Union, New Jersey, Legal Blog

New Jersey car and truck owners have had to keep track of many vehicle recalls in recent years. The latest recall notice concerning brake defects from General Motors applies to 2018 and 2019 models of Chevrolet Impala, Equinox, Malibu, Volt, Bolt, and Cruze. Additionally, owners of Buick Regal, LaCrosse, and XTS models as well as the GMC Terrain must get their brakes fixed.

Engineers have identified the brake problem as improper chrome on the rear brake pistons. The defective chrome creates gases that interfere with the hydraulic circuit of the brakes. Drivers experience it as soft brakes and unpredictable braking distances that could produce accidents.

More than 50 years have passed since the Age Discrimination in Employment Act became law. Unfortunately, even with the passage of the bill, age discrimination is still quite prevalent in New Jersey and around the country. Fortunately, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has placed age discrimination at the forefront of their mission to ensure fair employment practices. Experts in the field recommend that older workers who are currently in the workforce or are looking for employment adhere to the following practices to avoid possible discrimination.

The first suggestion is for older workers to hone their skills. Continuing education opportunities allow associates to remain sharp and performing at their best. When employees are proficient at their work, they become people who are relied upon to help the company not only function but excel. When experience is combined with up-to-date knowledge, the chance of dealing with a workplace discrimination situation is less likely to happen.

While the American employment rate may be strong, some older workers in New Jersey are still finding it difficult to lock down a job after they reach a certain age. According to a recent survey of adults 45 and older, age discrimination is still very prevalent, especially when it comes to looking for a job.

The survey found that 61 percent of participants said that they either saw age discrimination or experienced it themselves. Furthermore, 38 percent said that they believed that age discrimination in the workplace was common. The survey also found that older employees were more likely to experience long-term unemployment. For example, more than 27 percent of workers who were older than 55 had periods of long-term unemployment compared to about 18 percent of workers who were between the ages of 16 and 54.

According to a report issued the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, only three percent of older adults who are victims of workplace discrimination will submit a formal complaint to their employer or the appropriate government agency. The report is based on research conducted by the AARP.

There are additional studies that show that as much as 60 percent of workers who are at least 45 years of age have witnessed or have been a victim of age discrimination in the workplace. Ninety percent of those workers state that the discriminatory behavior is prevalent in the workplace.