Expert: Michael Troy - 3/26/2007

Question
    I was wondering if it was illegal to discriminate against anyone in the work place based on their age? If so, I would like to know if I could possibly be a victim of this type of discrimination. I have applied for jobs at my place of work and not given proper consideration, and these jobs were given to lesser qualified candidates, and some of these candidates were not even in good standing in relation to company policy ie: attendance etc... I work at a yacht building facility and am 24 years, have Yacht Joinery Certification, extensive blueprint reading skills, decent writing skills, and am currently attending College for Mechanical Engineering. Some of the employees who I have been defeated by can barely read or write, inhibiting their ability to communicate effectively. I feel as if I am not expected to be knowledgeable in my field because I am so young. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Adam,

It could be age discrimination.  Unfortunately for your situation, it is also legal.  Age discrimination laws only apply to people over age 40.  The laws are designed to protect people from being too old, not too young.

Yes, it's ironic that the age discrimination law itself discriminates on the basis of age, but that is the situation.

I hope this helps!
- Mike