AARP Foundation Files Class Action Lawsuit Against RTX Corporation
A major defense contractor is facing legal action over allegations of age discrimination in its hiring practices. The AARP Foundation, a nonprofit organization advocating for older adults, filed a lawsuit against RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation) on Tuesday in federal court.
Lawsuit Claims Ads Target Younger Workers
The lawsuit centers on job advertisements posted by RTX that allegedly favor younger applicants. These ads, according to the AARP Foundation, specifically target recent college graduates or individuals with less than two years of experience. The lawsuit argues that this approach excludes qualified older workers from consideration and discourages them from applying in the first place.
Seeking Class Action Status and Policy Changes
The lawsuit seeks class action status, encompassing a broader group of potentially affected individuals. The legal team, including attorneys from the AARP Foundation, Peter Romer-Friedman Law, and Outten & Golden, hopes this case will serve as a deterrent to other large corporations engaging in similar practices.
Individual Plaintiff and EEOC Findings
Mark Goldstein, a 67-year-old plaintiff in the case, claims he applied for multiple positions with RTX since 2019. Goldstein previously filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging he was passed over for opportunities due to his age. The EEOC’s investigation reportedly concluded that Goldstein’s claims were valid and that Raytheon’s job advertisements violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
Lawsuit Demands Policy Changes and Compensation
The lawsuit seeks a multi-pronged solution. First, it demands that RTX cease all discriminatory practices against Goldstein and the potentially “tens of thousands” of individuals who may be part of the class action. The lawsuit further seeks the implementation of company policies promoting equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of age. Finally, the lawsuit seeks financial compensation for Goldstein and other affected workers, including backpay.
