DeLauro, Blumenthal Discuss Bill to Ensure Fair Employment Opportunities

NEW HAVEN, CT— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Senator Richard Blumenthal today held a press conference to discuss support for the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2014, which would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment. They were joined by Larry Saffran, President of Stelray Plastics; Joseph Carbone, President & CEO, The WorkPlace; Bill Purcell, President of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce; and Joel Zaremby, Jim DeCarli and Maureen Quinlan, who are unemployed job seekers.

“In a tough job market, where workers are often competing against many others for every available job opening, it is unjust for employers to discriminate against those who are unemployed,” DeLauro said. “We have seen ample evidence that unemployed individuals fall prey to discriminatory practices reducing their opportunities to be considered for a job. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers, and ensure that all Americans have the same opportunities for employment.”

"Discrimination in the work place is abhorrent and unacceptable – and should be banned," said Blumenthal. "Facing the toughest job market in recent history, American workers deserve to be judged on their qualifications, not denied opportunity solely because they are currently unemployed or other extraneous factors. This bill aims to provide remedies for workers in Connecticut and around the country who all too commonly are victims of discriminatory practices.”

“The long-term unemployed face a number of significant barriers to rejoining the workforce,” said Carbone. “Eliminating discriminatory hiring practices helps level the playing field for all job seekers, providing qualified candidates an equal opportunity to compete for employment. I offer my commendation to Senator Blumenthal and Representative DeLauro for leading the effort to pass this important legislation.”

Almost four million Americans have been out of work for more than six months. But companies across the country continue to require current employment to be considered for available positions, and these discriminatory practices are eliminating employment opportunities for those who need them most. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2014 would prevent employers and employment agencies from refusing to consider or offer employment to someone who is unemployed, or including language in any job advertisements or postings that states unemployed individuals are not qualified.

DeLauro and Blumenthal also introduced this bill in 2011.