Age Discrimination?

Question

I am 17 and work for one of the country's larger employers. I have colleagues who are over 18 doing the exact same job as me. They get paid 50% more per hour. Is this legal, in light of the Age Discrimination Act. If it's not, how do I go about challenging my employer?

I am still at college and that does take priority. The idea that my colleagues have more experience in the job does not apply as myself and another person started on exactly the same day and earn different rates. Ah well, I'm 18 in October.. not soooooooo long to go..

Answer 1

because of the minimum wage, this could be legal.
the minimum is different for certain age groups, so if you are getting at least this amount, then im afraid it is legal.
once you turn 18 though the minimum wage rises significantly so make sure you get a rise accordingly.

Answer 2

Hi Dom,
I see what you mean.

When I used to be 17/18, as a pioneer apprentice, starting on my B.Sc, I got loads of stick from "collegues" who felt themeselves destined for the "shop floor".
I got the fine figure of £8 per week, whereas someone a year above me recieved £10/week.
I was dismayed, but understanding that he had a tad more experience in stuff.
Such as it was, and still is.
You gets payed for what you can do, mon ami !
I was not above that, by any means, and mucked in with the best of the blokes.
It stood me in good stead.
Now, at the ripe old age of 51, (I still feel 20-something), and find a reverse situation, Dom.
In that some folks think I am too old to operate the job.
Good greif !
I have bags of experience in what I do, but am happy to pick up the new tricks from guys more your age. Splendid, and why not ?
As for a challenge to your employer -
I would go along the lines, politely, of saying -
" Look, I am more than capable of doing all this, show me the bigger picture, and I am sure that I will handle it"
Or words to that effect.
Suprising what happens, when the boss sees that you have ambition & skills.
I would happily give you an interview, as I need someone to nip across to Rochester, NY, USA. to have a chat with the Sybron Corporation about electronic process control gizmos.
Fancy a job ?
Applications welcome, via this site.
All the best.!
Bob.

Answer 3

The ADEA (Age Discrimination Employment Act) protects workers who are 40 years old or older. Unfortunately, it is legal to discriminate against those of us under 40.

However, if you are doing identical work to another workers and your wages are different you may wish to discuss this with your manager. Do not discount that this other worker may have brought additional experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities that you do not yet possess.

Do not forget that you are not yet 18 and may not be able to perform all the duties required. Also, co-workers routinely will embellish their pay. How do you know they make 50% more? Assuming this is the truth discuss your concerns with you manager and ask how you can get up to your coworkers rate. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Answer 4

You do not have a case. I am sure there are plenty of reasons why your counterparts make more than you. They may have more experience, they could have been with the company longer than you, they may have a better work ethic than you, etc. It's not that serious...at the age of 17 you cannot be making a significant amount of money, anyways. I say use that energy for going to school so that you can have a better job later.

Answer 5

Actually under U.S. law, age discrimination can only be claimed by people over the age of 40. So yes, legally they can do what they are doing.

Answer 6

i would actually contact someone... a lawyer, the BBB, someone, and ask them. i know sometimes these people come on here, but for the most part you wont find someone who really really really knows what they are talking about.
that doesnt sound right to me, but most companies have a clause that says you cant talk about how much you make, so you guys could get in trouble, most likely, for talking about how much money you are making.

other than that, i would talk to your manager about a raise. if you have a good record with the company then he might not object to paying you more money. i wouldnt bring up the fact that others make more money than you, but i would cite instances when you thought on your feet, things you have done beyond job description, things like that...

and i agree with the person who wrote to focus on schooling. if you focus on your education, you cant go wrong.

good luck!

Answer 7

So you work at Walmart and you make $5.xx an hour and your over 18yo co-workers make $8.xx. Oh well. Deal with it. Both amounts suck. I suggest instead of complaining about it, make your own job. You can make more landscaping (mowing lawns), working for yourself. Take that extra money and put yourself through college. When you graduate you will make at least 300% more than them.

Answer 8

Welcome to the wonderful world of "life's not fair". Yes it's totally legal.

Go talk to your employer and ask for a raise. Ask why you are not on the same pay scale at others..

Answer 9

Minimum wage regs come into force, Yes its legal

Answer 10

its not ur age
its cuz of u education
my teachers in middle school have told us this
one teacher has like a docterate or sumthing
she makes way more then the others
cuz she way more educated