Ageism - Have You Been Forced to Retire?

Ageism – Forced To Retire

Ageism or age discrimination, encompasses mistreatment or the denial of benefits based on one’s age, and is a serious issue that violates both ethical standards and legal regulations.

As the Canadian workforce witnesses a significant demographic shift, with over 20% of employees falling within the 55-64 age bracket and the average age of the working population increasing, the topic of forced retirement has gained prominence. While some employees choose to continue working well into their senior years for various reasons, employers often enforce policies that mandate retirement based on age, particularly at 65 years old. This raises a crucial question about the legality and fairness of such age-based retirement policies.

This article examines ageism and forced retirement, shedding light on the pertinent issues and considerations involved. 

Is there a Mandatory Age to Retire in Ontario?

There is no mandatory age for retirement in Ontario, allowing employees the freedom to continue working as long as they desire or are capable of fulfilling their job responsibilities. It is considered discriminatory to force an employee to retire solely based on their age. The Human Rights Code of Ontario prohibits mandatory retirement, providing protection for employees aged 65 or older from being compelled to retire – with one exception. There are certain situations where a retirement age can be deemed acceptable if it can be justified as a “bona fide occupational requirement”.

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A bona fide occupational requirement refers to a necessary employment qualification or requirement that is directly related to the nature of the job. It is an essential qualification that enables individuals to effectively perform their roles. For instance, in physically demanding professions like construction, it may be necessary for workers to meet specific strength or lifting requirements. Similarly, certain occupations such as bus drivers and airline pilots may have a mandatory retirement age for safety reasons, ensuring the well-being of both employees and the public they serve. By recognizing and allowing bona fide occupational requirements, the law strikes a balance between protecting employees from age-based discrimination while also acknowledging the genuine need for certain qualifications and safety considerations in particular roles.

How To Maintain Inclusivity In The Workplace

The are many ways to fight ageism in the workplace and create a more inclusive environment.

Embrace Age Diversity

Employers should value the experience and skills that employees of all ages bring to the table. Avoid refusing to hire, train, or promote individuals based on their age, and instead, ensure an inclusive environment that appreciates the contributions of workers at every stage in their careers.

Create an Inclusive Workplace

Employers have a responsibility to cultivate a discrimination-free environment that respects and supports the needs of all employees, including older workers. Implement policies and practices that promote inclusivity, accommodate diverse needs, and provide equal opportunities for professional growth and development.

Fair Staff Reductions and Reorganization

When making staffing decisions, employers must ensure they don’t unfairly target older workers or specific age groups. Staff reductions and reorganization should be conducted in a manner that considers employees’ qualifications, performance, and suitability for the roles, irrespective of their age.

Challenge Ageist Stereotypes

Employers must actively combat ageist stereotypes in the workplace. Treat older employees as individuals, assessing their performance based on merit rather than presumptive group traits. Apply the same performance management procedures to elderly employees as you would to other workers, creating a fair and unbiased evaluation process.

Exploring Remedies for Forced Retirement

When faced with forced retirement, employees have recourse to various legal remedies to protect their rights and seek appropriate redress. Depending on the circumstances, constructive dismissal and human rights remedies may be available to address the unjust nature of the situation. If an employer attempts to enforce retirement based on an illegal obligatory age requirement or creates a hostile work environment that coerces retirement, the affected employee may be able to file a lawsuit. Through legal action, individuals can pursue entitlement to notice period pay and other damages owed as a result of the employer’s actions.   

It is crucial to seek guidance from an employment lawyer who can provide insight into the specific legal options and potential outcomes in such cases.

Whether you are an employee seeking to make a complaint or an employer responding to one, there is no substitute for tailored legal advice.

Conclusion

It is ageism if an employer in Ontario forces retirement upon an employee based on their age, except in exceptional situations. By pursuing legal remedies, employees can assert their rights, challenge discriminatory practices, and potentially obtain the compensation they are entitled to. It is essential to approach such cases with the guidance of experienced professionals to ensure the best possible outcome. Seeking legal advice from an employment dispute lawyer will help individuals make informed decisions and take the appropriate steps to protect their rights in cases of forced retirement.

Contact Us

If you are an employer or an employee needing assistance, our team of experienced workplace lawyers at Achkar Law can help.

Contact us by phone toll-free at 1 (800) 771-7882 or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist.

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