EEOC AND NEW JERSEY CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT YOUTH@WORK CAMPAIGN

Federal-State Partnership Part of Nationwide Initiative to Educate Teens, Employers

NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division on Civil Rights, today launched a new partnership to educate young people and employers about their respective rights and responsibilities under federal and state laws preventing discrimination in the workplace.  A key aspect of the public education campaign is the placement of Youth@Work posters on New Jersey area transit buses.

The Youth@Work posters on public transit buses in Union, Essex, Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Middlesex counties will reach thousands of commuters every day.  The EEOC's Youth@Work Initiative is a comprehensive outreach and education campaign designed to inform teens about their employment rights and responsibilities, and to help employers create positive first work experiences for young adults. 

"Teenage workers are one of the most vulnerable segments of the labor force," said EEOC New York District Director Spencer Lewis, who noted that numerous Youth@Work presentations are also being conducted in northern New Jersey high schools and middle schools.

He added:  "It is critically important that young people know what to do if they are confronted with discrimination or harassment on the job. Similarly, employers need to be extra vigilant in protecting young people in the workplace. This campaign will go a long way toward achieving these ends."

The EEOC has held more than 4,300 Youth@Work events nationwide since the program was launched, reaching more than 257,400 students, education professionals, and employers.  Further information about the Youth@Work campaign, including how to schedule a free Youth@Work outreach presentation, is available online at http://www.eeoc.gov/initiatives/youth/index.html.  Specific EEOC-related information for teens is available online at http://www.youth.eeoc.gov.

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.  Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.  Additional information about the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights can be found on its web site at www.njcivilrights.org.