Older Workers’ Bureau Act

The "Older Workers' Bureau Act" establishes an Older Workers' Bureau within the Department of Labor, led by a Presidentially-appointed Director. This Bureau is tasked with promoting the welfare, improving working conditions, and advancing employment opportunities for individuals aged 55 and older. Its functions include policy development, outreach, and coordinating federal research related to older workers. The Bureau will conduct extensive research into various aspects affecting older workers, such as their economic and financial security, access to leave and workplace flexibility, tailored job training, and retirement readiness. It will also investigate age discrimination, wage disparities, and job security for this demographic. The Bureau is mandated to submit annual reports detailing its activities, cataloging federal programs, identifying issues, and making recommendations to improve older workers' well-being. Furthermore, the bill establishes two competitive grant programs . One program will fund research aimed at identifying and eliminating barriers to employment and reemployment for older workers, as well as policies to assist them. The second program will award grants to institutions like employers, labor organizations, and nonprofits to combat structural ageism, improve employment opportunities, and foster diverse and inclusive workplaces for older workers, with an authorized appropriation of $10,000,000 annually.