5 Signs of Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Despite laws to protect workers, age discrimination in the workplace still runs rampant. 

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), age discrimination is a major concern for older workers. 1 in 5 adults over 50 say they have experienced age discrimination since turning 40. 

There are laws to help protect older workers.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 was created at the federal level. At the state level, workers are protected in California by the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

The laws are designed to protect workers over the age of 40 from age discrimination. Despite the law, age discrimination is still commonplace. 

There are different signs one can look out for if they believe they are being discriminated against for their age.

The first and most obvious sign is blatant discriminatory comments. Imagine a supervisor who flat out calls an employee over the age of 60 derogatory names like “dinosaur” or “ancient”. 

This behavior is completely unacceptable. It’s harassing and a form of bullying, and should not be tolerated. 

Employers or colleagues may still use discriminatory language but in a coded form. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, phrases like “recent graduate” or “youthful” may be a guise for age discrimination.

Another sign of age discrimination may occur if employees 40 or older are left out of events or gatherings. 

Think of a situation where a group of workers are heading out for drinks and dinner one Friday. The employees, all of whom are in their 20’s, avoid inviting Stacy, who is 55. 

The trend continues, and Stacy is continuously left out of events. This may be ground for an age discrimination claim.

Younger workers may also receive promotions over their older peers. This doesn’t necessarily mean someone is being discriminated against because of their age, it would depend on parts of the promotion process.

Let’s say 60 year-old Dave and 22 year-old Simon both work in the sales department. Dave continuously ranks at the top of sales made, while Simon is at the bottom.

Despite this, Simon is promoted to a higher-paying position over Dave because he has “more energy”. This is the second time Dave has been passed up for promotion to someone younger without the same qualifications.

In terms of qualifications, this could be another form of age discrimination in the workplace based on the idea of what an employee does or doesn’t know.

For example, an older job-seeker may be looked over for a social media position due to the assumption that they are not as understanding of such platforms. 

Another example could be an employer inviting only employees under the age of 40 to a Photoshop class. Not bringing in 40 or older employees is a discriminatory practice.

If you believe you were looked over for a promotion or terminated because of your age, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Being fully capable of performing job tasks but being turned away because of your age can be embarrassing and belittling. It could lead to you losing financial opportunities.

At C&B Law Group, our team of Los Angeles Age Discrimination attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the waters of such a case. With decades of combined experience, our compassionate lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Additionally, we work on a contingency basis, so you don’t owe us attorney fees until a successful settlement is reached for your case.

We understand the psychological pain you may be going through during this time. You shouldn’t have to suffer.

You are a qualified employee, and being discriminated against because of your age is illegal. Let us work for you.

We service clients across Southern California, in areas such as:

• Los Angeles
• Glendale
• Long Beach
• Burbank
• Bakersfield

Don’t hesitate to contact our LA Employment law attorneys today to learn more about a free consultation.