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April 19, 2016
Age discrimination against employees at least forty years old has been deemed illegal in most circumstances since President Johnson signed the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) into law in 1967. The ADEA applies to employers (of interstate commerce) who employ twenty or more employees.
The ADEA does not permit:
Age limits may be legally specified when age has been shown to be a “bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business”, or, in other words, a BFOQ. An example of a BFOQ is a movie who needs to show a young character. In this case, production is allowed to seek and hire a young actress to play that young character. Age selection is also permitted for public safety reasons, for example age limits exist for pilots.
On the flip side, employers can always discharge an employee for reasons other than age, even if that person is over the age of 40. For example:
If an employee believes she has been discriminated against based on age, she can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or the EEOC). The EEOC is a federal agency that administers and enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination. The EEOC investigates claims and may settle claims as well as file civil discrimination suits against employers on behalf of alleged victims and to adjudicate claims of discrimination.
How to Utilize the EEOCFirst, contact Equal Employment Office Counselor at the closest EEOC agency within 45 days after discrimination occurs. The employee will be offered a choice to go through EEO counseling or a mediation program. If the (EEO counseling or mediation) does not settle the complaint, then the employee can file a formal complaint, within 15 days from the date they receive notice from EEO about how to file a complaint.
How to File a Formal ComplaintAfter a formal complaint is filed, the EEOC reviews it to see if it should be dismissed for a procedural reason, such as late filing. If it’s not dismissed, the EEOC will conduct an investigation.
After the EEOC issues its decision, either side has the ability to appeal. An employee must go through the administrative process before filing a lawsuit.
If you believe you’re experiencing age discrimination, reach out to Parks, Chesin & Walbert to learn more about your rights.