Rhode Island employees probably expect that decades of work experience of knowledge will be in their favor when seeking promotions, pay raises or new positions. This is not always the case, though, as there are many employers who actively discriminate against people based on their age. Age discrimination is not all that uncommon, either.
The link between unemployment and age discrimination
Economists at two prestigious universities found that there is a relationship between the unemployment rate and the number of age discrimination complaints that are filed with the EEOC — the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. When a state’s unemployment rate increases by 1%, age based firings go up by 4.8%. Age discrimination in hiring process also increases by 3.4%
Is proving age discrimination difficult?
Prior to 2009, victims of age discrimination only had to prove that age was a factor in their firing or mistreatment at work. In 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that a victim of age discrimination could no longer do this. Instead, a victim must now prove that it was the single most decisive factor when:
- Hiring
- Firing
- Making other employment decisions
It can be extremely disheartening to have years of credible work experience, knowledge and relevant degrees, only to be treated poorly because of one’s age. Sadly, this is the reality that many men and women in Rhode Island face on a regular basis. Age discrimination can permanently alter the course of a person’s professional life, impacting everything from income to professional credibility. While it is impossible to undo the harm that has been caused, it is possible to seek compensation for such actions through a workplace discrimination lawsuit.