Nowadays, Turkey is in need of age discrimination laws to prevent injustices. As the legal age requirement increases for retirement so should laws protecting workers from discrimination.
The age requirement for retirement in Turkey varies from 58 to 61 years old. However, the government is now indicating it will increase it to 65. If they do amend this requirement, age discrimination laws need to be enacted.
As of today, companies openly discriminate against workers who are 40+ years old. On popular sites like www.kariyer.net and www.linkedin.com, many employers openly require potential applicants to be under 40 years of age. Unfortunately, for some jobs, the age requirement supercedes experience and skills.
Many workers (40+ age) currently working face job termination due to their age. According to this group, this is a constant worry about being replaced by younger workers. This is especially the case in low to mid range jobs. What is more, many older workers are reluctant to ask for a pay raise in fear of losing their job. This lingering fear affects not only the worker but also the company. For example, a worker may try to insulate himself from others by not sharing information or training others. This creates a non productive environment.
Many businesses; however, argue that it is more beneficial to hire younger workers. They are cheaper, more expendable and efficient. Also, businesses assert younger workers are more productive and innovative. Thus, this helps keep prices lower and the business competitive.
Of course, for some hard intensive labor jobs, age could be a factor and some jobs could be exempt from laws.
What are the effects of age discrimination in Turkey:
- Higher unemployment for 40+ years of age group
- Increase in depression and other social related issues
- More risk taking (opening a small business or investing)
- Migration
- Lower salaries
- Underground economy increases (people forced to work under the table)
Why hasn’t the Turkish government changed the law?
- Special interest or business lobby
- High unemployment among Generation Y & Z plus Millennials
- Poor human rights
- Policy makers simply don’t care
To sum up, Turkey needs age discrimination laws. Turkey should incorporate EU harmonized laws so that older workers will be protected. As people live longer, they need to also work longer, too. Age shouldn’t be a factor in getting most jobs.
