Your age shouldn’t be a factor in the workplace

When you go to work every day, you probably are not thinking about your age and whether that number will keep you from doing your job. After all, you simply show up and do your job because you are capable of doing it. Unfortunately, some people view older California employees as a problem, and age discrimination in the workplace is a real issue.

Experiencing age discrimination in the workplace is disheartening and overwhelming. If you think you are a victim, you are probably unsure of what to do next. Should you speak up and take the risk of losing your job? What will happen if no one believes you? Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable, and you have the right to seek legal guidance regarding the best way to deal with it.

You have protection by law

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of their age. If you are dealing with this type of discrimination, what is happening to you is actually against the law, and you have legal grounds to take action against your employer. Some of the specific protections provided to you by the ADEA include:

• An employer cannot discriminate against an employee because of his or her age at any point in the employment process, including the hiring or firing process.
• The ADEA says that employers cannot list age requirements on job postings unless they are a bona fide qualification in order to meet the specific requirements of that individual job.
• Employers cannot force older employees to retire early, reduce benefits or use age as a consideration when downsizing within a company.

These are only a few examples of the protections provided to you by the ADEA. Age discrimination comes in all different forms, and you may not be sure if what you are experiencing counts as discrimination. Obtaining an evaluation of your case can help you learn more about what to do going forward.

What can you do?

You do not have to suffer as a victim of age discrimination in the workplace in silence. You can speak up and speak out about what you’ve endured, starting by seeking the support and guidance of an experienced employment law attorney. It is possible that you have the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim filed against your employer and other liable parties.