Tennessee (TN) Age Discrimination Law in the Workplace

August 23rd, 2006 Posted by Ashley

If you are a worker in Tennessee and are 40 or older, you have a resource in the state government designed especially to assist you. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development sees the older worker as “experienced” and “exploring” a new work landscape.

This special division is targeted toward Baby Boomers, those who are part of a large group with ages ranging from 50s to 60s. Along with encouraging older workers and encouraging businesses to use older workers, the State of Tennessee has established the Human Rights Commission to “prevent” and “eradicate” discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing.

Tennessee has cooperative agreements with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) that allow federal and state agencies to work together in their investigation of complaints about discrimination. However, the commission requires that you file your complaint within 180 days of the incident, using the complaint form provided by the Tennessee agency. The state’s current Human Rights Act is based on the original law of 1974 and under current law, if you work for a business that employs eight or more workers, the Tennessee law applies to you.

Now, keep in mind that the commission will assist you in filing the complaint and proceed to public hearing if necessary, though the department makes an effort at conference and conciliation, as do the agencies in numerous states. On the other hand, I found that Tennessee law allows you to pursue your complaint in court as well, under certain guidelines. Further research revealed that the governing body of Tennessee universities has made a special effort to outline the way its schools will deal with possible discrimination incidents.

The Board of Regents that oversees state universities in Tennessee specifically lists the various federal and state laws that apply to its employment and hiring policies. These include the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and several other laws aimed at worker/employer relations. What happens is that the university designates a person on the Board of Regents staff to act as and Equal Employment Officer/Affirmative Action Officer.

Last 10 posts by Ashley

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Washington (WA) Age Discrimination Law in the Workplace »
Posted in Discrimination, Employment Laws, Hostile Environment, Tennessee

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