Age Discrimination — It's Against the Law
Although age discrimination in employment is hard to prove, it happens more than one might think. If you believe you were discriminated against because of your age, it is important to consult with an attorney who knows civil rights law and its prohibitions against employment discrimination. At The Employment Rights Group, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, employment law is what we do. Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to advise you about an age discrimination claim and undertake the appropriate action on your behalf. Contact them toll free at
Examples of Age Discrimination
Age discrimination in employment has been illegal since the 1960's. Federal law protects employees that are ages 40 and older from discrimination in hiring, firing and promotion. It also covers individuals in situations involving layoffs, pay and benefits, work assignments and access to training. In practical terms, age discrimination may be occurring when:
- Widespread layoffs appear to affect older workers disproportionately
- Supervisors encourage older employees to retire
- Supervisors try to develop ways of terminating older works for poor performance, even when there have been no performance problems
- Other employees in your workplace are constantly joking about your age
Not all examples of forced retirement are illegal. Some executive positions, public safety jobs, and federal government positions are exempt from the law about age discrimination and retirement. Our attorneys can determine whether your employer's behavior constitutes possible age discrimination.
Retaliation — Also Against the Law
It is not only illegal to use age as a criteria in hiring, firing and promotion, it is also against the law to retaliate against any employee who asserts his or her rights by consulting a lawyer or filing an age discrimination claim. For example, if you complained to your human resources department about discriminatory treatment in your work group, and were then transferred to another, less desirable position, you may have experienced retaliation. Or if you were fired and suspect it was because you filed an age discrimination claim, consult a lawyer about a wrongful termination claim.
Contact an Attorney About Age Discrimination
If you think your employer has made decisions about your working conditions and pay based on your age, contact an employment lawyer. The Employment Rights Group attorneys will advise you about your rights, intervene on your behalf or undertake litigation — whichever is most appropriate for your situation. Call us toll free at
