Age discrimination is a serious issue in California. Unfortunately, it is all too common for employers to make assumptions about employees based on their age. This can lead to unfair treatment and even termination of employment. If you have been a victim of workplace age discrimination, it is important to know your rights.
How does age discrimination occur?
One of the most common ways that age discrimination occurs is when an employer assumes that an older worker is not capable of performing the same job as a younger worker. This assumption can lead to discriminatory practices, such as refusal to hire or promote an older worker.
Another way that age discrimination can occur is when an employer sets different employment standards for workers of different ages. For example, an employer may require older workers to have more experience than younger workers in order to be eligible for a position.
How should you handle age discrimination?
If you believe that you have been a victim of workplace age discrimination, there are steps that you can take under employment law. First, document the discriminatory practices that you have experienced. This documentation will be important if you decide to file a complaint or take legal action. Next, report the matter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws, and they can investigate your claim. The organization may also take action on your behalf, such as filing a lawsuit against the employer. Finally, you can file a private lawsuit against the employer. If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be awarded damages, including lost wages and employment benefits.
There are federal and state laws that prohibit age discrimination in employment. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law that protects workers over the age of 40 from discrimination. This law applies to all employers with 20 or more employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing the ADEA. In addition to the ADEA, some states have their own laws that protect workers from age discrimination. These laws may have different eligibility requirements and provide different remedies than the ADEA.