How often is Age Discrimination reported to the EEOC?

In 2016, there were 20,857 claims of age discrimination filed across the country, making it the ninth-consecutive year where employees alleged more than 20,000 cases of ageism in the U.S. workforce. While some states saw a decline in the number of discrimination complaints filed with the EEOC between 2009 and 2018, others saw dramatic increases.

Are there laws against age discrimination in employment?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. It does not protect workers under the age of 40, although some states have laws that protect younger workers from age discrimination.

Do you have to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC?

It requests EEOC to take remedial action. All of the laws enforced by EEOC, except for the Equal Pay Act, require you to file a Charge of Discrimination with us before you can file a job discrimination lawsuit against your employer.

How to file a complaint against age discrimination?

Keep in mind that your state also may have a law prohibiting age discrimination, in which case you may have to file a charge or complaint with your state agency as well. In many states, however, if you file a charge with the EEOC it is treated as dual-filed with the requisite state agency. [25]

Does the EEOC really help?

Yes, the EEOC does help if you have a case of discrimination. They have staff attorneys and investigators that will help you process your claim. Also, they will try to settle the claim with the employer, and if you can’t the EEOC will issue a right to sue letter, which means that you have a valid claim against the employer for discrimination.

Should I contact the EEOC?

You should contact the EEOC anytime you believe: You are being treated differently at work because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy ), national origin, disability, age (age 40 or older) or genetic information. You are being harassed at work for any of these reasons.

How are EEOC claims negatively affect an employer?

In terms of morale, an EEOC complaint can hurt the employer in monetary and non-monetary ways. The employer’s reputation also suffers if the EEOC complaint becomes public, or if employees discuss the issue outside the workplace. The business community can be unforgiving when an organization appears to have ignored its social responsibility.

What is an EEOC complaint?

An EEOC complaint is a complaint filed with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is a federal agency within the United States designed to protect certain employees’ rights.