Today, the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Tribunal began hearing a case of alleged age discrimination against Virgin Blue. Eight women believe their applications were rejected because they were over the age of 35.
There's no doubt that they are correct ... but can they prove it?
Circumstantial evidence, such as their claim that only one woman over the age of 35 was employed by Virgin between 2000 and 2002, might be the centre of their argument, but is it strong enough to sway the Tribunal?
I abhor discrimination of any kind, but let's face reality; we all have our prejudices - some we control better than others.
How many 35+ men and women are found waiting on tables at a restaurant or ripping your tickets at the cinema? Next time you go out for an evening of entertainment, or a weekend at a coastal resort, try counting the number of indigenous, old, overweight or aesthetically challenged that are in customer service roles.
The hospitality industry is built upon disrcrimination - they insist on portraying an image of youth and beauty. That is hard to do when you have grey hair or a beer gut!
Is it wrong? Of course it is! Can it be overcome? I doubt it. In fact, I dare say that the majority of Australians and international tourists wouldn't want it any other way - we like to be greeted by beautiful young staff. It is almost as if we feel younger just be their presence.
It is just an unfortunate symptom of our overly-fragile egotistical and commercial existence.
But, good luck to the eight ladies anyway - they'll need alll the help they can get.
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