Age Discrimination in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Age Discrimination in the Workplace - Essay Example Thus, the essay critically examines discrimination in the workplace and the application of the law of age discrimination based on specific cases. Federal and state laws protect workers against age discrimination for workers who are 40 years and above. The Age Discrimination Employment Act protects workers above 40 years against unlawful treatment by the employers or fellow employees. The employer must have at least 20 employees. The employees are protected in all the stages, including retrenchment, recruitment, workplace conditions and terms, dismissal and return to work after illness (Thew, Eastman & Bourke, 2005). Consequently, the Age Discrimination Employment Act (AFDEA) is one of the acts that protect people against discrimination on the basis of age. The act prohibits the denial of benefits to the older employees. The benefits given to the young employees should also be given to the aged. Additionally, the act prohibits mandatory retirement (Gregory, 2001). In 1993, to ensure that they were no mandatory retirement, employees such as college professors phased the elimination of mandatory retirement. That means that they would leave their workplace at an age of their choice. While, at the workplace they are entitled to all the rights. Furthermore, a mandatory retirement policy was permitted to people who are 65 years and above. After retirement, they are entitled to a pension on a monthly basis. There is also a prohibition of age preference and limitations. When advertising for a job, companies should ensure that it is open to all ages not discriminating the aged by mentioning the exact age(Gregory, 2001). Companies should also not reduce the benefits of people in the workplace based on age. If the benefits are reduced, the younger employees should also experience the same. The Age Discrimination Employment Act also prohibits discrimination in promotions, wages, layoffs, and termination of employment. Age