New York City Council
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation
Nov 19, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 32 min
Summary
A hearing on addressing workforce vacancies and civil service challenges in New York City government.
Discussions focused on:
- High vacancy rates across city agencies
- Streamlining hiring processes
- The role of the Office of Management and Budget in hiring approvals
- Worker retention challenges
- The impact of staffing cuts on city services, particularly in the Parks Department
The council emphasized the urgency of filling vacancies to improve city services and called for greater transparency in hiring trends and vacancy rates.
Features testimony from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Office of Labor Relations (OLR), District Council 37 (DC 37), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Lincoln Restler's opening remarks and introduction of co-chair
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the joint committee hearing on Governmental Operations and Civil Service & Labor. He introduces himself as the chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations and …
0:00:39
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38 sec
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa's opening remarks on city workforce vacancies and civil service challenges
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, chair of the committee on civil service and labor, opens the hearing by addressing the current state of the city's workforce. She highlights the …
0:01:17
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172 sec
Impact of vacancy crisis on HRA and Parks Department
Council Member Restler provides specific examples of how the vacancy crisis is affecting city services, focusing on the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Parks Department. - Long lines and …
0:04:09
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59 sec
Overall reduction in New York City's workforce
Council Member Restler details the significant reduction in New York City's workforce since the pandemic, emphasizing the scale of the loss. - The city workforce has decreased from 302,000 to …
0:05:09
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63 sec
Criticism of Mayor Adams' budget cuts and their impact
Council Member Restler criticizes Mayor Eric Adams' approach to the city's workforce, arguing that his budget cuts have negatively impacted city services. - Argues that New York City is not …
0:06:12
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20 sec
Importance of public sector jobs for economic mobility
Council Member Restler emphasizes the significance of public sector employment in promoting economic mobility and overall job growth in New York City. - Highlights that public jobs are beneficial for …
0:06:33
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32 sec
Issues with the civil service hiring process
Council Member Restler outlines problems with the current civil service hiring process and calls for reforms to improve recruitment, hiring, and retention of city government employees. - Criticizes the long …
0:07:05
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57 sec
Introduction of legislation related to civil service and hiring
Council Member Restler introduces several pieces of legislation that will be discussed during the hearing, all aimed at improving the civil service hiring process and workforce diversity. - Intro 75: …
0:08:02
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46 sec
Acknowledgments and introductions of council members and staff
Council Member Restler concludes his opening remarks by acknowledging and thanking various staff members and introducing other council members present at the hearing. - Thanks committee staff members by name …
0:08:48
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136 sec
Introduction and overview of NYC workforce vacancies
Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, introduces the critical issue of workforce vacancies in New York City and their impact on city services. He highlights that there are …
0:11:21
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91 sec
Parks Department staffing issues and service impact
The testimony highlights significant staffing issues in the New York City Parks Department and their impact on services. Chronic understaffing has left parks across the city in disrepair, affecting the …
0:12:52
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98 sec
HRA vacancies and effects on social services
The testimony addresses the critical vacancies in the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and their impact on New York City's social services. The staffing crisis is creating bottlenecks that delay essential …
0:14:30
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67 sec
Department of Buildings vacancies and construction delays
The testimony highlights how vacancies in the Department of Buildings are causing significant delays in construction projects citywide, hindering economic development and housing production. These staffing issues are exacerbating the …
0:15:39
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49 sec
Department of Transportation staffing shortages and revenue impact
The testimony addresses the staffing shortages in the Department of Transportation, particularly in parking enforcement services, and their impact on city revenue. The workforce is facing a troubling 12% vacancy …
0:16:29
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55 sec
Department of Finance vacancies and lost revenue opportunities
The testimony highlights the critical impact of vacancies in revenue-generating and revenue-capturing positions within the Department of Finance. These vacancies are resulting in significant lost revenue opportunities for the city. …
0:17:25
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84 sec
Recruitment efforts and hiring process challenges
The testimony addresses the city's recruitment efforts and challenges in the hiring process. Contrary to common belief, Garrido argues that the city does not have a recruitment problem, but rather …
0:19:26
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38 sec
OMB's interference in the hiring process
The testimony strongly criticizes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for interfering in the hiring process, even after agencies have made job offers to qualified candidates. This unprecedented level …
0:20:05
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40 sec
Budget implications and retention issues of city vacancies
The testimony addresses the significant budget implications of the city's vacancies and challenges the narrative around recruitment and retention. Garrido argues that the vacancy crisis is more complex than simply …
0:20:46
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63 sec
Closing remarks and call to action
Henry Garrido concludes his testimony with a brief closing remark, thanking the committee for the opportunity to speak on the critical issue of workforce vacancies in New York City. - …
0:21:50
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1 sec
Council Member De La Rosa thanks testifier and comments on environmental concerns
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa expresses gratitude for the testimony provided and acknowledges its relevance to the council's concerns about service delivery in the city. She emphasizes the immediate …
0:21:52
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40 sec
Council Member Restler recognizes colleagues and introduces the hearing topic
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the session by acknowledging the presence of fellow council members Menon, Salam, and Carr from Brooklyn. He then introduces the main topic of the hearing, …
0:22:37
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22 sec
Discussion on challenges in filling revenue generating positions in city government
Council Member Restler and Henry Garrido discuss the difficulties in filling revenue-generating positions in city government, despite their importance for funding other services. Garrido explains the unusual practice of not …
0:23:00
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3 min
Impact of staff reductions on traffic safety and revenue, and federal reimbursements
Council Member Restler and Henry Garrido discuss the impact of staff reductions on traffic safety and revenue generation, particularly in the context of traffic camera and stop sign maintenance. They …
0:26:48
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64 sec
OMB's role in hiring process and potential solutions for improving the system
Council Member Restler and Henry Garrido discuss the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) role in the hiring process, its impact on filling positions, and potential solutions to improve the …
0:27:52
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4 min
Council Member Restler concludes discussion with hope for improvements in hiring processes
Council Member Restler concludes the discussion by summarizing the key issues raised and expressing hope for improvements in the city's hiring processes. - Restler agrees with Garrido's assessment of the …
0:32:01
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48 sec
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about agency distribution of DC 37 vacancies
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa asks Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, about the distribution of 8,000 DC 37 vacancies across city agencies. Garrido provides a detailed …
0:32:49
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140 sec
OMB's overreach in city hiring process raises concerns
Council Member Julie Menin and Henry Garrido discuss the unprecedented level of involvement by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the city's hiring process. They express concern over …
0:35:23
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3 min
Proposal for study on revenue loss due to hiring delays
Council Member Julie Menin raises concerns about the deterrent effect of lengthy hiring processes on potential public servants and suggests a study to quantify the revenue loss caused by hiring …
0:38:52
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59 sec
911 operator shortages pose risk to public safety
Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, raises alarming concerns about shortages in 911 operators and the resulting risks to public safety. - Garrido reports that some 911 calls …
0:39:51
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77 sec
Council Member Carr's remarks on OMB's role in hiring process
Council Member David M. Carr expresses agreement with colleagues regarding OMB's role in the hiring process. He emphasizes that OMB's involvement should be limited to financial decisions rather than substantive …
0:41:42
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37 sec
Council Member Carr inquires about rehiring terminated employees
Council Member David M. Carr asks Henry Garrido about the possibility of rehiring employees who were terminated due to COVID vaccination requirements. He emphasizes the need to address staffing shortages …
0:42:20
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60 sec
Henry Garrido responds on rehiring terminated employees
Henry Garrido expresses support for rehiring employees terminated due to COVID vaccination requirements but highlights several challenges in the process. He emphasizes the need for careful consideration of pension and …
0:43:20
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80 sec
Council Member Carr's follow-up on rehiring terminated employees
Council Member David M. Carr expresses appreciation for Henry Garrido's position and elaborates on the challenges and potential solutions for rehiring terminated employees. He emphasizes the importance of finding ways …
0:44:40
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46 sec
Conclusion of Henry Garrido's testimony and council members' appreciation
Henry Garrido concludes his testimony with a brief agreement to support legislation for rehiring terminated employees. Council members express their gratitude for Garrido's insights and expertise. - Garrido confirms DC …
0:45:26
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44 sec
Introduction of DCAS and OLR representatives and oath administration
Council Member Lincoln Restler introduces representatives from DCAS and OLR, thanking them for their patience. Council Member Carmen De La Rosa administers the oath to the new panel of witnesses. …
0:46:11
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51 sec
Introduction and overview of DCAS leadership
Katrina Porter, Chief Human Capital Officer and Deputy Commissioner for DCAS, introduces herself and her colleagues. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss DCAS programs and their importance in …
0:47:12
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47 sec
DCAS's role in workforce development and talent attraction
DCAS plays a crucial role in supporting agencies' efforts to recruit and retain city employees while fostering an accessible civil service. The department takes a multi-pronged approach to attracting talent …
0:47:59
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48 sec
Expansion of civil service exams and the bridge exam model
DCAS has been expanding the use of the bridge exam model, allowing candidates to qualify for multiple roles with a single exam. A recent initiative focuses on public safety titles. …
0:48:49
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47 sec
Accelerating civil service exam administration
DCAS has made significant progress in accelerating the timeline for administering civil service exams, enabling quicker candidate list availability for urgent agency hiring needs. - In fiscal year 2024, exam …
0:49:37
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59 sec
HR transformation initiative to streamline hiring
DCAS is leading an HR transformation initiative to speed up onboarding and streamline the hiring process for city agencies. - Reduced paperwork necessary for onboarding - Streamlined hiring process to …
0:50:36
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40 sec
Adjusting minimum qualifications to expand candidate pools
DCAS has launched an initiative to adjust minimum qualifications across various titles, considering practical experience and formal education requirements while maintaining high workforce standards. - Initiative expands the pool of …
0:51:17
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20 sec
Youth engagement and apprenticeship programs
DCAS has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at engaging New York City's youth and creating pathways for the next generation of civil servants. - Partnered with NYC Talent to meet the …
0:51:38
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89 sec
Training and professional development initiatives
DCAS has launched new training initiatives aimed at increasing staff morale and retention, with a focus on professional development. - Introduced a new citywide learning management system called NYC City …
0:53:08
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32 sec
Employee feedback and climate survey
DCAS has launched a climate survey to assess the impact of the city's equity and inclusion policies on the workforce. - 2024 Climate Survey launched in summer to gather direct …
0:53:41
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30 sec
Response to proposed legislation on workforce data and exam readability
Porter addresses two pieces of proposed legislation: Intro 75 and Intro 212-A, outlining DCAS's current practices and concerns. - Intro 75: DCAS already provides extensive workforce data through an online …
0:54:11
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124 sec
Conclusion and commitment to hiring and retaining talent
Porter concludes by reaffirming DCAS's commitment to supporting city agencies in meeting their hiring needs and positioning New York City as an employer of choice. - Emphasizes DCAS's passion for …
0:56:17
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51 sec
Discussion on vacancy rate reduction and staffing targets
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa questions DCAS officials about the reduction in vacancy rates, which is largely attributed to lowering staffing targets rather than increasing net staffing levels. She …
0:57:14
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88 sec
DCAS involvement in staffing target reduction decisions
Council Member De La Rosa questions the process of reducing staffing targets, expressing concern about DCAS's lack of involvement in these decisions. She argues that DCAS, as the chief human …
0:58:43
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89 sec
Addressing high turnover in critical city departments
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about strategies to address high turnover in critical departments such as probation, buildings, and fire department. DCAS officials explain their approach to supporting agencies …
1:00:13
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142 sec
Impact of increased overtime spending on employee well-being
Council Member De La Rosa raises concerns about the significant increase in overtime spending and its potential effects on employee well-being, productivity, and retention, especially in critical roles related to …
1:02:38
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84 sec
WorkWell NYC and employee assistance programs for city workers
Daniel Pollak from the Office of Labor Relations explains the WorkWell NYC program and other initiatives designed to support employee wellness and mental health. Council Member De La Rosa pushes …
1:04:01
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89 sec
Council Member Restler's opening remarks and acknowledgments
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the session with introductory remarks and acknowledgments. He thanks the agency leadership for attending and expresses appreciation for their engagement. - Thanks Executive Deputy Commissioner …
1:05:31
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42 sec
Discussion on current vacancy rate in city government
Council Member Restler and DCAS representatives discuss the current vacancy rate in city government. Deputy Commissioner Porter confirms a 5.3% vacancy rate for full-time employees, based on OMB information. - …
1:06:15
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114 sec
Process for developing annual civil service examination schedule
Deputy Commissioner Porter explains the collaborative process for developing the annual civil service examination schedule. DCAS works with city agencies to determine which exams to offer based on various factors. …
1:08:13
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58 sec
Candidates on eligible lists and obstacles to hiring
Council Member Restler and Deputy Commissioner Porter discuss the number of candidates on eligible lists and obstacles to hiring them. They confirm there are nearly half a million candidates across …
1:09:11
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171 sec
Efforts to fill vacancies at the Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Deputy Commissioner Porter details DCAS's efforts to help HRA fill vacancies in critical positions. Despite these efforts, Council Member Restler notes that HRA's headcount has declined since the mayor took …
1:12:02
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124 sec
Timeline of the civil service hiring process
Council Member Restler and Deputy Commissioner Porter discuss the timeline of the civil service hiring process, breaking it down into several steps. The discussion reveals a lengthy process from exam …
1:14:08
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7 min
DCAS tracking, alternative hiring methods, and comparison to private sector
The discussion covers DCAS's tracking methods for the hiring process, alternative hiring methods like provisional employees, and a comparison of public sector hiring timelines to the private sector. Council Member …
1:21:22
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143 sec
Concerns about HRA social worker hiring and potential terminations
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa raises concerns about a situation at the Human Resources Administration (HRA) where social workers hired last year to address a backlog may face termination …
1:23:45
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93 sec
Accommodations and processes for provisional employees facing civil service exam requirements
DCAS representatives explain the accommodations and processes in place for provisional employees facing civil service exam requirements. They discuss the legal framework, timelines, and options available to current city workers. …
1:25:19
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162 sec
Challenges with civil service exam eligibility for current HRA employees
Council Member De La Rosa highlights specific challenges faced by current HRA employees who may not meet the licensing requirements for the civil service exam but are already performing the …
1:28:01
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155 sec
Council Member Carr questions policy on rehiring workers terminated due to vaccination status
Council Member David M. Carr engages in a discussion with Daniel Pollak from the Office of Labor Relations regarding the city's policy on rehiring workers who were terminated due to …
1:30:56
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4 min
Council Member Salaam questions DCAS on workforce data, civil service exams, and hiring processes
Council Member Yusef Salaam questions Katrina Porter from DCAS about the implementation of Intro 75 regarding workforce data reporting, Intro 212-A on simplifying civil service exam language, and Resolution 78 …
1:35:07
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3 min
Council Member Paladino addresses workforce vacancies and calls for rehiring of terminated employees
Council Member Vickie Paladino addresses the issue of workforce vacancies in New York City, emphasizing the contrast between the current situation and pre-COVID conditions. She argues for the reinstatement of …
1:38:59
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3 min
OLR's efforts in workforce retention and union negotiations
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about the Office of Labor Relations' (OLR) role in improving workforce retention and the impact of vacancies on union negotiations. Daniel Pollak, First …
1:42:20
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136 sec
Discussion on EMT and EMS pay parity issues
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa raises concerns about pay disparities for EMTs and EMS workers, emphasizing their critical role and the challenges in retaining this workforce. Daniel Pollak acknowledges …
1:44:36
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128 sec
Inquiry into consulting contracts procurement process
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about the procurement process for consulting contracts. Katrina Porter from DCAS responds, indicating limited knowledge on the subject. - De La Rosa asks …
1:46:45
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44 sec
Concerns about outsourcing work versus investing in the city workforce
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa expresses concerns about the city's use of consulting contracts and outsourcing work instead of investing in the city workforce. She emphasizes the potential negative …
1:47:29
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47 sec
Discussion on 911 call operator staffing challenges
Council Member Restler raises concerns about 911 call operator staffing issues, including mandatory overtime and unanswered calls. DCAS officials were unaware of these specific issues, but OLR representatives mention ongoing …
1:48:16
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105 sec
Clarification on hiring timeline measurements
Council Member Restler seeks clarification on the hiring timelines mentioned earlier in the hearing. Deputy Commissioner Porter confirms that the timelines referenced are in total days, not business days. - …
1:50:01
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24 sec
Tracking of job offer declines in city hiring process
Council Member Restler inquires about the tracking of job offer declines in the city hiring process. Deputy Commissioner Porter confirms that this information is tracked as required by Local Law …
1:50:25
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58 sec
Expansion and effectiveness of bridge exams in city hiring
Council Member Restler inquires about the implementation and expansion of bridge exams. Deputy Commissioner Porter provides details on the current state and future plans for bridge exams. - DCAS is …
1:51:23
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71 sec
Discussion on civil service exam fees, waivers, and their impact
Council Member Restler raises concerns about civil service exam fees and inquires about fee waivers. Deputy Commissioner Porter explains DCAS's experience with fee waivers and current fee structure. - DCAS …
1:52:34
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5 min
Effectiveness and evolution of hiring halls in addressing city vacancies
Council Member Restler inquires about the effectiveness of hiring halls and their current status. DCAS officials explain the evolution of the hiring hall model and its current implementation. - From …
1:57:41
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5 min
Concerns over DCAS vacancy rate and its impact on city services
Council Member Restler expresses concern about the high vacancy rate at DCAS and its potential impact on city services. He highlights the importance of DCAS in supporting other agencies' hiring …
2:03:18
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100 sec
Timeline for release of workforce profile reports
Council Member Restler inquires about the timeline for releasing workforce profile reports. Deputy Commissioner Porter provides expected release dates for upcoming reports. - The FY23 workforce profile report is expected …
2:04:58
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31 sec
Update on Long Beach Compliance and provisional employee reduction
Council Member Restler requests an update on Long Beach Compliance and provisional employee reduction efforts. Deputy Commissioner Porter provides information on the current status and ongoing efforts. - As of …
2:05:28
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79 sec
Discussion on salary ranges, new hire rates, and hiring flexibility
Council Member Restler inquires about salary ranges, new hire rates, and the flexibility agencies have in offering higher salaries. Deputy Commissioner Pollak explains the current policies and processes. - Labor …
2:06:50
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4 min
Details of the hybrid work pilot program for city employees
Council Member Restler inquires about the hybrid work pilot program for city employees. Deputy Commissioner Pollak provides information on the program's scope and implementation. - The exact number of employees …
2:11:28
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81 sec
Evaluating the success of remote work and its impact on retention
Council Member Restler inquires about how the success of the remote work initiative is being tracked and its impact on employee retention. Deputy Commissioner Pollak explains the current evaluation process …
2:12:49
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122 sec
Council Member De La Rosa addresses 2-for-1 hiring policy and agency vacancy rates
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa discusses the 2-for-1 hiring model and expresses concerns about high vacancy rates in various city agencies. She emphasizes the need for a robust workforce …
2:14:51
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3 min
Testimony by Isaac Kirk Davidoff, Parks Worker from NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Isaac Kirk Davidoff, a parks worker and Local 371 member, testifies about the current challenges facing the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, particularly regarding staffing and working conditions. He …
2:23:06
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3 min
Council member expresses gratitude to parks employees and acknowledges staffing issues
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa thanks the parks worker for his testimony and expresses gratitude for the work of parks employees across the city. She acknowledges the issues raised …
2:26:36
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43 sec
Council member's remarks on parks department budget cuts
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses disappointment with Mayor Adams' cuts to the parks department budget. He emphasizes the need for significant restorations and expansion of park funding, and commits to …
2:27:20
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32 sec
Discussion with parks worker about workforce reductions and impact on park conditions
Council Member Restler engages in a Q&A session with Isaac Kirk Davidoff, a parks worker, about his experience and the impact of workforce reductions on park conditions. They discuss the …
2:27:53
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4 min
