Age Discrimination: Facts For Employees
We all get older, but even so, there's no reason anyone should face discrimination in the workplace just because of their age. Unfortunately, it's clear that age discrimination in employment remains a serious problem, despite longstanding efforts to eliminate it. Here are some crucial facts that all older employees worried about this issue should keep in mind.
Protected
Many employees are protected from age discrimination by federal law. The law requires employers to avoid treating a worker in a discriminatory fashion due to age in all aspects of the employee/employer relationship. This includes discrimination regarding hiring, firing, layoffs, benefits, and promotions. This federal law applies to any private workplace that has 20 workers or more. It also applies to government entities, although it's usually more difficult for an employee to seek redress for age discrimination from a government agency than from a private company.
Another important factor to keep in mind is that all states have statutes outlawing age discrimination. In many cases, the state laws are even more favorable to employees than the federal law. For example, in Arkansas, age discrimination rules apply to companies that have nine workers or more.
Evidence
If you believe that you are being discriminated against on your job due to being an older worker, the next step is to compile evidence that will support your position. For example, if your boss or supervisor is making negative comments about your age, make of note of the what was said and whether any witnesses heard the remarks. Also, make a record of any instances where you are being treated less favorably than your colleagues. This includes being kept out of key meetings or repeatedly being given more difficult assignments than younger workers. If you notice that younger colleagues are promoted over you despite the fact that you have put in more time at the company, this could indicate age discrimination as well.
Another potential piece of evidence involves discipline. If you are being disciplined for actions that are ignored in younger workers, it could be due to age discrimination on the employer's part.
When you believe that you are a victim of age discrimination and want to seek redress, you will definitely need the help of an attorney to have a good chance of winning your case. Proving age discrimination is not always easy and working with an experienced age discrimination lawyer will give you the best chance of coming out on top.
For more information, contact your local age discrimination law services.