Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Files Age Discrimination Suit Against AT&T

According to The New York Times, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed an age discrimination lawsuit against AT&T. Specifically, it is alleged by the EEOC that AT&T, the largest telecommunications provider in the United States, “discriminate(s) against older employees by denying them the chance to be rehired solely because they left under early retirement plans.” This discrimination caused older workers to not have the same opportunities when applying for re-employment as younger workers would have with AT&T.

The EEOC alleges that AT&T has had this policy of discrimination since 2006, causing the exclusion of older workers from being re-employed with the company solely as a result of their age, with no regard to their qualifications. It is unknown how many workers this discriminatory practice harmed; however, the early retirement programs have involved over 50,000 individuals. Of course, the workers affected would be only those who sought re-employment with AT&T.

The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in Manhattan. Although AT&T would not comment specifically on the lawsuit, they did note that “AT&T makes diversity and inclusion a top priority.”

Especially in this economy, many older workers are having to return to the workforce after retirement. These workers should be afforded the same opportunities as younger workers. Do you believe that you are a victim of age discrimination or are you unsure? If you would like to discuss your legal rights, contact our office for a free consultation.