What is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a law that protects employees and job applicants over the age of 40 from discrimination in the workplace. This law covers all aspects of the employment process, from hiring to promotions, wages, and benefits. It also forbids employers from using age as a factor in any decisions made regarding job offers and opportunities. In Texas, the ADEA applies to employers with 20 or more employees. It requires employers to treat workers and applicants ages 40 or older the same as any other individual in the same position regardless of age. That means employers must provide equal pay and benefits for individuals of the same age, regardless of their seniority. Additionally, the law prohibits employers from setting different terms of employment based on age. For example, it prohibits employers from setting a retirement age or forcing employees of a certain age to retire. The ADEA also requires employers to give job applicants over the age of 40 an equal opportunity to be considered for a job. Employers are prohibited from publishing job advertisements or job descriptions that indicate a preference for a certain age group. By protecting workers over the age of 40 from discrimination in the workplace, the ADEA helps ensure workers can pursue their career goals without facing unfair obstacles based on age. This law helps keep the job market competitive and encourages employers to address their fair treatment of all employees.
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