The Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 is a law that prohibits discrimination of employees based on their age. ADEA applies to employees over the age of 40. The law prohibits employers from refusing to hire a candidate because they're over 40 and from firing or laying off an employee because they are over 40. In addition, the ADEA prohibits employers from affecting an over 40 employee's conditions at work such as benefits, pay, conditions or privileges. In addition, employers may not in any way segregate older employees. The statute also applies to employment agencies, prohibiting them from refusing to refer a candidate based on age and it applies to labor organizations, prohibiting them from refusing membership solely on the basis of age. Federal, state and local government employers must also abide by this statute. ADEA is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) a federal agency of the US government.