Committee on Civil Service and Labor

Summary

A Local Law (Proposed Int. No. 828-A) mandates the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) to collaborate with the City University of New York (CUNY) to distribute comprehensive information regarding civil service careers. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and access to municipal employment opportunities for CUNY students, prospective students, and recent graduates, thereby addressing persistent pay disparities and occupational segregation within the city's workforce. The bill requires DCAS to develop and provide written materials, both electronically and for hard copy distribution, detailing the civil service application process, examination requirements and scoring, and descriptions of relevant CUNY programs and initiatives. These materials will also include a direct link to DCAS's civil service examination webpage, emphasizing updated information on exam locations, timing, and eligibility. The original bill aimed for implementation by July 1, 2023, but the amended version sets a new annual deadline of July 1, 2026, with the law taking effect 30 days after enactment. This formalizes and expands existing outreach efforts, building on DCAS's Civil Service Pathways Fellowship with CUNY and addressing concerns raised in pay equity reports about underrepresentation in higher-paying roles.

Citizen Impact

This legislation will directly benefit CUNY students and graduates by providing clear, accessible information about civil service career paths, helping them navigate the application and examination process. By increasing access to stable, well-paying city jobs, it aims to reduce long-standing pay disparities and occupational segregation, particularly for women and people of color, fostering a municipal workforce that better reflects New York City's diverse population.

Confidence

high

Summary

This local law, originally Int. No. 829 and later amended to Int. No. 829-A, mandates the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) to launch an ongoing advertising campaign to promote civil service examinations throughout New York City. The campaign will utilize various channels, including social media, agency websites, online advertising, television, radio, public transportation, and specifically, LinkNYC kiosks (added in the amended version).

This initiative is a direct response to findings from the Council's 2024 Pay Equity Report, which revealed persistent pay disparities and occupational segregation within the municipal workforce. The report highlighted that women and Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Other (ABHLO) employees are disproportionately concentrated in lower-paying roles, while managerial positions tend to have higher concentrations of White and male employees. The bill aims to diversify talent pools, increase equity and access to higher-paying civil service jobs, and remove systemic barriers to career advancement for underrepresented populations. Public testimony from unions and CUNY representatives strongly supported these efforts, emphasizing the need for clearer pathways and more frequent promotional exams. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Citizen Impact

This law will increase awareness among New Yorkers about available civil service job opportunities and the examination process, making it easier for residents to apply for city jobs. By promoting these examinations, especially through diverse channels like LinkNYC kiosks, it aims to break down barriers and provide fairer access to stable, well-paying municipal careers for all, particularly for women and people of color. This could lead to a more diverse city workforce and improved economic opportunities for many residents.

Confidence

high