EEOC
ACTING CHAIR LIPNIC RELEASES REPORT ON THE STATE OF OLDER WORKERS AND AGE
DISCRIMINATION 50
YEARS AFTER THE ADEA
CONTACT:
202-663-4191
newsroom@eeoc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2018
WASHINGTON – Victoria A. Lipnic, Acting Chair of the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), issued a report today on the State
of Older Workers and Age Discrimination 50 Years After the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act (ADEA). The ADEA was signed into law in December 1967 and
took effect 50 years ago this month, in June 1968. The ADEA was an important
part of 1960s civil rights legislation that was intended to ensure equal
opportunity for older workers.
The
report finds that age discrimination remains too common and too accepted as
outdated assumptions about older workers and ability persist, even though
today’s experienced workers are more diverse, better educated and working
longer than previous generations.
“As we’ve studied the
current state of age discrimination this past year in commemorating the ADEA,
we’ve seen many similarities between age discrimination and harassment,”
explained Acting EEOC Chair Victoria A. Lipnic. “Like harassment, everyone
knows it happens every day to workers in all kinds of jobs, but few speak up.
It’s an open secret.”
The report recognizes the
similarities between age discrimination and other discrimination. Only about 3
percent of those who have experienced age discrimination complained to their
employer or a government agency, according to recent research. Studies find
that more than
three-fourths of older workers surveyed report their age is an obstacle in
getting a job. Even with a booming economy and low unemployment, older workers
still report they have difficulties getting hired.
Lipnic’s report provides a wealth of information and
resources. It includes recommendations from experts on strategies to prevent
age discrimination, such as including age in diversity and inclusion programs
and having age-diverse hiring panels. Research
shows that age diversity can improve organizational performance and lower
employee turnover. Studies also find that mixed-age work teams result in higher
productivity for both older and younger workers.
“I hope the report also serves to put to rest outdated assumptions about experienced workers," Acting Chair Lipnic commented. “As I’ve said many times,
they have talent that our economy cannot afford to waste.”
The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws
prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC
news by subscribing to our email updates.
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