Your Rights as an Older Worker
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The BC Human Rights Code states that an employer cannot refuse to interview, hire or promote you or decide to fire you because of your age.
What can’t a prospective employer ask?
- Your age
- When you expect to retire
In BC, you are protected from age discrimination in the workplace related to:
- employment (hiring, firing, or terms and conditions of employment);
- age requirements in employment;
- membership in a trade union, employer’s organization, or occupational association (such as excluding or expelling from membership because of age, or discriminating against a person or member due to their age)
If you have experienced age discrimination
- If it is safe to do so, tell the person firmly that their actions or comments are unacceptable and ask them to stop. If you find this difficult, consider asking a friend for help.
- Keep a written record of exactly what happened and when and what was said.
- File a human rights complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Filing a complaint starts a legal process that is similar to a court proceeding. Assistance is available when either filing or responding to a complaint.