Elaboration of Class Discussion - Fairness to Younger Workers?
We learned today in class (and from the case readings) that older workers over 40 are protected against younger employees in the workforce. As we discussed, the courts decided that Congress intended for the statue (ADEA) to address and protect concerns of stereotyping for older workers only from younger ones. Since we did not have time to elaborate on this in class, I am curious about thoughts on the limitation of this law.
As a college student (likely prepped to soon enter the workforce), does this seem fair to younger workers? Could some of us be directly affected by the lack of protection against discrimination towards younger workers? Does anyone think that Congress should extend the act to protect discrimination towards younger workers or do you feel satisfied with the current law as it stands?
As a college student (likely prepped to soon enter the workforce), does this seem fair to younger workers? Could some of us be directly affected by the lack of protection against discrimination towards younger workers? Does anyone think that Congress should extend the act to protect discrimination towards younger workers or do you feel satisfied with the current law as it stands?
posted by Eric Mumm at
4:26 PM
3 Comments:
I agree that it is unfair, but at the same time we are not organized. Politicians do not fear our vote. I don't even believe that voting will lead to anything to protect young workers. We will have to create an organization for protecting young people which will be extremely difficult to organize and fund.
At first, I thought that it would only be fair to have the ADEA swing both ways, and protect younger workers as well.
However after class today, I now agree with the reasons that were enumerated.
We, as younger workers, are definitely at an advantage. There are fewer negative stereotypes regarding our age group. We are also cheaper, more likely to stay with a company for a longer period of time (thus perhaps more loyal), more open to new ideas, more recently educated, and perhaps a little naive (willing to put in those long evening and weekend hours or "suck up" to the boss)
These reasons definitely outweigh any negatives created by the ADEA.
For example, if a company was considering hiring an older person or me, I think that while they may have the wisdom, experience, etc, I have all the aforementioned reasons to support me. I think that evens things out pretty well.
Further,I agree with Chris and Ryan--it would be incredibly hard to create a change in legislation as we are an extremely underrepresented group. Vote!!!
I think you're right about the lower level of negative stereotyping towards a younger age group. Company costs and recent education are strong selling points for young people. However, I worry that little work experience dangerously (and often wrongfully) translates to the stereotyping of young people as less useful and full of training burdens for a company. This may not necessarily be the case at all.
I agree that(as Ryan suggests) political involvement would probably change the current status of the act that Congress passed.
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