Two Seniors Get Almost a $100k As Company Rejects Their Referral

Age is just a number; that is what an old adage says. But in reality people are critical to age, including companies. Did you know that most employers would rather have younger, “cheaper” employees than experienced and more senior employees? If you think about it, the wiser decision would be retaining the best and most experienced workers. However, most businesses think otherwise. Why is it so?

More than a senior employee’s increasing paycheck, they also need various accommodations on the job. For example, older employees get sickly in time that requires them to take frequent leaves from work. Some senior workers also have a harder time adapting to varying trends at work. These factors can put them at a disadvantage compared to younger employees. Despite their great experience and know-how about the biz, controlling costs and maximizing assets can make them less competitive in the workplace.

Age Discrimination is Against the Law

Recently, two electricians in their 60’s and 70’s were denied jobs when they applied for a work in an electronic utility company. The two senior men were rejected by the company just because of their age. Instead, the company hired two men in their twenties. The men’s applications were denied even though they were referred to the company for their qualifications. This is a clear violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA).

The two old men then did the right thing. They turned to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and filed Age discrimination raps against the company that turned down their application. Soon enough, they got a settlement in their favor where they got monetary compensation. This case is a clear indication that people can stand up and fight for their rights.

The federal and state governments have various employment laws and are doing everything it can to implement such laws properly. But for these laws to work, the government needs the active participation of the citizens. By standing up against people who discriminate, abuse, and harass people, you can get the justice you deserve and hold people who commit such infractions accountable for their wrongdoings. By doing so, you don’t only fight for your rights, you also save others from being victims of abuse in the workplace.