Understanding Age Discrimination in the Workplace in Egg Harbor Township

Age should never be a barrier to career advancement or fair treatment in the workplace. Unfortunately, age discrimination is a reality for many employees, particularly those aged 40 and older. Whether it’s being passed over for promotions, facing layoffs, or enduring ageist comments, discrimination based on age is illegal. If you believe you’ve experienced age discrimination in Egg Harbor Township, an experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

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What is Age Discrimination?

Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant less favorably because of their age. This form of discrimination often affects older workers but can occur in any age-related context. Discrimination may involve hiring practices, promotions, layoffs, job assignments, training opportunities, or workplace harassment.

Legal Protections Against Age Discrimination

Several laws protect employees from age-based discrimination:

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): A federal law that protects employees and job applicants aged 40 and older from discrimination based on age in hiring, promotions, compensation, and other employment decisions.
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Offers even broader protections, prohibiting age discrimination in all employment-related matters, regardless of the employee’s age.

Examples of Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Age discrimination can be overt or subtle. Some common examples include:

Hiring Bias: Favoring younger candidates over equally qualified older applicants.
Promotion Denials: Overlooking older employees for promotions despite their experience and qualifications.
Forced Retirement: Pressuring employees to retire early or suggesting they’re “too old” for the job.
Layoffs: Targeting older workers during company restructures or downsizing efforts.
Harassment: Making derogatory remarks, jokes, or stereotypes about an employee’s age.
Training Exclusion: Denying training or professional development opportunities based on age-related assumptions.

Recognizing Subtle Signs of Age Discrimination

Age discrimination isn’t always obvious. Here are some signs that may indicate age bias in the workplace:

Comments about being “overqualified” for positions
Sudden changes in job responsibilities without valid reasons
Consistent preference for hiring younger employees
Performance reviews that unfairly criticize older workers
Being excluded from key meetings, projects, or company activities

What to Do If You Experience Age Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been subjected to age discrimination, take the following steps to protect your rights:

Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
Review Company Policies: Check your employer’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies to understand the process for reporting age discrimination.
File an Internal Complaint: Report the discrimination to your HR department or supervisor, and follow up in writing to create a record.
Seek Legal Advice: If your complaint is ignored, or if you face retaliation, consult an experienced employment lawyer to explore your legal options.

How an Employment Lawyer Can Help

Proving age discrimination can be challenging, especially when employers claim legitimate business reasons for their actions. An experienced employment lawyer can:

Evaluate your case to determine if your rights were violated under the ADEA or NJLAD
Help gather evidence, such as emails, performance reviews, and witness statements
File complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
Negotiate settlements for lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees
Represent you in court if your case proceeds to litigation

Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?

When facing age discrimination in the workplace, you need legal advocates committed to Protecting Your Rights. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has extensive experience representing employees in age discrimination cases throughout Egg Harbor Township and New Jersey. Their legal team is dedicated to holding employers accountable and securing justice for individuals who have experienced unfair treatment based on their age.

Take Action Today—Don’t Let Age Discrimination Go Unchallenged

Age should never be a factor in determining your professional worth. If you’ve experienced age discrimination in the workplace, don’t hesitate to seek legal support. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.