subject: Mandatory Retirement [print this page] Here in the U.S., the baby boomers are facing the prospect of continuing to work past mandatory retirement age. With the actuaries telling us that longevity is well past 65 and social security not being enough to live on, seniors are compelled to continue to work.
Although there are laws against age discrimination, anecdotal evidence (evidence claiming non-factual information and word of mouth recommendations and often used in place of Clinical or scientific evidence), proves otherwise.
So, anecdotal evidence suggests such laws are not enforced with great regularity and that finding jobs after a certain age can be very difficult.
There are places where a mandatory retirement age can be enforced.
I.E: The Roman Catholic Church appliesmandatory retirement to Bishops (75yrs) and Priests (70). However, getting replacements is very difficult and they may stay on in a semi-retired role. Another may be, Pilots. Mandatory age (65yrs raised from 60yrs) because of safety factors. Others that may claim mandatory retirement:
Police (any law enforcement agency)
Firefighters
Air Traffic Controllers (hired after 1972)
Many feel that these rules should be revised.
Can employers enforce a mandatory retirement age?
Employers typically don't have the right to remove an employee from work due to his or her age. Employment law also includes protection against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability or veteran status and makes provisions for the employment of foreigners.
Also, there are laws for our youngsters (teenagers) who want to work.
They can apply for working papers'. They can't work in factories or operate heavy equipment. Check out Federal and your state laws.
As the Baby Boomers exit from the work force, it will create a tremendous burden on the younger generation to support the large and living longer retirees. In addition, skilled & experienced workers that our seniors once occupied will create a void.
