Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Re: Discrimination

If you really believe this is age discrimination, which on these limited facts it appears to be, make sure you document everything in writing - such as your request for the position, etc. Because your employer is a large international company, you should also consider contacting HR at the corporate headquarters. Look at your company manual to see the procedure of how to report discrimination and then make sure you report it following the instructions in the manual.

Re: Discrimination

Age discrimination is a tough case to make. But you can either hire an attorney to contact the employer and try to convince them that they should avoid litigation and hire you; or you could file an age discrimination claim (for free) with the EEOC or Florida Human Rights office; or contact someone high up the chain at work and try to make your case(if so, be factual, diplomatic and non-accusatory); or any combination of the above.

However, whatever you do likely will put the employer on the defensive and they could retaliate, although that is illegal, in any number of ways. It could be as subtle as not assigning you interesting work to fabricating performance issues and trying to find reasons to fire you.

So, you should think long and hard about your next move. Is the fight worth jeopardizing your job? Can you make do if worse comes to worse and you lose your income? It may not be fair, but those are the things you must consider.

Also, be honest with yourself. Are there any good reasons they should not hire you? Lack of experience? Troubles in your work history? Rest assured, the employer will cite those things as reasons for their decision if you bring a claim.

If you want to hire an attorney to help, feel free to email directly to me.

Once they make the decision, there are deadlines for filing EEO claims (discrimination) so do not delay more than a few months at worst (assuming you are with a private company).

Good luck.

Jeff Sheldon

Jeffrey L. Sheldon

The Sheldon Law Firm

CAVEAT: This is only general advice based on limited facts and knowledge of the situation. It thus can not be relied upon as legal advice nor is the author responsible or liable for any actions by the parties involved in the matter.