[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 49 (Monday, March 15, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 12879-12880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6428]



[[Page 12877]]

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Part V





The President





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Proclamation 7173--National Older Workers Employment Week, 1999
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 49 / Monday, March 15, 1999 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 12879]]

                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.

[[Page 12880]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 99-6428
Filed 3-12-99; 8:55 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P