Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-639-6405/202-374-6491
[email protected]
WASHINGTON – The American Federation of Government Employees applauds lawmakers for introducing legislation intended to help deter employment discrimination and ensure victims are fully compensated.
Reps. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Bobby Scott of Virginia joined Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts in introducing the Equal Remedies Act (HR 8298/S 4327), which would eliminate statutory damage caps for employment discrimination in civil rights cases and amend the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) so victims of age discrimination can receive compensatory and punitive damages.
Under this legislation, employees who experience age discrimination would be able to access the same remedies available to those who experience other forms of discrimination. This bill updates an outdated 1991 law that caps awards in cases of employment discrimination, which prevents workers from receiving the full amount awarded by a jury.
“AFGE represents workers who have experienced illegal treatment in the workplace and who deserve compensation to be able to be made whole,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said. “The arbitrary cuts placed on damages make it difficult for employees recovering from traumatic experiences to continue supporting themselves. Discrimination can inflict long-lasting damage on workers, and they deserve to be fully compensated.”
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