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1/28/2014
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) more than doubled the number of U.S. military veterans hired by the agency in 2013, the result of the authority's efforts to promote and expand veteran hiring.
In 2013, the CTA hired 194 military veterans, bringing the total number of veterans working for the agency to 353, according to a press release.
"Many veterans, by virtue of their military service, are well-equipped to serve this agency and its customers," said CTA President Forrest Claypool.
CTA efforts to increase veteran hiring began in May 2012, when Claypool signed the agency's first-ever executive order creating a veterans hiring preference. The order set a goal to attract at least a 20 percent pool of veterans during the application process for various positions, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, managers and other workers.
In addition, prior to any vacancy being posted, CTA reviews and adjusts job descriptions, where applicable, to account for "equivalent experience" to reflect military experience. During the interview rating process, a veteran's experience is factored into the candidate's overall score.
"Our vets are exactly the types of people who Chicagoans will be able to depend on to work hard, look out for the well-being of the CTA's riders and help keep the buses and trains running on time," said Will Schmutz, director of veterans affairs for the city of Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services.