National discount superstore Kmart - a subsidiary of Sears - agreed to settle an age discrimination lawsuit for $120,000. According to the press release, a 70-year old pharmacist was encouraged to quit and faced daily harassing language directed at her age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (along with similar state statutes like the Florida Civil Rights Act) prohibit employers from discriminating or retaliating against workers over age 40 because of the employee's age.
As American society ages, more older workers are going to be threatened and forced out to make way for younger workers who generally earn less and who are perceived to be more manageable. Older workers have specific protections (such as pension discrimination and the right to view similar severance packages).
Sarelson Law Firm has handled significant age discrimination matters. Employees should speak to an experienced age discrimination employment lawyer before the discrimination occurs.
