Today, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill co-sponsored by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) to prohibit age discrimination against older employees and job applicants.
The Protect Older Job Applicants (POJA) Act of 2021 would strengthen the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s interpretation that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) covers job applicants – not just current employees – and align ADEA protections for job applicants with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“Congress established long ago no one should be denied employment opportunities based on their age — and that still rings true today,” said Rep. Axne. “This legislation will ensure everyone has equal opportunity to secure new employment no matter their age. I’m proud see the Protect Older Job Applicants Act, which I co-sponsored, pass the House today — because all Iowans deserve a chance to earn a good living.”
For nearly 50 years, the ADEA protected older employees and applicants from age discrimination.
However, two federal circuit court decisions have interpreted the law to exclude older job applicants from the ADEA’s disparate impact coverage. The Supreme Court has declined to review these decisions.
The POJA Act would close this loophole to ensure older job applicants are protected.
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