Can Employers Discriminate against Older Workers?
If you’re forty years of age or older, you may find it discouraging to be in the workplace today with many fresh employees coming straight out of college. When the workforce becomes so competitive, it can feel as though your job is in danger because older employees may seem less desirable these days; however, there are discrimination laws that make it unlawful for employers to discriminate against older workers.
If you’re an older worker and you believe your employer has discriminated against you, it’s important to hold them accountable by filing an official complaint. You’re protected under the law, and you can receive remedies when you’re mistreated because of your age. A federal employment lawyer from Snider & Associates, LLC can guide you through the claims process and help make your voice heard.
Federal Laws Protecting Older Workers
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is the federal law that makes employment discrimination illegal against employees forty years of age or older.
The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act is an amendment to the ADEA and makes it illegal for an employer to use an employee’s age as a way to withhold benefits, to target older workers when staff-cutting, or to require older employees to waive their rights to sue the company without using specific safeguards.
Filing an Age Discrimination Complaint with the EEOC
If you’re an older worker and you feel that your employer or another coworker has discriminated against you at work because of your age, you can file an official complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) online or at your local EEOC office. Once you file your EEO complaint, the EEOC may ask you to attend mediation with your employer to try to resolve the issue.
If mediation can’t resolve the issue, then the EEOC will investigate your case, and they will determine whether age discrimination has taken place. If you aren’t happy with their decision, you can request an appeal or request a notice for a right to sue.
Reach Out to a Federal Employment Attorney
Employers know that age discrimination against older workers is illegal, but this doesn’t always stop them from breaking the law. Most employers assume that older workers won’t take legal action, which is one reason why it’s important to file a complaint and hold them accountable.
If you’re ready to speak with a federal employment lawyer from Snider & Associates, LLC and begin the claims process, call 410-653-9060 or fill out the contact form below to schedule a consultation.