Question RE: Rights of Seniors at the workplace

[romantico]

I'm asking this question because I have no clue where to go.My Mom who is 70 years old is being forced out at work. She has worked for at this place for 13 years and feels they are trying to push her out. She planned on retiring at 70, but thinks she'll need to work another two years max and really needs her job. Anyway, almost everyone over the past few years have either been terminated or have just quit.Well, my mom made a very minor mistake and got a written warning, her first ever. They told her one more and she'll be terminated. My mom is not confrontational and feels no one would hire her at her age.

There are little examples she has told me over the years but it seems like its been getting alot worse. I thought maybe she was making mistakes but it doesn't sound like she is. She got written up because she called someone to ask a question and its not procedure to do that. At first i thought she was exagerating but I too am now convinced. The problem is, the owner like my mom. I honestly feel if she knew what was going on she would help. My mom disagrees and believes she's the one who wants her out. Does she have any legal rights? My Moms supervisior, who is only 9 years younger, gives her a hard time. Everyone hates her and my Mom said she was gloating while writting my Mom up today. I feel so helpless. Any suggestions?

[ThomCat]

1. A talk with the owner could be risky.

If the owner does want her out then that talk could be considered insubordination, and grounds for dismissal. :(

Unfortunately, in a privately owned company I don't think you really have a lot of options. I'd check the AARP website and see if they have a FAQ page. I imagine they get questions like this fairly often.

[romantico]

2. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply. I'll check AARP.

[China_cat]

3. Is she just vested...or close to being vested in a company

retirement plan? If so, she's probably right about them wanting to get rid of her.