Which U.S. act prohibits workplace discrimination based on age?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is the correct choice because it specifically addresses discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older in various aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, and layoffs. This law aims to ensure that older employees are treated fairly and not subjected to negative employment decisions based solely on their age. The ADEA was enacted in 1967 to combat widespread age bias in the workplace and has helped to raise awareness about the importance of valuing older workers.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act does not specifically target age discrimination; instead, it covers discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Fair Labor Standards Act focuses primarily on wage and hour laws rather than discrimination, while the Occupational Safety and Health Act centers on workplace health and safety regulations. Therefore, the ADEA is the law that directly addresses and prohibits age discrimination in employment settings.