Aren't there laws against that?

Yesterday I had to do one of my favorite things. Make reservations to travel. Usually I do this myself online, with the comfort of my own computer and in my jammies. This time, the best deal seemed to be with a local travel agency that required me to use the *gasp* phone!

So I picked up the phone, learned how to use it again, and called. I got a nice young man on the phone named Ron, who seemed a little unsure when I asked some reasonable questions. Such as, does the hotel charge for internet service? Is there transportation to the train station (in Canada) from our area? How late is the Duty Free Shop open? I mean, come on. Trips to Toronto are one of their major things. One question he did know the answer to was if they are hiring or not. He said they are actually hiring now, and he would transfer me to his boss when we finished the transaction.

True to his word, Ron transferred me to Russ. Russ sounded to be a man about my age, and agreed that they are taking applications now and hiring for agents. I expressed my interest. He said, and I am dead serious, "I only hire students."

OK, I had to think about that for a while. So I asked him why he does that - are they taking some class specifically needed for the job? He said no, they can keep up with the pace of the job. Plus, working part time fits in nicely with their school schedules.

I got it. He hires people between the ages of 18-22, who will work part time, get no benefits, and will work cheap. I casually mentioned, for his benefit, actually, that to say he hires only students is illegal. How was he to know I have a master's degree in admin, and that I specialized in human resources?

He asked if that meant he can't hire whoever he wants. I said of course he can, he just can't say he hires only students, even if he does. He asked if I am in school now, and I said no, I already have a couple of degrees, and since I am not a student at this time, does this mean I can't get hired?

He told me that he hires only students also because they know computers. My guess is, he can't run them. I didn't even tell him that I teach computer classes. I did tell him that in my previous job in social work I dealt with police, clients, courts, schools, and everyone else at the same time, so I figured the pace would not be an issue for me.

He then stated that if we treated people the way he was treated in court recently, then well...humpf.

I wonder if it was a discrimination lawsuit that got him in court? Because without a doubt, what he did was discriminate against me due to my age.

I proceeded to very sweetly tell him that I was certainly interested in a part time job in the travel field, that I am available any of the hours he mentioned, and that I am used to dealing with the public on a daily basis.

He told me I certainly could go in and fill out an application, but it was clear from his tone of voice that he would not hire me. I am too old. You know, close to his age.