Ageism at the Russian Labour Market: Wage Discrimination

Abstract

This paper analyses ageism at the Russian labour market, in particular, wage discrimination. We conduct empirical study based on the data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS HSE), years 2004–2015. We apply econometric methods, using Mincer equations and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition. The results confirm wage discrimination for elder workers: for males it starts from 45–54 years and for females from 55–64 years. Our analysis also reveals possibilities to compensate age discrimination by means of specific job tenure and education. The paper concludes with recommendations for employers’ and public policies with regard to an ageing labour force.