Age Discrimination Against Oregon's Older Workers

AARP Oregon wanted to explore the experiences of older workers around age discrimination in the workforce and in the job application process. They also wanted to find out if older workers feel the need for stronger age discrimination protections.

Oregon’s older workers are concerned about age discrimination. While many have seen or experienced it, very few actually report it. These workers want Oregon’s age discrimination laws strengthened to deter discrimination and protect against retaliation.

Oregon's older workers have experienced a variety of employment practices that enable age discrimination, such as asking for age or other dates on job applications or during interviews. At a minimum, such inquiries deter older workers from applying. Moreover, many have also been subjected to ageist comments on the job. This behavior does not facilitate a welcoming or equitable workplace.

Oregon’s older workforce believes the state government should do more to protect them, showing very strong support for laws outlawing questions that gather age-related information during the application process.

To explore experiences of older Oregon workers and their views on age discrimination legislation, a telephone survey was conducted of 1,000 people age 40 or older who either had a job or were looking for one. Both landlines and cell phones were used. Research was conducted December 13-28, 2018. The data are weighted to the civilian workforce by age, gender, and race/ethnicity according to 2018 CPS Census Bureau statistics.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Perron at rperron@aarp.org. Media inquiries should be directed to AARP’s Media Relations Office at media@aarp.org.