Age Concern “Disappointed” Over Non-Inclusion
The Board of Directors of Age Concern said they are “deeply disappointed and curious about the non-inclusion of age discrimination in the workplace” in the proposed amendments mentioned by Minister of Community and Cultural Development Wayne Scott.
A statement from the Board said, “Although Minister Scott stated that he will also be asking Parliament to prohibit age discrimination in the areas of provision of goods, services and facilities, and housing, and extend the definition of harassment to apply beyond the workplace, the position of Age Concern is that the prohibition of age discrimination in the workplace should be an integral part of the amendments.
“What specifically does the Minister mean when he states that more research needs to be done before Parliament considers prohibiting age discrimination in employment? Is the Government and the Minister in particular, aware of the Equality Act passed in the UK in 2010 and that the Age Discrimination section came into effect on October 1, 2012?
“The 2010 Census indicates that there is a decreasing working-age population and an increasing aging population. In light of these demographic trends there needs to be a well thought out strategy for transfer of experience and knowledge which can provide benefits across the community. How does Bermuda intend to ease the potential burden of an ageing population on fewer workers while at the same time providing opportunities for older people to maintain financial control over their own well-being?
“Age Concern has long lobbied successive governments to prohibit age discrimination in many areas including the workplace.
“A short time ago the Premier and the Minister of Finance made it clear that the OBA Government feels that the best social program is a job. Why are seniors not included in the vision of an employment-rich Bermuda, as there are many seniors who cannot afford or do not wish to retire at the so called retirement age of 65?
“Age Concern asks the Minister to set a timeframe to have the necessary research done so that seniors can be removed from the vulnerability of loss of jobs simply because of age, as soon as practical.”
I thought the PLP, in the run-up to the election, has proposed amending the HR Act to address ageism, in addition to sexual orientation, and had already conducted the required research and draft legislation.
Is this not the case? And if so, why say more research needs done, especially as we have existing legislation in sister jurisdictions that we can quite easily adapt to our purposes?
I am pretty sure the government is about to ask the unions to lower the retirement age. I conclude from this that if they add this to the proposed amendments, this will limit their powers of forcing early retirement.
What do you think?
If one didn’t know any better one would think the OBA have something against the seniors of this country if you follow their trends since getting into power.
Well they are clearly saying the Rainbow Alliance have greater lobby powers that Age Concern. Its discriminatory to not include age discrimination in the workplace. There are more seniors than LGBTs in Bermuda but sadly they don’t scream as loud.
Raise the retirement age to 70. Alas ! I fear if the Seniors retain their jobs indefinitely, there won’t be any jobs for the young uns comin’ up !
And what say you Louise Jackson. Your silence has been deafening since this OBA govt. has taken power. Don’t tell me the plight of our beloved elderly has become well managed in 5 short month. With what has transpired over this course you mean there nothing you need to sink your fangs in. I really miss the way you would lead the charge with all that passion for the aged and be in the media maybe 4 or 5 times a month. Makes some us wonder……..