The Booker Administration:

Bringing more jobs to Newark
Ensuring Newark residents get the job

Since July 1st, The Booker Administration has been working hard to attract more employers to Newark and support existing Newark companies in expanding their job opportunities. Working closely with some of the largest employers in Newark, the Mayor has been able to ensure that our residents have greater opportunities to obtain the jobs that they are creating, thus providing a service to residents and business alike.

For example, the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training (MOET), now known as NEWARK WORKS, has been working with Continental Airlines to provide candidates for the many job openings within that growing organization.

In the past, 8 percent of Continental’s Newark workforce has come from the city. Today that figure is up to 20 percent and continuing to rise. Approximately 100 Newark residents have been hired by Continental in 2007, and will be working at their hub at Newark Liberty International Airport. The airline anticipates hiring hundreds more Newark residents in the months ahead. Our NEWARK WORKS job agency has provided Newark job applicants with access to computer on-line applications for Continental and has pre-screened and presented applicants to the airline.

In addition, for the first time, Continental is offering a summer internship program, called the Summer Assist Agent Program, in which Newark youth aged 18-22 will work as uniformed assistants at ticket counters and baggage handling points, learning about workplace realities and airline operations. Continental hopes that this program will lead to long-term careers at the airline for the youngsters.

According to Monica Slater-Stokes, Continental Director of International and State Affairs, the initiative is the “first formal, structured process that Continental has engaged with the City of Newark.” We congratulate and thank Jon Roitman, Newark hub executive for Continental, and his colleagues for their early, exemplary leadership – and for their strong partnership with the City’s economic development team.

Continental is not the only employer that is teaming up with us. We are developing links with Cablevision and Verizon to create jobs for Newark residents. We are working in ensure that, in real estate transactions where the city has leverage, first source local hiring agreements are reached so more Newark residents receive jobs. For example, the new Springfield Avenue Marketplace developers have agreed for their retailers to interview Newark residents first when hiring, and to keep documentation of those job applications and interviews.

Creating substantive jobs and real prosperity for Newark residents is not an overnight process. Nor can government do it alone. We are proud that our private sector has stepped up and recognized the importance of bringing jobs to our residents. We have much to do. The Booker Administration will continue to work to ensure that Newark’s prosperity is built upon jobs and economic opportunity for our residents.

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