- Inappropriate comments: Older jobseekers and employees should be on the lookout for offensive comments directed at their age. Nicknames like grandma or grandpa may be an indicator. Harassment is one of the most common signs of discrimination.
- Poor performance reviews: Employers may target older employees with negative performance reviews. This may happen even when the targeted employees have a proven record of hard work and success.
- Reassignments: Older workers may be assigned to job duties that do not reflect their experience. This is often a tactic employers use to force older employees into early retirement.
- Firing older workers: According to the AARP, employers may start firing all of the older workers while hiring younger employees. They may say they want to cultivate a “younger work culture.”
- Not being hired: Employers may refuse to hire older jobseekers who are qualified for jobs. They may instead hire younger and less experienced employees. Some employers may state reasons why they do not want to hire older jobseekers.
Do Employees Have Protections Against Age Discrimination?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (also known as ADEA) protects older workers and jobseekers. However, evidence is essential while pursuing an age discrimination claim. Affected workers can keep any documents they were given by their employers before being terminated. Jobseekers can also hold onto written or electronic correspondence.
The Los Angeles age discrimination attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison, P.C. can help affected workers pursue options for holding their employers accountable.
