Older Workers Age Discrimination Lawsuit

In a September 22, 2009 Press Release at http://www.eeoc.gov/press/9-22-09.html , the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (”EEOC”) announced that its attorneys sued a metal recycling company for age discrimination, alleging that the company violated federal law by refusing to hire a qualified 76-year-old applicant because of his age.  According to the EEOC’s Press Release, the federal lawsuit charges that the older worker applied for the position of diesel mechanic, and, although he was qualified for the position, the company refused to hire him, stating it was looking for someone younger.  EEOC attorneys charge that the company continued to seek applicants for the position, and ultimately hired an individual who was substantially younger than the older worker and who was less qualified.  As stated in the Press Release, discrimination against persons age 40 and over because of age violates the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).  In this regard, the EEOC is a federal agency which enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including discrimination against older workers based on their age.  An EEOC attorney quoted in the Press Release stated that “Federal law ensures that older workers have the right to participate in the workplace regardless of age.”  Further information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov .

Whether employment related age discrimination occurs in Beaumont, Houston, Port Arthur or elsewhere, older worker victims of age bias may contact the EEOC and a lawyer to determine if an age discrimination lawsuit is ultimately appropriate under the particular facts and circumstances of the potential older worker age bias claim.