Reviewing age discrimination in California

Each day, prospective workers apply for jobs and are rejected solely because of their age. For those who are subjected to age discrimination firsthand, a variety of challenges may turn their lives upside down. For example, a job applicant who is discriminated against may not receive consideration for a position they are fully qualified for, while an employee who is laid off after they turn a certain age may have a difficult time paying their bills and taking care of other financial responsibilities. In Los Angeles, and other cities across the state of California, victims of discrimination should not hesitate to stand up for their employee rights.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is against the law for employers to discriminate on an employee because they are 40 years old or older. The EEOC does not protect workers who are under the age of 40 from age discrimination. That said, some states do take action against those who discriminate against younger employees.

Age discrimination is illegal under California law, according to the Office of the Attorney General. In fact, the Fair Employment and Housing Act specifically outlaws employment discrimination which targets those who are over the age of 40. There are many examples of workplace discrimination, all of which are against the law. For example, employers cannot fire, lay off or refuse to hire an employee because they are 40 or older. Moreover, it is illegal for an employer to create a hostile environment in the workplace due to relentless harassment based on a worker’s age, if they are at least 40 years old.