Age Discrimination in Employment Act


Age Discrimination in Employment Act

Legislation in the United States, passed in 1967, that forbids discrimination against persons over the age of 40 in the hiring or firing of, and the distribution of benefits to, employees. The Act was deemed necessary because some employers were unlikely to hire otherwise qualified applicants because they were closer to retirement and therefore less likely to stay with the company. It provides for reinstatement and back pay for employees against whom companies have discriminated.