The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) covers employers with how many employees?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) specifically protects employees aged 40 and older from discrimination in the workplace on the basis of age. This legislation applies to employers with 20 or more employees. This threshold was established to ensure that the protections offered under the ADEA address a significant enough portion of the workforce, recognizing that larger employers are more likely to have the resources and influence that could impact age-related employment decisions. By setting the limit at 20 employees, the ADEA aims to promote fair treatment in employment practices while also considering the practicality of compliance for smaller businesses.

Understanding this coverage limit is essential for both employees who seek to understand their rights and for employers to be aware of their obligations under the law. Smaller organizations with fewer than 20 employees are not subject to the ADEA, which distinguishes it from other employment laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act that may cover employers with different employee thresholds.