The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 (amended in 1986) is a U.S. federal law that prohibits discrimination in employment against individuals who are at least 40 years old. Congress enacted the law to promote the employment of older people based on their ability and to prevent intentional and nonintentional forms of age discrimination. The act applies to private, public, and foreign companies with more than 20 workers located in the United States, as well as to unions and employment agencies.

Prohibited Practices

The ADEA makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his or her age “with respect to any term, condition, or privilege of employment.” That prohibition applies to such things as hiring, firing, job assignments, promotions, training opportunities, discipline, and ...

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