‘I’m Not Too Old To Work’: Ohio Man Claims He Was Fired For His Age, Now He’s Worried About Paying The Bills
An elderly man is fighting against what many online are claiming is a flawed system after he alleges he was fired from his retail job at a Five Below store in Springfield, Ohio. The man, Mick Paul, claims he was let go from his position at the retailer due to his advanced age of 79.
In a video posted by TikTok user @mouthfullofsierra, Mick is seen standing in front of a shopping center with a binder in his hand. The Ohio man tells the camera that he was fired from Five Below because they allegedly believed he was too old to work there. However, from the video, he seems very capable, of sound mind, and willing to work.
“I’m going to continue to come out here,” he says, asking people to come “sign” his book. While he doesn’t reveal what his petition is exactly for, he did confirm that he has over 500 signatures. “I think I’m not too old to work,” he states.
Ohio Man Says He Was Fired for Being ‘Too Old’
Sadly, Mick goes on to explain that just because he’s older, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need employment, especially with the state of the economy.
“I want to help the older people who are in the same situation I’m in. People got to understand that in this economy, even us older people still need money,” he says.
Of course, the internet immediately began to support Mick in his quest. Some advised that he get a lawyer and file a lawsuit, while others wanted to donate to him, and sign his petition.
“Somebody set up a GoFundMe for that man so he can retire,” one person commented. “That’s actually age discrimination. Get a lawyer asap!” said another. “Breaks my heart,” a third comment read.
The Internet Rallies Behind Mick
Five Below has not publicly addressed Mick’s claims. Meanwhile, Ohio law has clear statements about age discrimination in employment, which is illegal under both federal and Ohio law, per Ohio Labor Law.
The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects workers 40 and older at companies with 20 or more employees, while Ohio’s own law extends similar protections to smaller employers as well. Workers who believe they’ve experienced age discrimination can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the EEOC.
