The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 specifically 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 or from discharging 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 to anyone over 40. Government employers must also abide by this statute. States may have additional protection for older workers, but they must abide by the federal statute as well. ADEA is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).