The American Trucking Associations says it will participate in the Alliance for an Experienced Workforce, a collaboration between industry associations designed to promote strategies for recruiting and retaining workers over age 50
as well as planning for the demographic challenges that will face the U.S. workforce in coming years.
Made up of more than 20 industry associations representing over 5 million businesses and spearheaded by the American Association of Retired Persons, the Alliance is expected to serve as a catalyst for bringing government, employers and employees together to help and encourage workers to remain employed beyond the typical retirement age.
The Alliance, for example, will cultivate industry-specific best practices for workers aged 50 and above, including for such issues as benefits, workplace design and recruitment strategies.
"With a critical driver shortage facing the trucking industry, now, more than ever, our industry is consistently looking toward recruiting and retaining this pool of experienced workers," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "Motor carriers consistently have employed qualified workers over age 50 because of their proven track record as safe, professional drivers with well-developed judgment skills, strong work ethics and sound sense of responsibility. ATA is pleased to be a member of the Alliance for an Experienced Workforce. We hope that this effort will facilitate a healthy dialogue between motor carriers and mature workers interested in a truck driving career."
Over the next 10 years, 25 million workers will be eligible for retirement, the byproduct of an aging baby boomer generation. As a result, many employers are planning now for how they will retain a competitive advantage as the labor market tightens. Leading industry organizations, including ATA, recognize that recruiting and retaining employees 50 and older makes good business sense.
For more information on the Alliance, visit www.aarp.org/alliance. For information regarding ATA's participation in the Alliance, contact ccullinan@trucking.org.