Many workers over the age of 40 find themselves being discriminated against and having their careers cut short despite many years of loyalty and hard work for their employers. Companies often terminate older workers in favor of younger employees simply because of their age. These age-based terminations come disguised as downsizing, reductions in force, reorganizations, and layoffs. Such practices based upon age are illegal and give rise to legal claims of age discrimination.
The ADEA specifically provides that it is unlawful for a covered employer to:
- fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to their compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s age; or
- limit, segregate, or classify its employees in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect their status as an employee, because of such individual’s age.
It is also unlawful for an employer to create a hostile work environment on the basis of age. Offensive and derogatory comments about a person’s age that are severe or pervasive may constitute unlawful harassment.
Discrimination against workers because of their age is illegal and should not be accepted.
If you believe you are being, or have been discriminated against because of your age, contact the law firm of Henrichsen Siegel, P.L.L.C. immediately for a consultation.
