An unfortunate result of the aging of America and the desire of employees to work longer, is that age discrimination is on the rise. Often employers believe that older, more experienced workers cost more to keep on the payroll – as the result of seniority, pension plans, etc. Many times – the people who may contributing the most in terms of skills and experience are the first to go when times are tough and companies need to save money.
Examples of age discrimination include an employer not hiring someone because they want a younger looking person to do the job. Other times catch phrases are used that are based in discrimination – such as you were “inflexible” concerning taking new assignments, or the project called for someone who is “digital native,” or an employer explains that they are looking for “new blood.” These phrases may cloak an anti-older worker bias. Where an age bias impacts your ability to get a job or a promotion, or leads to your termination, you may have a claim for age discrimination.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which was passed in 1967, prohibits your employer from taking negative employment actions against older workers (those over 40), whether hiring, firing or failing to promote. Unfortunately, the incidence of age discrimination continues to rise.
For more information or if you believe that you may have suffered discrimination as the result of your age, please do not hesitate to contact the experienced Atlanta discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP.