The American Trucking Associations has announced its participation in the Alliance for an Experienced Workforce, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between industry associations designed to promote strategies for recruiting and retaining workers over age 50, as well as planning for the demographic challenges facing the U.S. work force in coming years.
Comprised of more than 20 industry associations representing more than 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 age 50 and above, addressing issues such 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,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “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 age 50 and older makes good business sense. For more information, go to www.aarp.org/alliance.
