What You Need To Know About Age Discrimination

Employers have a legal obligation to treat employees fairly regardless of their age. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. If you suspect you’ve been treated poorly due to your age, there are a few things you need to know.

Whether you work in a corporate office or in a retail store, it’s important that you understand exactly what discrimination is and how it can affect you. While no one wants to think about the possibility of being discriminated against, the truth is that many adults experience this at their places of business. Although most workers are familiar with the ideas of sexual or religious discrimination, you may not be familiar with one of the most pervasive forms of discrimination. Age discrimination is something that still isn’t talked about openly. While some adults may view the idea of replacing older team members with “fresh blood” as simply a fact of life, the reality is that this is an illegal act that should be taken seriously. Whether you have been the victim of age discrimination or you know someone who has, there are a few things you need to know.

What Is It?

In the United States, it is illegal for employers to terminate someone over the age of 40 simply because of their age. Similarly, employers cannot request that employees they hire be a certain age. Employers must offer a fair chance to anyone who wants to apply for a position. Whether a worker is 20 or 50, they should have a fair chance to apply for a position they are interested in and to be treated with fairness and equality once they are hired. Employers may not treat employees poorly due to their age, and doing so is cause for concern.

What Should You Do?

Has your employer commented on your age in a negative way? Have you noticed backhanded comments regarding the fact that you are older than other employees? Have you noticed that younger employees receive more benefits or are treated better than the older team members? Has your employer given you a hard time because you have previously filed complaints about age discrimination? If you are experiencing difficulty and you are being treated poorly by your supervisors due to your age, you need to reach out to an attorney. Note that you must be at least 40 years old to file a claim of age discrimination, as these laws do not currently apply to younger citizens.

How Can A Lawyer Help?

Your attorney can clearly explain the rules and regulations regarding age discrimination in the US. They can help you understand exactly what you need to know about moving forward and receiving the assistance you deserve, as well as any compensation you may be entitled to. While the laws vary in each state, one thing remains for certain: an employer cannot be cruel or discriminatory simply because you are older than other team members. If you notice mistreatment of yourself or another employee who wants your help, it’s time to take action.