Senators Reintroduce Bill to Protect Older Workers

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has joined Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Susan Collins (D-Maine) in reintroducing the bipartisan Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWDA), reports WeAreIowa.com . POWDA's enactment would reinstate many Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protections, making it easier for older employees to prove they are targets of age discrimination in the workplace. "Older Americans contribute greatly to our society and economy," stated Grassley. "They deserve the same protections as every other American." In 2009, Iowa resident Jack Gross was involved in a Supreme Court case that diluted the ADEA by requiring a significantly higher burden of proof on workers alleging age discrimination than is required of employees alleging racial, sexual, nationality-based, or religious discrimination. "Too many older workers have been victims of unfair age discrimination and are denied a fair shake in our justice system," stressed AARP Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. "The time for Congress to act is now."