Long-term unemployed looking for hiring protections
Some long-term unemployed workers and training professionals came to the State House Wednesday to lobby lawmakers on two bills that would prohibit employers from making hiring decisions on certain grounds.
Around 30 unemployed adults and career training organizers attended the event, looking to bring attention to what they call "unfair" practices that contribute to otherwise qualified candidates not getting hired.
One bill sponsored by Sen. Mike Barrett would make it unlawful for an employer or employment agency to make a decision on an applicant based on their current unemployment status. Another bill filed by Barrett and Rep. Elizabeth Malia would prohibit employers from making hiring decisions based on an applicant's credit report.
"I did so many trainings, which occupied me and made be busy. It's very stressful to see me not going to work when I have all the capabilities to do the things, when I have the education and the experience and when I see other people who don't even qualify get a job," said Kirubel Tsegaye, who said in an interview that he's been out of work for five years.
Tsegaye, who spoke at the advocacy day organized by The Institute for Career Transitions, said he used to work as a clinical research associate at Quintiles, but now works part time in building management.
After the advocacy day rally, attendees fanned out across the State House to raise awareness of the bills with lawmakers.
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