AARP New Jersey Applauds NJ Legislature for Passing S397/A681 to Protect Older Workers

Urges Governor Murphy to Sign into Law

Statement from AARP New Jersey Advocacy Associate State Director Crystal McDonald

NEW BRUNSWICK (June 21, 2021) – “We applaud the NJ Legislature for passing S397/A681 today to protect older New Jerseyans from age discrimination in the workplace.

“The bill eliminates current language in the law that allows employers not to hire or promote workers over 70 years old. Every worker deserves to be judged on how well they do their job, never on their age. The reality is that our workforce is getting older, and people are working longer; yet, three in five older workers report seeing or experiencing age discrimination on the job.

“S397/A681 also closes a loophole that lets governmental employers require an employee to retire when they reach a certain age. In addition, it eliminates a law that allows higher education institutions to require tenured employees to retire when they turn 70. Finally, it amends the current law to ensure that an employee who is unlawfully required to retire because of age may seek all remedies provided by law, including punitive damages.

“We commend the NJ Legislature for updating this antiquated law to reflect the reality of today’s workforce. We applaud Senator Loretta Weinberg, Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce for championing this legislation.

“AARP will continue to fight to ensure New Jersey provides an equitable workplace for all generations. Age discrimination is wrong, and we are now calling on Governor Murphy to sign this bill into law.

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About AARP New Jersey
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP New Jersey educates and advocates on behalf of those 50 and older on issues that are important to them, their families and to all Garden State residents. The organization works to strengthen New Jersey communities with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/nj or follow @AARPNJ on social media.