Age discrimination in the workplace

On Behalf of | Mar 6, 2024 | Employment Law

Minnesota workers should be able to go to work each day without being concerned about discrimination. While most people are aware of discrimination related to religion, race, and gender, they may not know how common age discrimination is. Employers are not permitted to discriminate against an employee due to their age. If this happens, the employee may have cause to take action against their employer.  

Age discrimination 

Employers cannot treat job applicants or current employees differently simply because of their age. The Age Discrimination Employee Act prevents employers from mistreating those over 40 years of age. This is applicable during hiring, training, firing, assigning jobs, deciding pay, and offering benefits. No terms or conditions of employment can be based on age when the individual is over the age of 40.  

Age harassment at work is also forbidden. Harassment may present itself in the form of offensive remarks about an employee’s age, or constant teasing or ridicule that creates a hostile work environment. The person harassing the victim could be the manager, a co-worker, a client, or a customer of the employer.  

Advice when dealing with discrimination 

Every individual, no matter their age, has the right to work without harassment or discrimination. Age discrimination can create many issues for older workers who are simply trying to make a living. Worrying about one’s work environment can cause stress, both at work and at home, and often leads to poor productivity and other issues. Minnesota workers who’ve experienced discrimination or harassment related to their age should seek advice to understand what options they have in suing for compensation.