Res. No. 1352
Resolution calling upon employers in New York City to hire more workers over 55 years of age.
By Council Members Lappin, Dromm, Jackson, James, Koo, Koslowitz, Mendez, Palma, Rose, Vann, Williams, Wills, Rodriguez, Chin, Nelson, Eugene, Barron, Greenfield, Mealy and Ulrich
Whereas, According to the United States Department of Labor, of the 14.9 million individuals who are unemployed, more than 2.2 million are over 55 years of age; and
Whereas, Nearly half of the 2.2 million workers over 55 years of age that are unemployed have been so for 6 months or longer; and
Whereas, Although the unemployment rate for this population is lower than the rest of the nation, it takes workers 55 years of age or older an average of 54 weeks to find a new job compared to an average of 36 weeks for younger workers; and
Whereas, The poverty rate for workers between 55 and 64 years of age increased from 8.6 percent in 2007 to 9.4 percent in 2009; and
Whereas, The New York State Department of Aging projects that by 2030 nearly one in four New Yorkers will be 60 years of age or older; and
Whereas, According to a survey conducted by AARP, only 18 percent of businesses offered a part-time work arrangement with benefits; and
Whereas, Only 25 percent of the businesses surveyed offered training to managers about ways to utilize older employees; and
Whereas, The same survey revealed that hiring managers consider identifying and keeping skilled workers as a critical issue facing employers today; and
Whereas, Among the 29 qualities included in the survey, older employees are believed to possess six of the top seven qualities that all employers desire in an employee; and
Whereas, Older workers have a wealth of workplace experience and are capable of learning new skills; and
Whereas, In order to address the changing economy and workforce, employers must utilize creative efforts to fill the labor gap; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon employers in New York City to hire more workers over 55 years of age.
LS# 3452
05/22/12
FCC