A couple of weeks ago we discussed how tough the job market is here in New Jersey, and throughout the country, for older workers. Older workers frequently face illegal discrimination in hiring as well as on the job. Although it can be difficult to accomplish, employers can be held accountable when they violate the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and a recent case involving AT&T provides a great example.

The telecommunications company has agreed to pay $250,000 in order to settle an age discrimination lawsuit that had been filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The company had been accused of firing a 16-year veteran of the company because of her age in 2008. The woman at the center of this case was a sales coach manager for AT&T, and she was 53 at the time she was fired.

AT&T was accused of violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act by firing this woman while keeping younger, worse-performing sales coach managers on staff.

In addition to the financial settlement that has been secured for this woman, AT&T has agreed to focus on providing anti-discrimination training throughout the company.

AT&T is one of the largest companies in the world, and it is very disappointing to hear of it practicing age discrimination.

Age discrimination is an uncalled for, yet very real, obstacle to employment for many New Jersey residents. During the recent economic downtown, there have been many reports of people who have been fired due to age discrimination and who are then unable to find new jobs for the very same reason.

Companies that disregard the Age Discrimination in Employment Act may face consequences.

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “AT&T to Pay Quarter Million Dollars to Settle EEOC Age Discrimination Suit,” Aug. 30, 2013