Entering the workforce as someone older than 40 could present new challenges you did not have to face when you were younger. One potential problem that could be a barrier to finding employment is age discrimination.
Age discrimination refers to unfair treatment or harassment in the workplace because of your age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits discrimination against people 40 and older. Learn the common signs of age discrimination to find out if you could be the victim of this illegal behavior in Kentucky.
Offensive remarks about your age
It is one thing to put up with a few jokes at work about how old you are. It is another for coworkers or your employer to subject you to offensive remarks that create a toxic work environment. If you feel unwelcome, harassed or unsafe at the office because of offensive age-related remarks, you could be the victim of age discrimination.
Discriminatory company policies
It is against the law to enforce any workplace rule or employment policy that has an adverse effect on people 40 and older. The only exception is if your employer based the decision on a reasonable factor that does not have to do with age. Otherwise, you could have a claim against the company.
Employment decisions based on age
If you suspect an employer of making a recent hiring or firing decision based solely on your age, you could be the victim of discrimination. The same is true if your employer made an age-based decision to promote, demote, pay, assign a job, train or give benefits to you or someone else. Basing any employment decision solely on age goes against the ADEA.
What to do about age discrimination in Kentucky
As a potential victim of age discrimination, bring the issue up with your employer. Go to Human Resources and file an official complaint. If the company does not resolve the issue, take your case to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC could help you hold an employer accountable for age discrimination. Then, speak to an attorney for further assistance.