Grassley, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill Allowing Victims of Age Discrimination to Seek Justice and Accountability

Grassley, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill Allowing Victims of Age Discrimination to Seek Justice and Accountability

According to a 2024 AARP survey, 64% of older workers have either seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Aging Committee Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Older Americans Act, which would invalidate forced arbitration clauses that prevent age discrimination victims from seeking justice and public accountability. The legislation is cosponsored by Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and committee member Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

"Americans who suffer age discrimination at work should have a choice whether to participate in arbitration or have their day in court. This bill will guarantee these options," Grassley said.

"Age discrimination is a huge problem for older workers, and they deserve the ability to hold perpetrators accountable in open court," Gillibrand said. "Forced arbitration is a secretive and unfair process that strips hard-working Americans of their constitutional right to a jury trial and makes it more difficult for victims of age discrimination to get justice. The bipartisan Protecting Older Americans Act would enable victims to have their day in court if they so choose, giving them an important avenue to defend themselves against illegal conduct. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues, and I am optimistic that we can pass this critical reform in Congress."

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). The bill is endorsed by AARP, Lift Our Voices, National Employment Law Project, American Association for Justice, Public Investors Advocate Bar Association and Public Citizen.

"AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans aged 50 and over, is pleased to support the Protecting Older Americans Act of 2025, legislation that prohibits hard-working Americans from being forced into arbitration to settle age discrimination claims in the workplace," said AARP Senior Vice President Bill Sweeney. "We greatly appreciate your bipartisan leadership in introducing this legislation to protect the legal rights of older Americans."

Background:

Forced arbitration, or pre-dispute arbitration, occurs when a company requires an employee to submit any potential dispute to binding arbitration as a condition of employment. As a result, employees waive their right to sue in court, stripping them of a primary avenue for pursuing justice against age discrimination.

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