Not long ago, our team at the federal government agency where I work as a contractor gave a presentation as we participated in a re-compete for a new five-year contract in the hopes that we would retain our jobs. The federal government, in its inimitable manner, kept us waiting until the day before our current contract was to end before informing us that we had been awarded the new contract. All well and good, and it seemed that it was time to rejoice. Not so, it turned out. Two weeks into the new contract, our supervisor learned that the federal government intended to make cuts in the budget of the contract, paring it to the bone, so that our team of five ended up a team of three. Two of us had to go -- and I was one of the two.
It was almost a foregone conclusion that I would be one of the ones to go. I was the oldest, and despite all the talk that age discrimination is illegal in the District of Columbia, the reality is quite different. The other one who was let go was a new hire who had scarcely come on board, so it was obvious that he would be the other.
I have until the end of June to work, and then I will become just another statistic, another person out of work in the recession. It isn't a very comforting feeling. Even if everybody is being very kind during this final period, it doesn't change the fact that I will soon be unemployed.
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Comments: 26
Well, THAT just sucks!
If you have seniority, you might want to talk to an age discrimination lawyer.
That does sound like an excellent idea, and I think Maurice should strongly consider getting a lawyer!!
what a drag! I am glad I never really applied myself to that system of bosses and such, but to have a regualr ppaycheck cut off is terrifying I should imagine!
I'm sorry. I agree with the other Elizabeth O. Its nice everyone is being kind to you, but that doesn't pay the bills or put food in your stomach.
Experience doesn't count for anything anymore. So sorry
I am sorry so many loosing their jobs. As Sheryl said experience doesn't matter anymore, it is like they keep the recent hired ones so they don't have to pay them as much.
I am so terribly, terribly sorry that you lost your job......It's not fair and it's not right......I've worked for the federal government in a number of different capacities, and it seems like they've always been getting rid of people.....but always the "wrong" ones! I think it would be a good idea for you to consider, at least, talking to an age discrimination lawyer.....just don't let it go, but take some action!
Now that REALLY sucks. Age discrimination over 40 and especially over 50 for one reason or another or because the older workers are paid more or because managers and executives - who do the work of two to three people are let go and then two or three people are hired for less money - all of it sucks...........
Sorry to hear that Maurice, not being wanted of being let go is a crummy feeling. It usually works out in the long run for the best, but it is never easy. It's funny that older people are let go I think because they make a lot of money, and they tend to use their health care. If we had a single-payer system businesses would have the burden of health care costs taken off their backs, the billing, the looking or plans, the aggravation of dealing these corrupt insurance companies. I think this kind of thing would change with a national health care system, there would be less of a motivation to let go older more experienced workers.
Kids these days are really careless most of the time, uncreative, bad social skills and work habits, and little experience. They are not the bargain businesses seem to think, except most businesses these days do not care if they have competent people, they just want a warm body there for as cheap as possible.
I also agree with Elizabeth. This sucks, but if you have seniority, you may have a case, depending on your state's laws.
I hope you can another job soon.
Oh man M. I am so sorry. This really stinks. I am going to e-mail you.
Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear this. I have been in a similar situation with the government. That is why I now work in the private sector. I got tired of having the funding for my programs get cut off. Best of luck to you. Peace
What crap I say!
That's terrible news, Maurice. I sure am sorry for you and wish you the best of luck in finding new employment.
Age discrimination is illegal below you in Washington too, but guess who is first to go. I've been retired a while, but 3 of my friends just got cut. Same tale as your own.
That does suck. So sorry to hear it.
due to your ag you were fired well isn't the goverment great at .... I hope you find a job that's way better and pays more!
thanks!
Just for the record, I did speak with an attorney. What I learned was that the courts have made it very difficult to win an age discrimination suit unless the plaintiff can prove that age discrimination was the sole factor in losing a job. That would be next to impossible to do in my case.
=( that is just simply unacceptable on so many levels~ I am so sorry!!!~
Don't give up, Maurice. There are people out there looking for someone who can do the job and has enough experience to do it WELL! Keep your head up.
This does SUCK and it's a thing that's happening more and more - why? Because they (whatever company it is) can get away with it.