Workers’ Rights Under the Age Discrimination Employment Act
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 gave workers aged 40 or older critical rights in the workplace. As workers age and gain more experience in their field, they may be able to earn a higher income than their younger, less experienced counterparts. ADEA prevents employers from discriminating against individuals based on their age and, as a result, helps to maintain those workers’ right to work. Most people would agree that employment compensation & opportunities should be based on attributes like proficiency, education, and experience. When individuals are discriminated against because of their age, those valuable attributes are treated as meaningless.
How Age Discrimination Employment Act Regulates Employers
Individuals should never be discriminated against because of their age or any other reason. To regulate employers, ADEA makes it unlawful for employers to do any of the following:
- To allow an individual’s age influence whether he or she is hired or fired, wage compensation, or the terms, conditions, and privileges of employment
- To deprive any individual of an employment opportunity by limiting, segregating, or classifying that employee because of their age
- To reduce the wages of any employee to comply with ADEA
By making it unlawful for employers to engage in any of these behaviors, individuals have grounds for legal recourse when they have been discriminated against because of their age.
Contact an Age Discrimination Lawyer Today
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in the workplace because of your age, the Austin lawyers at The Melton Law Firm can help you understand what your legal options may be. To speak with one of our lawyers today, please call (512) 330-0017.
