The American economy has seen a historic low in unemployment within the past few years, which in return has employers struggling to find suitable applicants for their open positions. Although this is the case, many employers are still dissuaded by the idea of hiring older professionals. Statistically speaking, more than half of workers over the age of 50 will end up losing their long-term job and will be forced to restart their job search, and according to an article from the New York Times, job seekers over the age of 50 will remain unemployed for at least one year as they shop the market for a new position.
Now why is this? Some researchers believe that employers are attracted more to younger talent due to their flexibility and willingness to work for lower wages (they have to pay those student loans off somehow), whereas said employers are more hesitant to pay higher wages and benefits to older individuals who have more experience and are potentially more deserving.
For these reasons, it is becoming apparent that age discrimination is becoming a more prevalent issue for those on the job hunt, and there are plenty of organizations aiming to defend older workers and their right to equal opportunity for jobs. Leading the charge are the Communications Workers of America as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, who have filed complaints and lawsuits against more than 70 companies combined, including the likes of Amazon, Cox Communications, and T-Mobile.
Despite the efforts, many cases are seeing tough resistance from the courts who state that there is no definite case that proves they are intentionally discriminating based on age, nor are they breaking any laws to do so. What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you think there needs to be a higher amount of advocation for older job seekers?
