Americans are staying healthier longer in Tennessee, and some are choosing to work longer. Some people may wish to return to work when children leave home or simply to bring in some extra money, or even to avoid being bored. Whatever the reason, employers cannot refuse to hire a qualified applicant because of one’s age. Employment law prohibits such discrimination.
A Dairy Queen restaurant in Nashville is being sued for age discrimination. According to the lawsuit brought by U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission, the restaurant refused to hire anyone over 40. The suit came about because a 60-year-old woman was told she was a good fit for the position but then was turned down for the job.
After turning the woman down for the job, the Dairy Queen hired five people, all of whom were under the age of 40. The restaurant claimed that hiring younger people provided for more flexibility in scheduling. The Nashville District Office claims that this assertion is not true.
Age discrimination in matters of employment is a violation of U.S. employment law. Anyone in Tennessee who believes he or she may have been a victim of age discrimination may benefit from discussing the issue with an experienced labor law attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the facts and circumstances of the case and can advise the client of one’s legal options under existing employment law. If a civil suit is a possible option, a lawyer may be able to help a client to obtain compensation for lost wages or other verifiable damages.