RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies, is being sued for allegedly discriminating against job seekers aged 40 and older.
The AARP Foundation and two law firms filed the class action suit in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
The complaint says certain job advertisements by the aerospace and defense company favor younger workers.
It claims this violates federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
The lawsuit targets language in job ads for “Recent Graduate Positions.
It alleges the ads suggest a preference for candidates who graduated recently or have limited work experience.
These positions, while entry-level, can offer salaries exceeding $100,000.
The complaint argues this wording discourages older applicants from applying.
It says it prevents those who do apply from advancing in the hiring process due to their extensive experience.
RTX has denied the allegations.
A spokesman said: “RTX complies with all relevant age discrimination laws and we’re committed to maintaining a diverse workforce.
“We believe these claims are entirely without merit and we will actively defend our hiring practices.”
The lawsuit currently names one plaintiff, Mark H. Goldstein.
Goldstein is a 67-year-old with nearly 40 years of experience in various fields, including project management and cybersecurity.
Between 2019 and 2023, Goldstein applied for at least seven recent graduate positions at Raytheon, meeting all qualifications except the requirement for recent graduation or minimal work experience.
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Despite his qualifications and willingness to relocate, Goldstein was never interviewed or seriously considered for any positions, which the complaint attributes to age discrimination.
In 2019, Goldstein filed a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The complaint says job advertisements by the company favor younger workers
It found in 2021 Raytheon’s job ads likely violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) by indicating a preference for younger applicants.
Although Raytheon changed the job ad language following the EEOC’s findings, the complaint alleges the modifications continue discriminating against older job seekers.
Goldstein filed a second discrimination charge with the EEOC in July 2023, and the agency is investigating this new claim.
The lawsuit seeks to represent all similarly situated people affected by Raytheon’s alleged discriminatory practices.
