In 2018, Alex Gutierrez was celebrating his birthday at work with colleagues when his manager asked him about his intentions to retire. He was 68 years old.

He was informed the company’s policy was that employees retire at 65 years old. A loyal employee, Gutierrez began working with the shipping company in 2003 as chief accountant.

Alex Gutierrez won a landmark age discrimination case against his former employer.Credit: Edwina Pickles

Knowing his rights, Gutierrez informed the manager that this was unlawful. His response was, “I will work until I drop dead, or you kick me out”. The company offered him a new contract.

“Terminating my employment contract and putting me into another contract was illegal. I advised my employer to seek legal advice on this and to discuss this. I did not get a reply,” he says.

“They already had someone in mind to take the role. Accepting defeat, I reluctantly gave my retirement date, September 2019 to coincide with my 70th birthday.”

Reeling from the injustice, he commenced proceedings in........

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