Is this fair?

Question

I am an elderly employee for a national retail chain. My supervisor has recently threatened my job because I cannot keep up with the younger workers. As a cashier, I am required to scan a certain average amount of merchandise per minute. The younger people don't seem to have a problem but I'm not as fast as I used to be! Isn't this some sort of age discrimination?

Answer 1

Sounds like you work for Dollar General...I know a person who went through the same thing...just a guess...As for the person who said it is fair...Ehhhhhhhhh wrong answer, no customers no average...It is discriminatory, They can't except an elderly person to keep up...In my opion I would rather have an older person ring up my items, as they are easier to talk with...Talk to the regional manager...Good luck...I am behind you 100%!!!

Answer 2

Hmmm...ok...I will start out by saying: It probably isn't fair to hold you to the same standards as a younger worker, but then again, is it fair to the younger worker to have to work much harder to obtain the same pay as you? Particularly when the both of you are at the same skill and job level?

I guess if you wanted to twist it in the direction of age discrimination you could...but the truth of the matter is; most larger supermarket chains have minimal and average standards for things such as number of items scanned in a given time period (or the like). If you are not reaching their standards of operations (for any reason) they probably have the right to fire you. Your personal reasons (age) for not being able to sustain a tolerable average within their system, is really of no concern to them, you just aren't meeting your expected quota as an employee. You might be able to find some employment lawyer that is no better than a criminal DUI ambulance chaser, who would take on your case, but I wouldn't hold my breath for any sort of substantial payout. Especially if the employer can document their policies and procedures, and how you were not performing to their specs or standards.

Answer 3

If the same performance expectations are required of all employees in your position and the same measures are applied to all who don't fulfill the requirements then no, it's not age discrimination even though older individuals may have more difficulty achieving the expected results. If, however, you have received performance reviews or pay increases that are based on job performance you may have a valid complaint if this is a sudden issue and there hasn't been a communicated change in the job requirements or performance policies.

If your performance is otherwise satisfactory and you otherwise like the company then you should check into a different position. If not then you should seek other employment with less stringent requirements.

Answer 4

greetings...unfair..? mabye...discriminating..probably not, and I'll explain why. for there to be discrimination a few things would have to occur. first off salary. lets say you've retained employment as long as another co-worker under the same job title accruing the same hours but you were paid less. second, the same situation except your duties were more extreme in physical or mental labor. third, being eligible for a pay raise or promotional proposal and passed by or denied. you probably know this but if you belong to a union then you should notify your steward immediately, and file a grievance. if non union, and are in good standings with your store..meaning seniority..attendance..ect.., i would appeal to your supervisors boss, and explain your situation. let the higher up know you enjoy coming to work each day, and your happy with the company, you need your job to survive..an so on.. if your company's reputable in good relations with its employees, they should be able to resolve your situation to where everyone is satisfied. my hats off to you for still being out there pounding the pavement 40 hours a week doing your job. i hope your retirement date is within reach as to enjoy your future day's to come. good luck

Answer 5

it probably can be considered as age descrimination but when it is a requirement of your job, they may be able to get away with it. Maybe you don't want this type of suggestion, but why not ask your employer to move you to something that is more compatible with your skill level. This may be a naive thing to suggest, but maybe they are one of the few who value the time you have spent with them and will try to work this out with you.

Oh - by the way, life aint fair - but it is oh so real.....

Answer 6

I'm sure that yes it is age discrimination. As long as you are keeping up with the average amount per min you are supposed to, and not going below.

Answer 7

Its fair. If you can't work as fast as others, it isn't an age thing.

Answer 8

IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT AGE DISCRIMINATION. THERE IS NO CASE FOR IT. i WOULD LOOK FOR ANOTHER JOB BEFORE I GOT FIRED. I WISH YOU LUCK