Laws against discrimination exist in many different facets of life, including employment in New Jersey. Unfortunately, age discrimination in the workplace is still a common issue.

What is age discrimination?

Age discrimination is the act of treating someone unfairly because they are a certain age. This could be firing someone because they are too old, not hiring someone because they are too young or denying a promotion to an employee because of their age.

Age discrimination can also manifest as comments about someone’s age, such as calling them “old” or “young.” Ageist remarks like these can make the victim feel devalued and unwelcome in their workplace.

Age can play a role in promotions and raises at work. An older worker may not get a promotion because they are “too old,” or a younger employee might get a raise when everyone else gets denied one, which could contribute to age discrimination.

What is the law against age discrimination?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or ADEA, is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees aged 40 and older. Note that this law does not protect employees who are under the age of 40. The ADEA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, and it prohibits discrimination in hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions and retirement plans.

What can you do if you experience age discrimination?

First, talk to your employer. Many employers have policies against age discrimination, and they may not be aware that someone is being treated unfairly because of their age. You can also file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC will investigate your claim and determine if there is enough evidence to file a lawsuit. If they decide to file a lawsuit, you may be able to receive damages for the discrimination you experienced.

These are just a few of the options available to someone who has experienced age discrimination in the workplace. If someone treats you unfairly because of your age, it’s important to know your rights and what you can do about it.