Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani joined by Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, Economic Development Corporation President Charles Millard, Business Services Commissioner Earl Andrews, and Employment Commissioner Nora Chang Wang, today announced that the City has secured commitments for jobs or vocational training for the Swingline factory employees who will lose their jobs when the company relocates to Mexico.
"I am very pleased to announce today that the 487 hard-working employees of the Swingline Company will now have the opportunity to remain an integral part of the thriving economic community of Long Island City. Through the efforts of Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington and EDC President Charlie Millard, the City has reached agreements with private sector companies -- many of which are located right here in the Factory and the Falchi Building -- to hire a large number of the Swingline employees who will lose their jobs when the company relocates to Mexico. Additionally, St. John's University has committed to re-training 100 Swingline employees, helping to ensure a smooth transition to their next jobs.
"I commend the many companies involved in this initiative for their foresight in recognizing the valuable resource that the Swingline workforce represented. And I also want to thank these small businesses and St. John's University for their good corporate citizenship and willingness to lend a helping hand to others in a time of great need," the Mayor concluded.
Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington said, "There has been tremendous job growth in New York City's small business community during the past four years. And now the businesses that have benefited from the Giuliani Administration's economic policies and tax reduction programs have an opportunity to give back to the City which has helped them grow and thrive. I commend them for their generosity."
"Manufacturing companies are eager for workers as qualified as Swingline's workforce," said Charles Millard. "Through the numerous incentive programs offered by the City, under the Mayor's leadership, such companies are ripe for expansion."
"New York City's small business community has taken tremendous strides forward under the Giuliani Administration," said Commissioner Earl Andrews. "The growth of companies throughout the five boroughs has made it possible for such companies to absorb displaced workers."
The Department of Employment, through its Worker Career Centers, will assist in referring employees to new jobs and training programs where appropriate.
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