Pensioners choose to work, but are discriminated

Under the burden of small pensions, the elderly people choose to work even after retirement. Although they are registered at employment agencies, they cannot demand unemployment benefits, because they already have a pension. According to head of the Municipal Agency for Employment Ala Supac, 122 people asked for a job in 2012, including 51 women. Men are more active in searching a job after retirement. “It’s a problem because employers search for experienced youth. After 40 years, people find it hard to get a job. We are trying to convince the employers into hiring these people, because we’re dealing with age discrimination”, declared Ala Supac. Minister of Labor and Social Family Valentina Buliga previously told Info-Prim Neo that there was and there should be no age discrimination in Moldova. Article 8.1 of the Labor Code stipulates that labor relations are governed by the principle of equality in rights. Any discrimination, direct or indirect, by criteria of sex, age, race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, political option, social origin, residence, disability, HIV/AIDS infection, union membership of activity and other criteria unrelated to professional skills is forbidden. Head of the Ministry of Labor’s division of labor report and social partnership Petru Pogrebneac told Info-Prim Neo that employers don’t have the right to discriminate retired people should they latter seek employment. Article 55 of the Labor Code stipulates that employers can hire pensioners on an individual contract of up to 2 years. Later, the employers can extend the contract for an undetermined period. Retired people who choose to work have the same rights as other employees. The jurist added that some public functionaries can continue their work after retirement for 3 years. If the employer refuses to hire a retired person, he/she must present a written answer, whereas the rejected people can go to court. 2012 is declared the European year of active ageing and solidarity between generations. This year is meant to emphasize the elderly people’s contribution to society. In this regard, the authorities are encouraged to take measures to support active ageing and to increase the solidarity between generations.