Stressing that age is an asset and experience a benefit, the city of Duluth will send a compelling message about the value of older workers to local employers and public officials during National Employ Older Workers Week (Sept. 21 through 27.
A strong work ethic coupled with "old-fashioned employer loyalty" makes older workers an attractive resource for employers seeking workers - and possibly mentors for younger workers as well.
In July 2008, the city of Duluth received grants totaling $438,543 from the State of Minnesota and Senior Service America Inc. (SSAI), one of 18 national organizations that administer the Department of Labor's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
"The SCSEP grants will enable us to enroll almost 100 eligible persons this year," said Carol Turner, director of senior employment programs. "We intend to assign these eligible, low-income persons 55 years of age and older into part-time community service positions at rates and hours set forth in the Older Americans Act. We call on Duluth employers in the public, private and non-profit sectors to partner with us."
First celebrated during the Eisenhower Administration, National Employ Older Workers Week activities focus on recognizing the importance of the participation of older workers in the labor force.
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National Employ Older Workers Week showcases the Department of Labor's SCSEP program which has served the job training, placement and community service needs of senior citizens with limited financial resources for 40 years. Since its inception under the Economic Opportunity Act, SCSEP has helped nearly 100,000 people enter the job market each year.
"Americans aged 55 or older are a dedicated and experienced core of our workforce," added SSAI's Marta Ames, National SCSEP director for Senior Service America. "Their contributions to the nation as paid workers and volunteers in both the private and public sectors are immeasurable."
Studies show that by the end of 2008, 40 percent of the labor force will be 45 or older and eight million more Americans 55 or older will be in the labor force than in 1998. This population of mature workers includes individuals who are retiring at younger ages and want second careers, individuals who want to work beyond the age of 65 and those individuals who need another source to supplement their income.
-- City of Duluth press release
