The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination against persons 40 years of age or older. The ADEA is located in the United States Code, beginning at 29 U.S.C. §621.
In Rhode Island, as in all states, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provides federal protections for employees and job applicants who are 40 years of age or older from discrimination in the workplace. The ADEA prohibits discrimination in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. It is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). While the ADEA is a federal law, Rhode Island may also have state laws that provide similar or additional protections against age discrimination. Employers in Rhode Island must comply with both federal and state discrimination laws, and employees who believe they have been discriminated against based on their age have the right to file a complaint with the EEOC or the appropriate state agency.