I am in my 30s and work at the local supermarket. My hours have been cut recently and a bunch of 16 year olds have started working there. My boss admitted to me that it was because I am in a more expensive age bracket and he wants cheaper labour. Can he do this?
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Kate Dodgson of [author’s firm]:
- This is arguably discrimination on the grounds of your age. You should write a letter bringing this to his attention and see whether anything changes.
- If it doesn’t you can make a complaint to your state or territory anti-discrimination commission.
- You might want to seek legal advice or check the legislation in your jurisdiction because some discrimination acts provide for exceptions under these circumstances.