The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects older workers

On Behalf of | Mar 24, 2017 | Age Discrimination |

An entire generation of Americans known as the “baby boomers” are reaching the age when many are probably thinking about retirement. However, the recent economic troubles our country has gone through in the last decade may have left many in Minnesota and across the nation on the outside looking in at that dream — and perhaps forced to make employment changes.

Unfortunately, there can be a bias against older workers who are looking for new employment. 50 years ago, the United States Congress recognized this issue and passed legislation known as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

In passing this legislation, Congress made certain findings in regards to why the legislation was needed and what its purpose would be. Congress found that older workers can face challenges when it comes to retaining employment. Further, arbitrary age limits for certain positions, or even outright age discrimination, can be a hindrance for older workers in America. Congress also noted that unemployment rates among older Americans at the time was becoming a growing concern. So, the purpose of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 was to promote employment among older Americans, as well as to help prevent discrimination based on a person’s age.

This law gives Americans the right to pursue corrective action if they are subjected to age discrimination in the workplace. It is important for Minnesota residents to know their rights if a lawsuit should become necessary. No form of discrimination should be tolerated in the workplace, whether it is based on race, gender, disability or age.

Source: eeoc.gov, “The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967,” Accessed March 20, 2017