Maine § 4575. - Mandatory retirement age prohibited

§ 4575.. Mandatory retirement age prohibited

1.  Legislative findings and intent.  The Legislature finds that many older Maine citizens are pushed out of the work force solely because of their age. The Legislature further finds that many older Maine residents who have been pushed out of the work force are fully capable of carrying out the duties and responsibilities required by employment. Finally, the Legislature finds that many older Maine citizens, because of their years of experience, can make valuable contributions to the work force.

It is the intent of the Legislature that discrimination based on age against any person who seeks employment in the public sector or who is already employed by a public employer shall not be tolerated. It is further the intent of the Legislature to ensure that any older person who seeks or wishes to continue employment in the public sector and who is capable of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of such employment, shall be treated like any other person who seeks or wishes to continue such employment. Finally, it is the clear and unequivocal intent of the Legislature to prohibit employers in the public sector from requiring employees to retire at a specified age or after completion of a specified number of years of service.  

2.  Criteria and standards.  A state department or public school may establish reasonable criteria and standards of job performance to be used for the purpose of determining when employment of its employees should be terminated. Where there is a certified bargaining agent, the establishment of these criteria and standards may be a subject of collective bargaining. These criteria and standards must be consistent for all employees in the same or similar job classifications, must be applied fairly to all employees regardless of age and must be consistent with the provisions of this Act relating to the employment of persons who are physically and mentally disabled.

3.  Federal requirements.  This section shall not be construed to effect or limit any power or duty relating to pension or retirement plans which the United States Government reserves to itself.