The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has been zealously pursuing age discrimination claims against employers whom the EEOC believes are violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”). Recently, the EEOC settled a claim with the Texas Roadhouse chain, who agreed as part of the settlement to change its hiring practices toward older applicants.
Although the ADEA was enacted 51 years ago, the EEOC noted in is historical overview “The State of Age Discrimination and Older Workers in the U.S. 50 Years After the ADEA” the following:
Despite decades of research finding that age does not predict ability or performance, employers often fall back on precisely the ageist stereotypes the ADEA was enacted to prohibit. After 50 years of a federal law whose purpose is to promote the employment of older workers based on ability, age discrimination remains too common and too accepted.
While the EEOC is combating age discrimination now, they are also focusing on the next generation of older workers – those in Generation X. The oldest members of Generation X are entering their 50s now. The EEOC hopes to continue to combat age discrimination to protect the next generation.
The Chair of the EEOC Victoria A. Lipnic offers three pieces of advice for older workers:
- Invest in your skills so that you can stay current on the newest technologies in your field
- Do what you can to show your employer that you are still engaged and talented to fend off potential age discrimination
- File a claim with the EEOC or your state
If you believe you have been the victim of age discrimination, please consider contacting the lawyers at the Bullman Law Firm. We represent workers, not employers. Our number is (503) 987-0000. There is no charge for your call.
Source: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-the-eeoc-is-zealous-on-age-discrimination-2018-08-27
.jpg)
