Employment or workplace discrimination on the basis of one’s age does not often capture the interest of media outlets, but it still happens in Florida and other states. Most age discrimination affects workers who are middle-aged or older, manifesting when these older citizens are looking for work. With advancements in the health and medical care industry, people are living longer, healthier lives and they have the same right to gainful employment as younger people do.
In 1967, the United States Congress declared that older potential workers were at a disadvantage when attempting to find employment. As such, the age discrimination in employment act came into being. The act was developed to promote the employment of older citizens based on “their ability rather than age.” Under this act, employers are prohibited from:
— Terminating or refusing to hire a person because of his or her age
— Reducing the wage rate of a worker because of his or her age
— Depriving a person of employment opportunities due to his or her age
— Reducing an employee’s accrual of benefits based on age
The issues above are just a few of the ways in which the act protects older workers from age-related workplace discrimination. While it can be challenging to prove discrimination has occurred, it is still beneficial to talk over your case with an attorney who practices in employment law. If you and your lawyer can show that you have suffered from financial lossdue to age discrimination, you may be able to hold your employer liable for damages. Consider scheduling a consultation with a Florida-based employment attorney for additional information about your case.
Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967,” accessed April 07, 2016
