National Older Workers Employment Week, 1999

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 7173--National Older Workers Employment Week, 1999

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7173 of March 11, 1999

National Older Workers Employment Week, 1999

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

One of our Nation's most valuable but least appreciated
assets is its workers aged 55 and older. Older
Americans bring to the workplace sound judgment, broad
knowledge and experience, proven problem-solving
abilities, and a strong work ethic. Despite their often
impressive qualifications, however, older men and women
who attempt to change jobs or seek new careers
frequently encounter difficulties. Some employers
mistakenly fear that older workers lack the skills and
flexibility to learn new technologies and procedures;
others think that they no longer have the energy and
motivation to compete in today's fast-paced and
stressful work environment; still others are unwilling
to pay older workers the salaries they deserve and
prefer instead to hire younger, less experienced
employees at lower rates. Such employers are short-
sighted.

Americans are living longer, healthier, more active
lives. In the next century, as our economy continues to
expand and the demand for skilled workers continues to
grow, older citizens will become an increasingly vital
resource. If our Nation is to thrive in the 21st
century, we must encourage businesses to recognize the
rich potential of older workers, to make the most of
their knowledge, skills, and experience, and to retain
qualified older employees in the workforce.

We must also remain vigilant in protecting the rights
and well-being of older Americans. Laws such as the Age
Discrimination Act, the Older Americans Act, and the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act protect older
workers from age bias and discrimination and help
assure their fair treatment in the workplace. In
addition, the Department of Labor and the Department of
Health and Human Services, through such efforts as the
Senior Community Service Employment Program and the
programs of the Administration on Aging, assist older
workers who give their time and energy to contribute to
our Nation's economy.

As we observe this special week, let us remember with
appreciation the many invaluable contributions older
workers make to our country's progress and prosperity,
and let us resolve to give older Americans an equal
opportunity to participate in the workplace.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States, by virtue of the authority vested in me
by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim March 14 through March 20, 1999, as
National Older Workers Employment Week. I urge
employers across the Nation to recognize the energy and
ability of older workers, and I encourage public
officials responsible for job placement, training, and
related services to intensify their efforts throughout
the year to help older workers find suitable jobs and
training.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eleventh day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
third.