Dear Editor:
The 2000 census and other studies have shown people are working longer today than their parents. They are healthy, living longer and in many cases must delay retirement if they want to enjoy retirement! People are working into their late 60s and even 70s. Twelve percent of the workforce was aged 55-plus in 1990, and the figure is projected to be 16 percent in 2008, an increase of one-third in just 18 years.
New Jersey laws need to be adapted to recognize these demographic realities and address the issue of age discrimination.
Although it is against federal law, as well as the laws of the 50 states, age discrimination in employment remains common in American society. It is even implicitly accepted as being somehow less serious, less worthy of legal action, less pernicious, than other forms of discrimination. Race discrimination is wrong. Gender discrimination is wrong. Age discrimination is just as wrong. There are two bills in the Legislature, Senate S-1423 and the companion bill in the Assembly A-3281 that AARP supports. Strengthening state age discrimination laws will send a clear message to employers and empower victims of age discrimination to fight back.
We are all potential victims of age discrimination.
Age discrimination can mean permanent losses; loss of employment, promotions, hiring. The loss of current earnings is only part of the story. Consider how our retirement income security is linked to earnings, our pensions, our health benefits. Once unemployed, older workers stay unemployed far longer than younger workers, and they are more likely to suffer pay reductions in subsequent employment. While on the job, older workers may be passed over for essential training because of the perception that they are “too old” to learn new skills.
We need both stronger anti-discrimination laws and consistent enforcement to assure workers that their skills are valued regardless of age. AARP New Jersey calls on the Legislature to enact legislation to address this issue now. None of us can afford to watt, as we are all getting older by the minute…
Marilyn Askin
AARP New Jersey State President