What is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 is a federal law that protects workers over the age of 40 from discrimination based solely on their age. This law applies to employers with 20 or more employees and to employers who are covered by state laws prohibiting age discrimination. It prevents employers from refusing to hire, promoting, or firing someone because of their age. It also protects workers from being denied benefits or training based on their age. In Washington, employers are prohibited from asking applicants about their age during the interview or on the job application. Employers may not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their age when making hiring, promotion, demotion, or training decisions. Employers may not harass, mistreat, or show favoritism to younger employees. An employee may not be retaliated against for filing a complaint about age discrimination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act also includes a provision that allows voluntary early retirement programs. An employer may offer employees over the age of 55 a special retirement plan which includes incentives such as a lump-sum payment, health care benefits, and other terms. However, no employee can be forced to retire. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act sets the minimum standards for age discrimination in the workplace. Employees in Washington who feel they have been the victims of age discrimination should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to file a complaint.

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What is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act?

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