance or company-wide reduction in workforce, it may not be considered age discrimination. An experienced attorney can help you review your circumstances and determine if you experienced age discrimination or an action related to another issue.
Know Your Rights Under the ADEA
As per the ADEA, employers with 20 or more employees cannot discriminate against employees or job applicants over 40 based on their age. It also covers various aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, wages, benefits, and termination. Additionally, the ADEA prohibits retaliation against individuals who have opposed age discrimination, whistleblown for age discrimination in their workplace, or participated in an investigation or lawsuit related to age discrimination.
File a Claim With The EEOC
If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your age, you should take the following steps:
- Document the discriminatory actions and statements, including dates, times, locations, and the individuals involved.
- Follow your company's grievance procedures, report the discrimination to your supervisor or human resources department.
- Get in touch with a knowledgeable employment lawyer to discuss your options and rights.
- File a claim with the EEOC or your state's fair employment practices agency within the applicable time limits.
It is essential to act promptly after an incident involving age discrimination, as claims must be filed within a specified timeframe with the EEOC or your state agency.
Seek Legal Assistance from Bailess Law Firm
Age discrimination can significantly impact your career, financial security, and emotional well-being. If you believe that you experienced wage discrimination in the workplace, don't hesitate to speak with an experienced employment lawyer before taking any futher actions.
At Bailess Law Firm, our dedicated team of attorneys is well-versed in age discrimination laws and can help you pursue the compensation and remedies you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.