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Workforce Today

Workforce Today is the podcast that talks locally but thinks globally about workforce issues with business, community and public sector leaders. Your host is Bill Villano, President and CEO of Workforce Alliance in New Haven, CT. To learn more about Workforce Alliance, visit www.workforcealliance.biz
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Now displaying: 2017
Dec 12, 2017

Immigrants are a vital part of our economy and the workforce. The legal process for entering the U.S. to work is complicated and long, and the prospect of deportation is frightening and always looming for those without the proper documentation. Bill Villano and New Haven, CT. Attorney Glenn Formica discuss newsworthy sanctuary cases and the sometimes arcane system for workers and employers. Formica represents Nuri Chavarria, the mother of four who took sanctuary in a New Haven church.

Oct 13, 2017
Senator Edward Kennedy Jr. is leading the charge in Connecticut to ensure fair scheduling for service workers. On this episode, he discusses how it benefits not only hourly workers but also their employers, and other states and cities that have proposed similar – in some cases sweeping – regulations on hours and scheduling. Sen. Kennedy also discusses his other passion – disability rights – and his effort to showcase employers who are models for inclusion.
 
 
Aug 30, 2017

As a follow up to Ep. 10 with Ellen Davis at the National Retail Federation, Bill talks with Walmart’s Julie Gehrki about training its 2.3 million associates, upward mobility within the company, and how customer behavior impact job roles. Julie Gehrki is Senior Director of Business Integration at the Walmart Foundation and sat down with Bill during a visit to Walmart’s Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters.

Jul 19, 2017

For all the stories about closing big box stores and failing malls, there are just as many retailers opening or re-inventing themselves in response to a more educated and intentional customer base, says National Retail Federation VP Ellen Davis on this episode of Workforce Today. Davis, who also heads the non-profit NRF Foundation, talks about how data helps retailers adapt to buyers’ shifting habits and make investment decisions, and that behind the register is just one of the 28 million jobs that make up the retail industry.

May 10, 2017

This episode features an interview with Art Bilger, the Founder of WorkingNation, a national not-for-profit campaign to educate the American public about the looming unemployment crisis in this country. Discover the biggest threats and opportunities to Connecticut and US labor markets and 4 variables that are key to the transformation of the US economy.  

For more information, visit www.workforcealliance.biz 

Apr 25, 2017

Mike Lawlor, Under Secretary for Criminal Justice Policy and Planning for Connecticut, joins the program to discuss the efforts that are underway in his state to help ex-offenders find good jobs. Mike shares why putting ex-offenders back to work makes sense from an economic perspective and dispels some common myths about recidivism and the overall perception of formerly incarcerated individuals. Discover why employers are increasingly willing to hire people with a criminal record and what Connecticut is doing to help people get an expedited pardon of their criminal convictions.    

Apr 3, 2017

Bill Villano continues his conversation with Drexel University economist Paul Harrington on how automation can increase productivity, replace workers AND still lead to higher wages and a more stable workforce. Discover what's really behind economic inequality, and why bashing Walmart is wrong.

For more information visit http://www.workforcealliance.biz/ 

Apr 2, 2017

Labor Market Economist Paul Harrington of Drexel University talks with Bill Villano about current and future impacts and takes apart common perceptions about employment, wages, and the decline in youth employment. Is automation what we really should be worried about when it comes to filling jobs?

For more information, visit http://www.workforcealliance.biz/ 

Jan 25, 2017

Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration at Department of Labor under the Obama administration, shares her reflections on the U.S. Workforce, including labor force participation in the U.S. Portia also discusses the issues of paid family leave, the future of green jobs, and the one issue she regrets not making more progress on during her time at the Department of Labor. 

To learn more about Workforce Alliance and the services they provide, visit www.workforcealliance.biz 

Jan 23, 2017

Bill Kamela, Director of Workforce Policy for Microsoft, discusses the national skills gap and the steps that Microsoft is taking to address the skills gap in the U.S. He also discusses why Microsoft is recruiting from military bases and shares his thoughts about the "computerization of jobs." 

To learn more about Workforce Alliance and the services they provide, visit www.workforcealliance.biz

Jan 4, 2017

Bill Villano caught up with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy via Skype, and asked him 5 questions about his walking tour across Connecticut. Senator Murphy discusses what he heard along the tour, and his thoughts about the labor market in Connecticut. 

For more information about Workforce Alliance, visit www.workforcealliance.biz 

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