How many employees must an employer have to be subject to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) applies to employers with 20 or more employees. This legislation was enacted to protect individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. The threshold of 20 employees is significant because it ensures that the protections are afforded to workers in a substantial number of workplaces while also recognizing that smaller employers may not have the same level of resources or dynamics that necessitate the same regulatory scrutiny. The specific definition of the employer's size as 20 employees provides a clear guideline for compliance and helps employees understand their rights under the law.