Facts ABOUT AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

Age discrimination is prohibited by federal, state and local law as follows.

• Federal law prohibits discrimination against people who are age 40 or older.  It applies to employers with 20 or more employees, including private, state and local governments as well as the federal government.

• State and local laws prohibit discrimination against workers of any age.

In general, denying benefits to older employees is prohibited.  However, in very limited circumstances, reduced benefits may be permitted when the cost of the reduced benefits is not less than the cost of benefits for younger workers.

Another point that should be mentioned is waiver of one’s rights or claims under the law.  Employees may be asked to waive their rights in connection with exit or other termination programs.  There are specific minimum requirements that must be met in   connection with this process, and in some circumstances the requirements can be quite extensive.

It is important that the employer and/or the employee seek assistance if the matter of providing benefits for older workers, or, the matter of an employee waiving their rights becomes an issue.

For additional information and for assistance with sorting out your potential workplace issues, please contact –

The Office of Human Relations
City Hall
400 S. Orange Ave., 2^nd Floor
Orlando, FL 32801
407.246.2122 (Main), 407.246.2308 (Fax)
humanrelations@cityoforlando.net

The staff is very knowledgeable in dealing with these matters and they provide quality customer service for all citizens.