Many Ohio employers prefer young workers and often want to create a youthful workplace vibe. Unfortunately, that sometimes means they purposely or unintentionally discriminate against older, equally qualified employees.
Age-based discrimination is unlawful and may occur in job ads, during the hiring process and after an applicant gets a position. It can be hard to determine if you are an age discrimination victim as the indicators of such conduct are often subtle.
Signs to watch for
Like most workers, you want to be relatively sure before you take action against discrimination. Look for the signs of age-based discrimination discussed below to confirm or rule out mistreatment.
- Your employer demotes you for no reason
- Younger co-workers receive preferential treatment
- Your performances reviews are undeservedly poor or negative
- Your boss routinely passes you over for promotions or challenging assignments
Another way to spot age discrimination (possibly before it affects you) is to look for unusual layoffs or terminations of co-workers around your age.
What remedies are available for victims?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) clarifies that victims of discrimination deserve a remedy that places them where they might be if the discrimination had not occurred. Since discrimination is unique to the situation, it is hard to say exactly what form of relief victims may receive.
Examples of some specific remedies include:
- Job reinstatement (or hiring)
- Back pay or employment benefits
- Court costs and other legal fees
Victims may be eligible for liquidated damages when age discrimination occurs intentionally. These damages exist to punish malicious employers. Qualified victims could receive double the amount of backpay they would otherwise obtain.