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AGE DISCRIMINATION SUITS ON THE RISE

EEOC Releases New Statistics

Mike Haberman

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued new statistics to show that age and disability lawsuits are on the rise. Both areas of claims filed increased a half percent last year while all other areas declined slightly. However, overall claims are the highest since the mid-1990s.

As the baby-boomers in our workplaces get older this trend of age and disability suits will continue to increase. The majority of these suits will not come from applicants trying to find jobs, but from our existing employees who have been passed over for increases and promotions due to an age bias or, because of failing health, are not accommodated in continuing to do the job they are well qualified to do. Before taking action on an employee over the age of 40 careful consideration should be given to the reasons that action is being taken.

To see the entire EEOC press release click on the link.