Sen. Mantzavinos’s Anti-Age Discrimination in Hiring Bill is right on target

Age discrimination in the workplace, like any other kind of discrimination, should not be tolerated. People are living and working longer, and experienced workers bring expertise, maturity, judgement and perspective to the workplace. Yet, negative stereotypes and outdated assumptions mean older jobseekers are often unfairly screened out in the first (often automated) phase of the hiring process simply because of their age.

Consider these AARP Research survey results:

• In 2020, 78% of older workers reported having seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace—That’s up markedly from 61% in 2018.
  

  

• 41% of older job applicants say they have been asked for age-related information like their date of birth or graduation date.

AARP believes there is great value in having a workforce that includes people of all generations. These highly experienced workers should have equal value when competing for jobs.

Although SB 211 does not address the issue of mandatory retirement, the Delaware Code still allows this in some instances, and AARP urges legislators to address this discriminatory practice in future legislation.

AARP is urging legislators to vote “yes” on SB 211.