Forty-five percent of all government employees are considered Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), eligible to retire in the next five to 10 years. Baby-boomer retirements and turnover will be exacerbated by early retirement programs and cutbacks forced by state legislatures, county councils, congress and policy makers. Turnover at every level of government is increasing. This is an issue for public sector unionists across the United States, as this shortage of workers goes to the very heart of our ability to provide quality public services to the taxpayer. We must collectively research effective recruitment and retention tools for public employment.

The appeal of a career in public services has to be sophisticated and focused, given the different goals and attitudes of young people now entering the workforce. Establishing an effective government recruitment and retention program represents a dramatic shift in operating procedure for most public employers since, historically, little has been done to advertise and promote jobs in government. Leaders in government and in our union can help to change operating procedures and help promote the jobs that build our communities and strengthen our nation.

Through professional polling of our members across the country, we know that, in addition to increasing salaries, AFT public employees feel that their employees should offer professional/career development opportunities and more flexible work schedules. This is attractive to potential employees. Public employees have indicated a strong willingness to help with recruitment efforts. Low-tech job fairs and high-tech Web sites offer opportunities for public employers to inform potential employees about the exciting and important work being done by government agencies across the board.

Effective recruitment and retention programs require a cooperative labor-management partnership that gives employees greater say and more control over their work. A meaningful partnership benefits all parties: employees, government administrators, policy makers and the public at large.