In the NewsAge discrimination lawsuit against Google

Several news articles began covering a subject that went missing from public debate for a very long time--namely, age-based employment discrimination. While the need for diversity in the corporate world began gaining grounds over the last few years, it is apparent that it is viewed mostly, as  a matter of gender inequality and ethnic minority representation. For some reason, the word diversity, as used in most discussion abut the workforce composition, particularly in the "high tech" industrial sector in the U.S. ignores the issue of age balance. It is hard to believe that the well educated workers being employed by high tech companies are considered disposable, once they reach the "ripe" age of 40. What is behind the growing trend of high tech companies laying off their employees who are 40+ and why are these companies barring such (mostly) highly qualified employees from being rehired?

Is there a coincidence in the fact that Intel Corp. is blocking rehiring of employees who were laid off over the last two years? Is there a coincidence in the fact that the OWBPA report issued by Intel Corp. as part of the 2016 layoffs reflects a clear causality between age and being selected for layoff from the company?

If we look at the July 2015 layoffs we see a very similar pattern. Coincidence? What is your opinion?

The Daily Mail is reporting about a new class action suit filed against Google:

Age discrimination lawsuit against Google could expand after 'highly qualified' 60-year-old man sues 'for not being hired'

Highlights of this article, are quoted below:

• A class action lawsuit against Google could be near as a motion was filed to open up a year old lawsuit to others who feel they were discriminated against because of their ages
• The suit started last year when Robert Heath, then 60, wasn't hired despite being qualified
• A woman in her 50s was recruited four times for interviews but not hired
• The suit implies others, who are named only by initial, are ready to join
• The suit would cover those over 40 who either weren't hired or were discriminated against while at the company

Another article in Computerworld covers the same case:

Google age-discrimination lawsuit may become a monster

Are we going to sit on the sidelines and continue to watch as highly educated and experienced workers see the end to their productive career at the age of 40--all while the average lifespan of people is around 80 years of age? Who is going to support the ranks of the unemployed, while 70-80 million "baby boomers" are marching into retirement age over the next 20 years. What would the economy look like when payroll taxes can only be collected from 20+ and 30+ year old workers? Why did Intel Corp. receive over 14,000 H1B visas since 2010?

Are we going to sit down and watch while corporate management is only concerned about the next quarterly report? Who is going to buy products in a world where 35-50% of the population is unemployed and/or lives on food stamps?

As usual, your comments are welcome. Please use the comment link below this article to share your thoughts with us.

--Dr. Flywheel