This paper explains that older workers, who are generally considered to be better
employees, but usually receive higher salaries
than younger workers because of their longevity in the company, are being exccluded from the work force by U.S. businesses. The author points out that, while it is legal to fire or lay off people as a cost-cutting measure, business decisions, such as downsizings, job insecurity, increased use of part-time and contract
employees, and greater reliance on automation have created a corporate culture that makes older workers expendable. The paper relates that, in Europe, this problem is being handled in a more humane manner and states that, with the shortage of warm bodies to fill entry-level jobs in the U.S., and with the problems of balancing Social
security, it is unlikely age discrimination would be a feature of U.S. work life if the American population, as a whole, was not so dedicated to extolling youth. Table of Contents The Current Extent of the Problem History of the Problem Chart: Older Workers vs. Younger Workers How the Aging Employee Issue Is Handled Elsewhere Conclusion