When you are working in a company for a long time, your retirement is something that you might be looking forward to. However, it might not be a moving experience when your employer forced it upon you. When you suddenly face a forced early retirement, you might wonder – is this a form of age discrimination?
Here are some things you need to know about forced early retirement and how you can respond to it.
Understanding age discrimination
When you are treated differently at work because of your age, this could be a form of age discrimination. This can be especially prominent to employees 40 years old and above. While the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits this type of discrimination in the workplace, it does not forbid employers from asking their employees to retire early voluntarily. But, if the retirement is forced upon an employee because of their age, it can be a form of discrimination.
The intersection of forced retirement and age discrimination
Forced early retirement often happens when a company plans to eliminate older workers. Some do this to open positions for younger workers, while others do this to downsize company costs – long-term and older employees tend to have higher salaries.
When age is the primary reason for your early retirement, it is a form of age discrimination. If it is based on reasons other than your age, it may not be discrimination. The key is whether the decision is based on the employee’s age or other factors.
Responding to age discrimination
Every case of forced retirement is different; it is essential to seek legal guidance to respond to your specific situation effectively. If you believe that you have been a victim of age discrimination, an employment law attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights.
In the world of work, age should be a measure of experience and wisdom, not a basis for discrimination. If your employer forced you into early retirement and you believe that it is due to your age, do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney. Do not let age discrimination go unchallenged. You have the right to a workplace that values your contributions, regardless of age.
