[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 10 (Monday, March 15, 1999)]
[Pages 412-413]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7173--National Older Workers Employment Week, 1999

March 11, 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

[[Page 413]]

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.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:55 a.m., March 12, 
1999]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
15.