According to data from the Technical Cabinet of CCOO-Canarias, there are currently nearly 29,000 people in this age group seeking employment, while the number of citizens already receiving an early pension stands at around 18,000. This figure contrasts with historical trends, where the group of early retirees was typically larger.
Accessing early retirement has become more complex due to the gradual increase in the legal retirement age and the requirement for longer contribution periods. In 2013, 35 years and three months of contributions were required, whereas today the figure has risen to 38 years and three months. Furthermore, the application of reduction coefficients on pensions has made this option less attractive.
“"Of course, we encounter cases where companies discard a resume simply because of the candidate's age."
The report highlights the impact of ageism, a barrier that hinders the labor market reintegration of workers over 50. This is compounded by the discontinuity in contributions caused by historical high rates of temporary employment, which prevents many workers from reaching the minimum years of contributions required to qualify for early retirement.
Given this scenario, unions are calling for special treatment for professions involving greater physical hardship. Progress has been made in sectors such as construction, floor maids, and forest firefighters, seeking reduction coefficients that allow for a fairer retirement for those who have performed highly demanding physical work throughout their careers.
