EEOC Urged To Strengthen Its Age Discrimination Rules, Increase Enforcement

At a recent Equal Employment Opportunity Commission hearing, John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray, & Christmas Inc., joined other experts in telling the Commission that discrimination and stereotypes about older workers contribute to the skills gap and limit economic growth by channeling older workers out of the labor force.  In his testimony, Mr. Challenger said: "Societal tradition, outdated legislation and flawed business practices that channel older people out of the work force, especially skilled workers, are damaging the economic health of our country."  The hearing signals to employers that the EEOC may be considering some regulatory activity related to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.  According to Acting EEOC Chair Victoria A. Lipnic: "Outdated assumptions about age and work deprive people of economic opportunity and stifle job growth and productivity.  My hope is that 50 years after the enactment of the ADEA, we can work together to fulfill the promise of this important civil rights law to ensure opportunities are based on ability, not age."