Workers in Minnesota who have spent many years in their chosen profession bring to their employers a wealth of experience and expertise. However, their knowledge is not always appreciated the way it should be, as some employers in Minnesota think that older workers simply cost them more money or in some other way are not as qualified as younger workers. Unfortunately, age discrimination is a reality for some workers in Minnesota. In fact, in 2006, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received over 10,000 complaints of age discrimination in the workplace.
Age discrimination can take many forms. For example, an older worker seeking employment could be disqualified for the job, simply due to his or her age. In addition, a worker could be passed up for a promotion because of his or her age, or he or she could even receive a demotion. Harassment can occur in which ageist comments or inappropriate jokes are made at the worker’s expense. In the worst of circumstances, an older worker could even be wrongfully fired, due to his or her age. Age discrimination is a serious issue, particularly if a worker loses employment just before a pension would kick in.
However, workers who have experienced age discrimination and are age 40 or older have the law on their side. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, along with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, apply to workers age 40 and up, and expressly prohibit age discrimination. Therefore, workers in Minnesota who have faced age discrimination on the job may want to take legal action against their employer, with the help of an attorney.
Attorney John Klassen has devoted his practice to employees’ rights. He understands the many forms that age discrimination can take, and has fought for the rights of workers since founding his firm in 1996. His webpage on age discrimination may help workers who want to learn more about this important topic.