Age Does Not Matter

As the old and overly utilized cliché goes;primary source of discrimination on account of
"Age does not matter." This statement wouldage. Age limits explicitly included on job notices
pertain not merely to the daily facets ofcan only be considered as valid if it can be vividly
everyday living but it would also be an appropriateproven that it is an occupational qualification done
statement for laws abhorring discrimination on thein good faith, and that said requirement is
basis of age.reasonably necessary in the businesses ordinary
Age has been one of the primordial considerationscourse. If these two conditions have not been
when it comes to employment discriminationcomplied with, then it is repugnant to existing
cases. Even the Employment Act which waslegislations which prohibit age preferences or
ordained into law in 1967 provides the amplespecifications included on advertisements and job
protection afforded to individuals subjected to agenotices.
discrimination. Not only would this coverA prerogative is given to the employer to inquire
employees but even those applying for ainto an applicant's age or date of birth. But despite
prospective position as well. The code explicitlythis right, if said query would operate to deter
provides that it shall be unlawful to discriminateolder yet, otherwise qualified workers from
against any person on the sole account of his/herventuring into said work then discrimination on the
age with respect to any term, condition, orbasis of age is already prevalent.
privilege of employment. This consequentlyGoverning is the rule that workers performing the
includes: hiring, firing, promotion, lay-off,same task without regard to their age must be
compensation, training, benefits, and jobgiven the same privileges and benefits without
assignments. Congruently, even supplementaryany favour whatsoever. Denial of benefits to
acts like retaliating against an individual forolder employees is proscribed if the older
conveying an opposition against employmentemployee can perform the same task, with the
practices that revolves on an age discriminationsame cost of benefits afforded to younger
issue, like filing a complaint, participating in anyemployees. In simpler terms, in ceteris paribus,
investigation to that effect, testifying, orwhen everything is held constant, then no undue
proceeding with litigation are also prohibited underprivileges must be given on account of age of the
the law.industry's employees.
Job advertisement can also be construed as a