DIRECTIVE	:	TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 22-98
TO	:	ALL STATE JTPA LIAISONS ALL STATE WORKER ADJUSTMENT LIAISONS ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES ALL ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER SYSTEM LEADS
FROM	:	DAVID HENSON Director Office of Regional Management
SUBJECT	:	National Older Workers Employment Week, 1999

1. Purpose. To announce National Older Workers Employment Week, March 14-20, 1999, and to disseminate Older Workers Employment Week Posters.

2. Background. The second full week in March has traditionally been celebrated as Older Workers Employment Week. In past years, the President has signed Proclamations recognizing the week and the contributions of older workers, and we expect him to do so again this year. The week provides an opportunity to focus on the many positive contributions that older workers have made in the past as well as those that they will make in the future.

   Celebrations are particularly apt this year, as the United Nations has proclaimed 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons. Ceremonies, meetings and conferences will be occurring worldwide during this year to recognize the elderly, and to celebrate the blessings of longevity. The motto for the International Year is &qout;Adding life to the years that have been added to life."

3. Discussion. In the United States, Americans age 55 and over are the Nation's greatest overlooked resource even though they are active, vital, and in good health. Despite their job qualifications, individuals find the search for employment more difficult as they grow older. Many experience serious difficulties in finding new jobs if they lose their jobs or desire new employment. Efforts are underway to help employers overcome their reluctance to hire older job seekers by making them more aware of a well-documented finding -- by every common measure of job performance, older workers are at least as effective as younger people due to their unique combination of skills, experiences, and judgement.

   There is an unprecedented growth in the number of mature workers, and it is expected to continue for the next decade and beyond. Our laws and government agencies are responding to this growth by offering protections, programs, and services to older workers. Basic rights are ensured through the Older Americans Act, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The Departments of Labor, and Health and Human Services help older workers through such efforts as the Senior Community Service Employment Program and programs of the Administration on Aging.

4. Action Required. One-Stop Career Centers and other partners in the Workforce Investment Act should do their part in promoting older workers to employers and in the communities at large. Under separate cover, you will receive posters prepared for National Older Workers Employment Week featuring Senator John Glenn, spokesperson for the International Year of Older Persons. Included in the mailing is a letter signed by Steve Protulis, Executive Director of the National Senior Citizens Education and Research Center, a large poster, and two letter-size posters. The latter may be copied and distributed throughout the community. The Department encourages use of these materials in activities planned to celebrate National Older Workers Employment Week. When the Presidential Proclamation is signed, copies will be disseminated as well.

5. Inquiries. Please contact your ETA Regional Office for further information regarding National Older Workers Employment Week, 1999.

6. Separate Cover. 

   National Older Worker Employment Week Posters

   Letter signed by Executive Director

   Presidential Proclamation

NOTE: Items not available to DMS