An employee’s age should not play a defining role in an employer’s decision to hire or terminate an employee.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) is federal law that protects certain applicants and employees 40 years of age and order from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, and compensation of employment. California has incorporated age discrimination into the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) under similar principles. Whereas the ADEA applies to employers with over 20 employees, FEHA covers smaller businesses with at least five employees.
Just as with other types of discrimination, a person could be discriminated against at work for their age by being subjected to harassment or adverse employment actions such as demotions, pay cuts, or termination. If you believe you have been targeted because of your age, you may have the right to pursue a claim against your employer. KTL can explain your legal options and help protect your employee rights.