You loved your job, and you were loyal to your employer, too. Your work ethic was unquestionable. For decades, your co-workers have counted on your experience and wisdom in the workplace. Then, your boss summoned you to their office one morning to break the news of your dismissal.
While Michigan is an at-will employment state, meaning the employer can release you from your role for any reason whatsoever, that reason cannot be illegal – and you believe that your age is the only reason you were let go. What do you do next?
The law is your ally
The 1967 Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) covers employees, and potential employees, who are 40 years of age and older from all forms of discrimination. According to this law, an employee cannot be overlooked for a promotion, job assignment, training or any other work-related benefit on the basis of their age. It also stipulates that an employee cannot be dismissed from the role on the basis of their age.
If you believe your dismissal was influenced by your age, you need to take action. However, to prove discrimination and wrongful dismissal, you need evidence. Here are some of the questions that can help you prove age discrimination at work:
- Did your employer pressure on you to take early retirement before they fired you?
- Was your employer actually bold enough to admit that your dismissal was based on your age?
- Were you replaced by a younger employee?
- Has the company done this to other workers of your age or older?
No one wants to feel they are no longer needed because they have aged. Find out how you can safeguard your rights if you are a victim of age discrimination at work.
