New York City Council
Committee on Civil Service and Labor
Jan 27, 2025
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 47 min
Summary
A hearing on municipal workforce recruitment and retention efforts in New York City.
Discussions focused on:
- Civil service examinations
- Outreach strategies
- Professional development opportunities
- Collective bargaining initiatives
- Challenges in various agencies including high vacancy rates
- Low pay for certain positions
- Alleged discriminatory practices.
The committee also discussed legislation to waive civil service exam fees for first-time applicants and high school students.
Features testimony from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Office of Labor Relations (OLR), and the public, including union representatives and city workers.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa opens hearing on municipal workforce recruitment and retention
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, chair of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor, opens a hearing on recruitment and retention challenges in New York City's municipal workforce. She …
0:00:35
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3 min
Introduction and overview of DCAS's recruitment and retention efforts
Katrina Porter, Chief Human Capital Officer for New York City and Deputy Commissioner for Human Capital at DCAS, introduces herself and her colleagues. She provides a brief overview of DCAS's …
0:04:39
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52 sec
Civil service examinations as a key recruitment tool
Civil service examinations are presented as a crucial component of DCAS's recruitment strategy for the City of New York. These exams serve as a fair and standardized method for selecting …
0:05:33
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31 sec
Outreach efforts and job application statistics
DCAS employs various strategies to reach potential job candidates and has seen significant growth in engagement and applications. The department's efforts have resulted in increased accessibility and appeal of city …
0:06:04
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68 sec
Partnerships and pathway programs for recruitment
DCAS engages in various partnerships and operates several pathway programs to enhance recruitment efforts and attract diverse talent to the municipal workforce. These initiatives aim to create direct routes for …
0:07:13
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55 sec
Retention efforts and professional development opportunities
DCAS emphasizes the importance of retaining talented employees and offers various professional development opportunities to support career growth within the municipal workforce. These efforts aim to foster long-term commitment and …
0:08:09
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84 sec
Workforce data and competitiveness of city employment
The City of New York demonstrates strong performance in recruitment and retention, with data showing competitive vacancy rates, high retention, and long tenure among employees. These metrics position the city …
0:09:34
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85 sec
Response to Intro 671 on civil service exam fee waivers
DCAS expresses support for the spirit of Intro 671 but notes that eliminating civil service exam fees may not significantly increase the number of exam takers or passing candidates. The …
0:11:00
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79 sec
Conclusion and future outlook for city recruitment and retention
DCAS acknowledges that while progress has been made in recruitment and retention efforts, there is ongoing work to be done. The department emphasizes its commitment to addressing challenges and ensuring …
0:12:20
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23 sec
Office of Labor Relations outlines efforts to improve recruitment and retention in NYC workforce
Daniel Pollock, First Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Labor Relations, testified about the city's efforts to improve recruitment and retention in the municipal workforce through collective bargaining. He highlighted …
0:12:45
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156 sec
Impact of the 2-for-1 hiring policy on DCAS and other agencies
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the impact of the 2-for-1 hiring policy on DCAS and other agencies, particularly those with critical or immediate service demands. DCAS representatives discuss …
0:15:57
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107 sec
HR transformation project and streamlining of hiring processes
Katrina Porter discusses the HR transformation project, an interagency program aimed at streamlining the hiring process and improving onboarding for new employees. - Creation of a new employee webpage with …
0:17:43
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40 sec
Exemptions to the 2-for-1 hiring rule and the civil service pathway fellowship program
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about exemptions to the 2-for-1 hiring rule, particularly for agencies with urgent vacancies. DCAS representatives discuss the civil service pathway fellowship program as an …
0:18:24
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96 sec
OLR's role in reviewing pay scales, benefits, and use of equity funding
Daniel Pollock from OLR discusses their role in reviewing pay scales and benefit packages, particularly focusing on the use of equity funding to address recruitment and retention issues in competitive …
0:20:00
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129 sec
Retention incentives for high-turnover roles in the city workforce
Daniel Pollock discusses specific retention incentives negotiated for high-turnover roles such as police officers, school safety agents, and correction officers. - Increase in starting salary and top pay for police …
0:22:10
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97 sec
Enhancements to employee benefits for job satisfaction and retention
Daniel Pollock discusses various enhancements to employee benefits aimed at improving job satisfaction and retention in the city workforce. - Ongoing discussions about health benefits improvements within cost constraints - …
0:23:47
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125 sec
Criteria for determining new employee salaries within established ranges
Daniel Pollock explains the criteria used to decide where a new employee falls within established salary ranges. - Most collective bargaining agreements have mandated salaries for new hires - After …
0:25:54
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39 sec
Progress of the expanded remote work pilot program
Daniel Pollock provides an update on the expanded remote work pilot program launched in 2023 for city employees. - The program has been implemented at around 40 agencies - Current …
0:26:33
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101 sec
Upcoming DCAS report on exit surveys and retirement trends
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the progress of the DCAS report on exit surveys and interviews, as well as retirement trends in the NYC municipal workforce. - DCAS …
0:28:14
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136 sec
Bonus pay incentive for 911 dispatchers
Daniel Pollock explains the details of the bonus pay incentive negotiated for 911 dispatchers to address recruitment and retention issues. - $10,000 per year bonus, broken down into $5,000 for …
0:30:30
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85 sec
Challenges faced by 911 dispatchers and available wellness resources
Council Member De La Rosa raises concerns about the challenges faced by 911 dispatchers, including high vacancy rates, excessive overtime, and stress. Daniel Pollock discusses efforts to address these issues …
0:31:56
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3 min
DCAS partnerships and civil service exam scheduling process
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about DCAS partnerships with agencies for role-specific retention incentives and the process for determining which civil service exams will be scheduled. Commissioner Porter explains …
0:35:14
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6 min
Bridge exams and timeline for exam results and hiring
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about bridge exams and the timeline for releasing exam results and hiring. Commissioner Porter provides information on: - Bridge exams allowing applicants to take …
0:42:12
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3 min
Application fees for civil service exams and their determination
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the determination and purpose of application fees for civil service exams. DCAS officials explain: - Fee determination is based on the minimum starting …
0:45:43
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152 sec
School safety agent exams and hiring process updates
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about recent school safety agent exams and the hiring process. DCAS officials provide the following information: - A school safety agent exam with a …
0:48:15
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3 min
Public safety position exams and the Level 1 Public Safety Exam
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about various public safety position exams, including probation officers, police officers, and correction officers. DCAS officials provide updates and information: - The probation officer …
0:51:14
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3 min
Staffing reductions, performance indicators, and vacancy rate reduction
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the impact of staffing reductions on service delivery, key performance indicators for hiring and retention, and timelines for reducing vacancy rates. Commissioner Porter …
0:54:52
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146 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams speaks in support of resolution to eliminate subminimum wage for disabled and young workers
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams addresses the Committee on Civil Service and Labor to express support for Resolution 333, which calls on the New York state legislature to pass bills eliminating …
0:57:20
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3 min
Discussion of Civil Service Ambassador Program report and outreach efforts
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa and Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar discuss the Civil Service Ambassador Program report, focusing on DCAS's outreach efforts and challenges in promoting civil service …
1:01:04
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5 min
Discussion of Public Service Corps program and internship placements
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa and Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar discuss the Public Service Corps program, focusing on internship placements and future plans for the program. - They …
1:06:34
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3 min
Council members question DCAS on NYPD vacancy rates and civil service exam fee waivers
Council Members Erik Bottcher and Carmen N. De La Rosa engage in a Q&A session with DCAS representatives, focusing on NYPD vacancy rates and civil service exam fee waivers. The …
1:10:25
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168 sec
Testimony by Oren Barzilay, President of EMS Local 2507, on EMS Hiring and Pay Practices
Oren Barzilay, President of EMS Local 2507, testifies about the improper hiring process and discriminatory pay practices in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department of New York City. He criticizes …
1:15:08
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3 min
Council member's response to EMS/EMT workforce concerns
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa acknowledges the inequities faced by the EMS/EMT workforce and reiterates her commitment to addressing these issues. She recognizes the importance of their work …
1:18:12
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49 sec
Testimony by Dalvanie Powell, President of United Probation Officers Association, on Workforce Retention at NYC Department of Probation
Dalvanie Powell, President of the United Probation Officers Association, testifies on the critical issue of workforce retention at the New York City Department of Probation. She highlights significant staffing declines, …
1:20:03
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3 min
Testimony by Megan Chambers, Co-Manager of Workers United SEIU, on Resolution 598
Megan Chambers, representing Workers United SEIU, expressed strong support for Resolution 598, which aims to ensure that New York City hospitals and nursing homes contract with laundry companies that respect …
1:24:13
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3 min
Testimony by Herbert Archila, Union Member from Workers United, on Resolution 598
Herbert Archila, a member of Workers United, testified in support of Resolution 598 regarding city healthcare institutions contracting with laundry companies that respect workers' rights. He specifically criticized FDR Services …
1:28:03
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3 min
Testimony by Jalen Montes, Union Member from Workers United on Labor Issues in Industrial Laundry Services
Jalen Montes, a union member from Workers United, testified in favor of Resolution 598 regarding city healthcare institutions contracting with laundry companies that respect workers' rights. He shared his experiences …
1:32:55
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5 min
Council member questions union president about Department of Probation vacancies
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa inquires about the Department of Probation's vacancy rate and communication with the union regarding a qualification review. Dalvanie Powell, the union president, reveals …
1:38:35
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106 sec
Council member expresses solidarity with laundry workers
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa expresses solidarity with the laundry workers and commits to passing the resolution in support of their rights. She emphasizes the importance of their …
1:40:21
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123 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of resolutions to protect laundry workers and discusses employee retention in the city workforce. He advocates for waiving civil service exam fees for certain …
1:42:51
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3 min