In the largest settlement of its kind, two dozen entertainment companies have agreed to pay $70 million to settle an age discrimination suit that caps nearly a decade of legal battles.
The defendants in the case include network giants like NBC, ABC, FOX and CBS and several talent agencies.
According to the lawsuit, the defendants refused to hire or represent these writers because of their age and even if they are represented, the agents do not push them aggressively to studios for job openings.
According to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act or ADEA, employers are prohibited from discriminating against applicants and employees who are above the age of 40.
It is not clear yet how much each plaintiff is going to receive but a part of it is planned to be used as supplement to pension and to improve medical coverage.
Hopefully, this sends a message not only in Hollywood but to all companies as well that any form of discrimination is against the law.
The defendants in the case include network giants like NBC, ABC, FOX and CBS and several talent agencies.
According to the lawsuit, the defendants refused to hire or represent these writers because of their age and even if they are represented, the agents do not push them aggressively to studios for job openings.
According to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act or ADEA, employers are prohibited from discriminating against applicants and employees who are above the age of 40.
It is not clear yet how much each plaintiff is going to receive but a part of it is planned to be used as supplement to pension and to improve medical coverage.
Hopefully, this sends a message not only in Hollywood but to all companies as well that any form of discrimination is against the law.
