American workers have the right to perform their jobs without fear of discrimination based on their age, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or race. The reality is, though, that many Americans face workplace discrimination based on many of these factors every year. Discrimination can come in many forms, such as passing an individual over for a promotion even though they are the best candidate for the job, or subjecting the individual to hurtful or crude images or messages in the workplace. Discriminatory employers may also subject individuals to retaliation or wrongful termination.
Workplace discrimination is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This statute is supported by multiple federal and state laws that protect individuals from specific types of discrimination. One of these laws is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
This law prohibits discrimination in the workplace against individuals aged 40 and over. As American workers today live longer and work later into their lives than previous generations, this law is becoming increasingly relevant.
Examples of Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Often, age discrimination in the workplace is subtle. It can happen even when an individual’s supervisor is older than them. Any time an individual is treated unfairly because of their age and this treatment impacts the individual’s job performance or ability to earn a living, age discrimination has occurred. Examples of age discrimination in the workplace include the following.
- Targeting older employees for layoffs or termination
- Pressuring an older individual to retire
- Making comments about an older individual’s ability to perform the job, either due to physical or cognitive decline or due to unfamiliarity with new programs or technology
- Excluding an older individual from meetings or group projects
- Disciplining older employees more harshly than younger employees for the same infractions
- Refusing to promote an older individual despite their fitness for the more senior, experienced role
Delaware County Age Discrimination Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Represent Victims of Discrimination in the Workplace
If you are experiencing difficulties finding or keeping work and you believe it is due to your age, or find yourself being pushed out of your workplace or otherwise treated differently than your younger colleagues, you might be a victim of age discrimination. To learn more, complete our online form or call 215-569-1999 to schedule your initial consultation with The Gold Law Firm P.C.. in our Philadelphia offices. Our discrimination lawyers in Delaware County work with clients from Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York.
