Payment Problems in the Summer Youth Employment Program in New York City

The payroll records of 124 enrollees in the 1975 Summer Youth Employment program in New York City who claimed monies were owed them were reviewed.

Some enrollees in the program were not paid at all, some were underpaid, and others were not paid on time. Enrollees were not always paid on schedule for work done because checks were not prepared. Frequently, payment problems were due to deficiencies emanating from agencies responsible for the program, such as no timecards prepared, late timecards, errors on timecards, and improper registrations. Reasons for payment problems included poor payroll preparation; inadequate payroll procedures; and weaknesses in payroll system training, computer records, organizing the city's Youth Services Agency, and distributing checks. Although there were problems citywide, checks were prepared for most enrollees as scheduled. The Department of Labor failed to fully assure that the city properly planned administrative procedures. Although Labor monitored the program, it did not require the city to correct deficiencies as they surfaced. The city administration did not effectively monitor and require correction of the problems as they arose. Specifically, the city's Youth Services Agency did not adequately plan for efficient payment of the youths.