Employment for Older Workers in California

California’s Unemployment Insurance Code, in Division 1, Part 1, Chapter 9.5, provides for employment of older workers. Section 2070 states that it is the public policy of the State of California that manpower should be used to its fullest extent.

Section 2071 defines the terms “employee,” “employer,” “employment agency,” “labor organization,” and “person.”

Section 2073 requires the department to co-operate with other departments, agencies, and institutions both public and private in providing job counseling and placement services and developing employment programs for older workers, including employment programs to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of workers to seek, obtain, and hold employment without discrimination or abridgement on account of age, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or upon applicable security regulations established by the United States or the State of California.

Section 2074 requires the department to formulate policies to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and make recommendations to agencies and officers of the State and of local governments in aid of policies and purposes.

Section 2075 requires the department to carry on a continuing program of education, information, research, study, and community organization concerning the problems of older workers in seeking, obtaining, and holding employment without discrimination on account of age. The department is to create the local advisory agencies as in its judgment will aid in effectuating the purposes of this section.

Section 2076 requires the department to issue publications and the results of research and other activities as in its judgment will tend to minimize or eliminate discrimination in employment on account of age.

Section 2078 provides that the age limitations of the apprenticeship programs in which the State participates is not be considered discriminatory within the meaning of this chapter.