Today’s workforce is much more aware of discrimination than in previous years. Unfortunately, there are certain types of discrimination that are still a huge problem. One of those types is age discrimination. Age discrimination occurs at an alarming rate in workplaces all over the United States. Let’s take a look at what age discrimination is and how the law protects employees.
What is Age Discrimination?
Age discrimination occurs when someone over the age of 40 receives less favorable treatment or is harassed due to their age. Some examples of age discrimination include:
- Refusing to promote someone because of their age
- Making jokes to someone relating to their age
- Telling someone to retire because of their age
- Firing someone once they reach a certain age
- Refusing to hire someone because of their age
- Harassing someone because of their age
Anyone in the workplace can perpetrate age discrimination, including supervisors, co-workers, contractors, or vendors.
Laws that Protect Employees from Age Discrimination
Age discrimination exists, even though there are state and federal laws that prohibit it. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is one of those laws. The ADEA prohibits age discrimination in the workplace and protects employees over 40 years old. The protections in the ADEA apply to all employees in state or federal government positions or who work for employers with more than 20 employees. Not only does the ADEA prohibit age discrimination, but it also prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee who files a discrimination claim.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) also protects employees from age discrimination. However, the FEHA has more broad protection in that employees are protected as long as their employer has five employees or more.
Protecting Your Rights after Age Discrimination
Have you been discriminated against or harassed because of your age? You don’t have to allow this to continue. At Proxy Law Firm, our team of lawyers can help you explore your rights under the ADEA and FEHA. If you qualify, we can also help you file a claim. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
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