The Fact
The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects people age 40 and older from employment discrimination because of age. The law covers hiring, discharge, compensation, and the terms, conditions, and privileges of employment; EEOC guidance includes assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, benefits, and other employment actions.
What This Means
Age discrimination is not limited to somebody explicitly saying “you are too old.” Federal law reaches employment decisions throughout the working relationship, including hiring and layoffs.
Sources
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621–634.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “Age Discrimination.”