McDonald’s called out over ageism after New Zealand job ad says over 60s need not apply

McDonald’s has come under fire after posting a ‘bizarre’ job ad that said it excluded people over 60 from applying for jobs.

The announcement to recruit graveyard service workers at a McDonald’s in New Zealand’s Auckland Central was posted online with a list of criteria including “any age from 16 to 60.”

The fast-food giant said a franchisee posted the ad to make it sound catchy, but an Auckland store manager pointed the finger at “headquarters.”

Legal experts, unions and social media have condemned the ad for its “age discrimination,” with one calling it a “blatant” violation of human rights law.

The ad was put out wanting night owls for the 10pm to 6am shifts – listing a range of benefits for employees, including free meals and drinks while on duty.

“Starting rates at $22.80, discount on food anytime, special lodging allowances,” DM for details or apply today at the link,” the post read.

The fast food giant said a franchisee probably posted the ad to make it sound catchy, but an Auckland store manager pointed the finger at “headquarters”

It also said five- and 40-hour shifts were available and applicants did not need any experience to apply.

But Joe Carolan of Unite Union in New Zealand said the “bizarre” ad highlighted the issue of ageism.

Contrary to the myth that most McDonald’s are jobs [for] part-time students, improvements made by the union over the years have kept many workers in these jobs into their 50s,” Mr Carolan told the New Zealand Herald.

“Older employees bring experience, stability and maturity to a workplace and we call on McDonald’s to end this discriminatory ageism.”

Max Whitehead, an industrial relations expert, said the ad targeting workers aged between 16 and 60 was not the only “blatant” violation of human rights law.

Mr. Whitehead also called out the ad because of the meager offer of $22.80 an hour.

The Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination against those over 60, said fellow employment law expert Professor Bill Hodge.

But he added that the fast food restaurant was completely free when it came to the under-16 age limit.

“We are constantly discriminating against people aged 14 or 15 and it is right to say: no, you can’t drive, you can’t leave school.”

Mr Hodge said he saw no reason why anyone over 60 should be excluded – he added that he himself had retired at the age of 77.

McDonald’s spokesman Simon Kenny said he knew one of its franchisees had created a job posting that attracted attention on social media in the “16 to 60” age bracket.

He said the ad was meant to illustrate that all ages are welcome to work at the fast food giant, but he said he advised them to update the ad to avoid “potential confusion”.

But a McDonald’s manager who used the contact number on the ad claimed that “head office” made the decision on the ad.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the vacancy also sparked outrage on social media over the age reference and pay.

‘Work for Macca’s Auckland as long as you are not over 60!’ read a fiery message.

“Freedom from discrimination based on age is in our rights,” someone said.

“It’s illegal to discriminate on the basis of age against 60-year-olds, I assume?” asked another.

“Yes, 100% illegal,” the original poster replied.

‘[The rate of]$22.80 is a sad time for a graveyard or other time shift in general,” a fourth wrote.

McDonald’s spokesman Simon Kenny said the ad was intended to illustrate that all ages are welcome to work at the fast food giant

“Cemetery at Macca’s is the most depressing and exhausting thing I’ve ever done,” said a former employee.

’16 is the youngest you can work. [McDonald’s] turn 60 because it’s not easy to work in fast food,” said another.

“I’m sure there are people over 60 who can easily stand for five hours or more, but many can’t.”

McDonald’s in Auckland Central was also contacted by Daily Mail Australia.