AARP Applauds U.S. House Passage of the Protect Older Job Applicants Act

WASHINGTON—AARP released the following statement from Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, in response to the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Protect Older Job Applicants Act (POJA) today:

“AARP praises the passage of the Protect Older Job Applicants Act. Older workers are valuable assets to their employers and the economy, and additional protections are needed to keep older workers connected to the workforce, especially as the country recovers from COVID-19.  Age discrimination in the workplace – against older workers or others – is never acceptable. Americans age 55 and up experience long-term unemployment at a higher rate compared to younger job seekers and age discrimination makes it harder for older workers to find new jobs or return to the workforce. This bill to restore Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protections to job applicants will help provide a level playing field for older workers when applying for a job.”

AARP 2021 research found that 78% of older workers say they have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, and 96% of older workers agree that laws to combat age discrimination should be stronger.

More information about the issue of age discrimination at work is available at: https://www.aarp.org/work/working-at-50-plus/age-discrimination/.