Michigan Age Discrimination Attorneys
When companies downsize because of economic difficulties, they often terminate the older employees. This is often due to a perception that these employees are more "expensive" or less suited to the "future" needs of the company. Employers may also try to force older workers to retire.
These decisions are often based on misguided stereotypic generalizations about older workers such as they are resistant to change, unable to learn new technology, or too tired and lacking the necessary energy for the job. Fortunately, the law covers these situations and others related to age discrimination.
Helping Individual Employees and Groups Fight Age Discrimination
At the Royal Oak, Michigan, law firm of Pitt, McGehee, Palmer, Rivers & Golden, our employment lawyers have many years of experience helping people fight age discrimination. We use the knowledge gained during those years to assist individuals and groups who have experienced age discrimination in hiring, layoff and promotion decisions. Contact our Michigan law firm to learn more about age discrimination and the laws against it.
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act
Often in workforce reductions, employers try to obtain releases from employees to prevent them from bringing lawsuits. The release frees the employer from liability for age discrimination or other claims in return for some financial consideration.
The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) requires employers to give statistical information to employees affected by workforce reduction describing the ages and job titles of employees laid off and those retained before the employer can obtain a valid release. In addition, employees age 40 and over must be given 45 days in a group lay-off to consider whether to sign the release.
Protecting Your Rights
At Pitt, McGehee, Palmer, Rivers & Golden, we are committed to protecting the rights of older employees and helping them avoid forced retirement due to their age. We are experienced litigators and passionate advocates for our clients' interests.
If you believe you are experiencing age discrimination, contact our Michigan employment attorneys. We can help.
