Employee age discrimination claims have seen an upturn in recent years. Our country has seen unprecedented layoffs since December 2007, when the recession began, and many of those affected have been older workers. To some older workers it seems that employers may be favoring younger workers because they may perceive that they will work harder and longer hours for less pay. In addition, employers may be more likely to lay off older workers because they are closer to retirement anyway. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency tasked with enforcing legislation designed to provide fair employment for all Americans. Specifically, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects workers over the age of 40 from being discriminated at work because of age, and from being forced into mandatory retirement in most cases. In the event that you believe that you have been discriminated at work because of your age, you may file a complaint with the EEOC for investigation.