Which act prohibits job discrimination for individuals aged 40 years or older?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) specifically protects individuals who are 40 years of age and older from employment discrimination based on their age. The purpose of this act is to ensure that older employees have the same employment opportunities as younger employees, preventing discrimination in hiring, promotions, layoffs, and other employment practices. This protection is crucial in promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the experience and capabilities of older workers.

In contrast, the Fair Labor Standards Act primarily addresses wage and hour issues, including minimum wage and overtime pay, but does not focus on age-related discrimination. The Americans with Disabilities Act is aimed at preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities, so it does not pertain to age. The Civil Rights Act deals with discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and does not include age as a protected characteristic. Thus, the ADEA is distinctly designed to combat age discrimination in the workforce.