General Dynamic Land Systems v. Cline
Dennis Cline sued his employer, General Dynamic Land Systems, alleging that a new collective bargaining agreement, which no longer required the company to provide full health benefits to retirees who were under age 50 on July 1, 1997, discriminated against him on the basis of age in violation of the Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADEA). He was joined in the suit by 195 other employees of the company who were between the ages of 40 and 49 when the new agreement took effect. The ADEA makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against any individual at least 40 years of age with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of that individual’s age. The district court found that the plaintiffs did not have a cause of action because the ADEA does not prohibit “reverse discrimination” and only prohibits discrimination against those in the protected class who are older than the favored employees. The court of appeals reversed, holding that the plain language of the ADEA, consistent with Congress’ intent to protect older workers, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age against any employees at least 40 years old, even if those employees who are favored are older than those who are discriminated against.
Question Presented:
Whether the Court of Appeals erred in holding, contrary to decisions of the First and Seventh Circuits, that the ADEA, prohibits “reverse discrimination,” i.e., employer
actions, practices, or policies that treat older workers more favorably than younger workers who are at least 40 years old.
