3 lessons for S'poreans to learn from the way downturn was handled, says Shanmugam Nov 21, 2009
We must make full use of our advantages - our small and nimble size; our strong spirit of tripartism, an excellent business environment and the world's number one workforce to keep a few steps ahead of our competitors. "How we harness opportunities, mitigate risks and make the kinds of choices we make today, will have a direct impact on the future of Singapore and the livelihood of Singaporeans. It is our responsibility to ensure that the choices we make will have a positive and lasting... (Channelnewsasia.com)
- Unemployment rate drops in El Centro metropolitan area 0 Nov 21, 2009
The news was not surprising to Workforce Development Director Sam Coachman, who said there are usually more people hired for the holiday season. It s still up there a bit, he said. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
More jobs heading to suburb Nov 21, 2009
Advanced Integration Technologies, which has been in Pflugerville since 2007 as AIT and for several years before that as Integrated Flow Systems, has grown its workforce this year from 12 to 25. That employee growth came when AIT s California office shut down, and its Arizona and Texas offices gained workers. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Austin unemployment at 7.2% in October Nov 21, 2009
Job gains in Texas were mostly in the professional and business services segment, as well as the education and health services segment, according to a Texas Workforce Commission report. Texas saw 14,900 jobs added in just the education and health services segment during the month of October; 10,800 professional and business services jobs were added. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
AOL Seeks to Reduce Workforce by One-Third Nov 21, 2009
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- AOL plans to cut its workforce by one-third in the coming months as the Internet company continues to restructure and refocus its strategy while preparing to be spun off from Time Warner Inc. (TWX) ... In January, Armstrong's predecessor, Randy Falco, said AOL would cut 10% of its workforce, or about 700 employees, and several rounds of layoffs occurred in connection with that plan. (SmartMoney)
Fla. Jobless Rate Climbs to 11.2 Percent in Oct. Nov 21, 2009
"This rate indicates that Florida's families and businesses are still facing challenges, while fewer job losses reveal slight improvement in the economic climate," said Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo ... If not for the state's declining labor force down by 25,000 in October and 142,000 over the year the unemployment rate would have been even higher, said Agency for Workforce Innovation economist Rebecca Rust. (ABC News -- Wire)
Firms expand in Mass. because of quality work force Nov 21, 2009
You may be able to go out of state and get a workforce at 20 to 30 percent less, but you re not going to get the same quality, said David Theriault, president of Elite Envelope, which recently completed a $3 million renovation of a building in Randolph after outgrowing its Braintree plant. There are really talented printers and mechanics and an incredibly skilled workforce to draw on ... As a result, AMAG has more than doubled its Massachusetts workforce to about 200, including its manufacturing... (Boston Globe)
Brigham’s chain owner vows to try to save jobs Nov 21, 2009
Our hope is that the bankruptcy filing will allow us to preserve and retain up to 50 percent of the Brigham s restaurant workforce, Cooper said in his statement. In an interview earlier this week, Cooper said 200 people would lose their jobs because of closings. (Boston Globe)
Unemployment, jobs down Nov 21, 2009
The metro area's total civilian workforce in October was 1,350,300, down 6,700 from September and down 44,700 from a year earlier. Statewide, between September and October, jobs increased in five of 11 industry sectors in the state and declined in the others, the labor department said. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Unemployment higher; holiday hiring down Nov 21, 2009
SOURCE: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation ... 9 percent rate a year ago, according to figures released Friday by the state Agency for Workforce Innovation ... The one bright spot has been health care, which has been Florida's only growth sector for most of the year, according to Workforce Agency. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Lee County unemployment drops slightly Nov 21, 2009
9 percent, according to Floridas Agency for Workforce Innovation. A year ago, Lee Countys rate was 9. (The News-Press -- Business)
Lee Countys unemployment rate in October drops slightly Nov 21, 2009
9 percent in September, and the number of people looking for work dropped by almost 700 to about 37,000 people, according to Florida's Agency for Workforce Innovation. The decline is small, but encouraging, said Curt Bradbury, business development manager for the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board. (The News-Press -- Business)
Study: Partnerships important for UDC Nov 21, 2009
Despite having more jobs than residents, D.C. continues to have the region s worst unemployment rate, a condition widely attributed to a lack of workforce readiness and shortage of job skills among city residents ... The area s middle-tier workforce, he said, is the Achilles heal of this region. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Post-Katrina, New Orleans coming back more Hispanic Nov 21, 2009
The study found that almost half of the reconstruction workforce in New Orleans is Hispanic - and half of those are illegal immigrants. But contrary to early reports that Katrina caused a flood of new border-crossers, researchers found that 87 percent of the undocumented were living in the US before moving to New Orleans. (Yahoo News -- Latinos & Hispanics)
Are metro Atlanta’s growth days gone? Nov 21, 2009
Companies found an ample, eager workforce. Builders found continually expanding demand for new homes. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
October unemployment rate dips to 7% Nov 21, 2009
Expansion of the public school system and hiring opportunities continues to contribute to the increases and positive annual impact of the Local Government sector, says Chakib Chehadi, Workforce Solutions Alamo s executive director ... Workforce Solutions Alamo provides employment services on behalf of more than 2 million residents and more than 40,000 businesses in a 12-county region. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
State options to health plan Nov 20, 2009
Or this, from Republican candidate John Oxendine, the state's insurance commissioner: "Despite the nice-sounding name of the current liberal plan, it is nothing more than a shell game that would harm patients, doctors, nurses -- essentially the entire health care workforce. ... The current plan is not reform, it's socialism.". It's a clear message: A government-run alternative to private health care insurance will lead to a full government takeover of health insurance and that government-run... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Health care market murky Nov 20, 2009
Florida's Agency for Workforce Innovation will release October labor statistics today. The job picture has gotten gloomier throughout 2009 and even the dependable job growth that had been reported in health care jobs has gotten a little fragile. (The News-Press -- Business)
Employment opportunities Nov 20, 2009
The brainchild of managing director of Everybody's Career Company, Nicholas Ricciuti, the expo is targeted at people over 22 looking for a career change, to upgrade skills or to re-enter the workforce. Attendees will gain access to expert seminars on career change issues and professional counselling services, which organisers hope will help facilitate informed decisions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Gas offers chance for PNG poverty Nov 20, 2009
This would require a greater role for PNG's non-mining sectors, which employ the majority of the workforce. The competitiveness of these sectors is undermined by excessive transport, security and utility costs - costs which few outside the mining sector can bear. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Lawmakers say while budget woes persist, economy is hopeful Nov 20, 2009
Last month, Sheridan announced the creation of the Partnership for a Stronger Economy, a group of business and workforce leaders working to develop new strategies to build on current legislative efforts to stabilize and strengthen the state s economy. We want to talk to the business owners and the job creators. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Sony Ericsson moving HQ to Atlanta Nov 20, 2009
Sony Ericsson last spring announced it planned to cut 2,000 jobs from its global workforce ... "We're very proud (Sony Ericsson is) consolidating in Atlanta and we think it's a good fit because they will find the workforce they need here and they will be able to serve their customers," said Hans Gant said, senior vice president of economic development at the chamber. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Daily Beast bites exec Nov 20, 2009
Norman Pearlstine, Bloomberg's chief content officer and soon-to-be chairman of Business Week, cut an estimated 130 people from Business Week's staff of around 400 -- a staggering 33 per cent of the workforce. The cuts were deepest on the editorial side, where insiders say an estimated 60 to 70 editorial types are going. (New York Post -- Business)
Click to read:Student Fee Hike Fuels Mass UCLA Protest Nov 20, 2009
It carries its own value independent from what society and the workforce want and expect. There are people who learn and expand their horizons for the very sake of doing so. (CBS News)
AOL will pare third of its workforce Nov 20, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO - The struggling Internet company AOL plans to shed up to 2,500 jobs - more than a third of its workforce - as it prepares to separate from and sever their ill-fated marriage. Major job cuts seemed certain after Time Warner said last week that AOL would take $200 million in charges for severance and other restructuring-related costs. (Boston Globe)
State jobless rate declines, bucking trend Nov 20, 2009
3 percent in September, the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported yesterday. Unemployment in Massachusetts had not fallen since June 2007. (Boston Globe)
Melrose's Wyoming Cemetery fall cleanup costs estimated at $25K Nov 20, 2009
Public Works does subsidize our labor force periodically, but part of the problem that came about with this clean up and maintenance is that we have a limited workforce because of cutbacks and budget constraints, he said. The question raised at the committee [meeting] is the dollar amount and amount of work done. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Indicators point to firmer economy; AOL layoffs ahead Nov 20, 2009
AOL says it plans to cut about a third of its workforce once it is spun off from media conglomerate Time Warner Dec. 9 ... that when it is officially split from next month, it will lay off about a third of its workforce, or about 2,300 people. (USA Today -- Money)
Wisconsin unemployment rate holds Nov 20, 2009
Wisconsin s unemployment rate is at its lowest point of the year, continuing a decline that began in June and remaining below the national rate, Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said. While this is good news, we know many remain unemployed, and we are doing all that we can to put them back to work and move the economy forward. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Sony Aims for 5% Operating Profit Margin by 2012 Nov 20, 2009
Sony has already cut 16,000 jobs, half of them full-time, representing about 5% of its global workforce. The company, which has already achieved 80% of planned Y330 billion cost savings this year, reported a net loss of Y98. (SmartMoney)
Letters to the editor (11/20/09) Nov 20, 2009
Employers often trim the workforce, making those employees who are retained do the work of several. Wages tend to stay stagnant, rather than keep up with the escalating costs of goods and health care. (Anchorage Daily News)
IVCC student and professors present at Washington, D.C., conference Nov 20, 2009
Activities developed by the IVCC team were featured at two national conferences earlier in the year: the American Society for Engineering Education Conference in Austin, Texas, and the National Association for Workforce Improvement in Scottsdale, Ariz. Information about grant activities is available from Perez at dorene_perez@ivcc. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Florida gets $1.25M for green jobs Nov 20, 2009
Other Florida groups that received grants include the Urban League of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, $100,000; and the Florida Institute for Workforce Innovation Inc. in Melrose, $100,000. Meanwhile, in Central Florida, green industry has been a hot topic lately. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Blue Santa accepting donations, applications Nov 20, 2009
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:07 PM CST Blue Santa. Blue Santa applications will be accepted at the Port Lavaca Police Department from Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Dec. 11, at the Port Lavaca Police Department. (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
AOL wants to slash 2,500 jobs Nov 20, 2009
Time Warner's struggling online operation AOL is eyeing cutting one-third of workforce ahead of next month's spin-off, and its CEO will skip getting a bonus this year ... Time Warner's struggling online operation AOL is eyeing cutting one-third of workforce ahead of next month's spin-off, and its CEO will skip getting a bonus this year. (New York Post -- News)
Ore prices not so iron-clad Nov 20, 2009
I think everyone sees things through rose-coloured glasses at the moment," he said. Sky-high hopes BHP Billiton's chief executive officer Marius Kloppers reiterated his company's confidence in China's demand for resources holding up. In a speech this week to the Lowy Institute, Mr Kloppers said China would build 50,000 skyscrapers over the next 20 years, or 600 times the number Sydney now has. Also fuelling China's resource hunger will be further urbanisation, with the country expected to have... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Bank of Japan defies govt in upbeat outlook Nov 20, 2009
It is like the lifeblood of the economy, so I want the BOJ to respond appropriately," he told a news conference earlier in the day. The government is expected to issue a report later today declaring for the first time in more than three years that Japan has slipped into deflation. Government officials have criticised the BOJ's view that the economy is starting to pick up as too rosy, arguing that the country could return to recession as job losses rise. In a statement on the rate decision, the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
State receives $765,000 stimulus grant to study green jobs Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Hentschel, spokesman for the and Workforce Development, said the money will be use over the next 18 months to survey 3,000 businesses and conduct a study of where green jobs exist in the state now, and where they are going in the future. It will define these jobs and tell people where they need to go to find these jobs, Hentschel said. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Whats in it for me? Impact of the Affordable Health Care for America Act on students Nov 20, 2009
Im hoping this plan will close the gap and provide health insurance for those undergoing the transition from college to the workforce. . (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Global container volumes to rise next year - Maersk Nov 19, 2009
Maersk Line would have cut 6 500 jobs from its 25 000-strong workforce by the end of this year. Maersk Line, which operates almost 500 vessels, this month ended a five-year absence from the Trans-Pacific Stabilisation Agreement, saying it was necessary to work with competitors to restore profitability to the industry. (Business Report, South Africa)
Virginia Sends a Message: Support EFCA & Lose Your Job Nov 19, 2009
Katie Packer is the executive director of the Workforce Fairness institute. TOWNHALL DAILY: and receive Townhall columns and Townhall. (Townhall.com)
Leaders asking community to rally behind BAE Systems Nov 19, 2009
Gov. Rick Perry recently wrote to Gates, outlining his concerns the decision to not award the contract to BAE could have on the local workforce, state economy and to the national taxpayer. The Army apparently did not follow its own primary award criteria; overlooked serious risk factors present with the awardee, including financial distress; and failed to weigh the excellent performance record of the current, longtime contract holder, BAE Systems, Perry wrote to Gates. (Sealy News, TX)
Region to hold job fair Nov 19, 2009
We do everything we can to help get students ready for the workforce, Boykin said. That means providing an education and the tools needed to search and obtain a job. (Brewton Standard, AL)
Lawmakers say while budget woes persist, economy is hopeful Nov 19, 2009
Last month, Sheridan announced the creation of the Partnership for a Stronger Economy, a group of business and workforce leaders working to develop new strategies to build on current legislative efforts to stabilize and strengthen the state s economy. We want to talk to the business owners and the job creators. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Dems Feel the Heat over Abortion Nov 19, 2009
"The practical effect is millions of women working women -- women who are paying for their own coverage, entering the workforce for the first time, working mothers -- are going to lose benefits under this bill," Rubiner said. "The purpose of health care reform is to make sure people get more benefits, not lose their benefits.". (CBS News)
Georgia to lose more jobs Nov 19, 2009
Metro Atlanta, which accounts for the majority of Georgia s workforce, likewise represents the lion s share of the job losses, he said ... 5 percent of the workforce is out of a job. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
California Faces $20B Deficits For Years To Come Nov 19, 2009
"We need to protect our schools and universities, so as we create high-wage jobs, we produce a workforce able to fill them.". Assembly Republican Caucus Chair Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, said members of the minority party -- whose votes are needed to muster a two-thirds majority to pass a tax increase -- have no appetite for such hikes. (KSBW 8, CA)
HCMC budget slashes positions, programs Nov 19, 2009
The Minneapolis-based hospital and clinics chain Wednesday approved a proposed annual budget that would save $15 million by cutting 150 to 200 positions, about 3 to 4 percent of its workforce. It would also close the Senior Care clinic at its main Minneapolis campus, as well as its outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Investment worth making Nov 19, 2009
As Alaska's well-educated baby boomers retire, we must replace them with a well-educated workforce ... Thirty years from now, the state will still have the $400 million in savings, but we'll also have a better-prepared, better-trained workforce. (Juneau Empire)
N. Koreans escape to cold reality Nov 19, 2009
We visited one factory near Seoul, where 80 percent of the workforce are North Koreans, making cardboard boxes. They work long hours, in freezing winter temperatures, for low pay. (CNN)
Republic of Marshall Islands -- 2009 Article IV Consultation, Concluding Statement of the IMF Mission Nov 19, 2009
The mission identifies the following priority areas: (i) reliable and cost efficient infrastructure services with broad coverage, (ii) strengthening education and training of the workforce, (iii) and improving access to secured commercial lending. 26. (IMF News)
140 jobs threatened in Ballymena Nov 19, 2009
In order to prepare for the lay-offs, the workforce has been placed on a statutory 90-day protective notice period. One of the explanations given to staff is that EU regulations coming into effect next May will mean chicken can no longer be sold as fresh produce after it has been defrosted. (BBC News -- UK)
Best of both worlds: Quiroga's success story a round trip to Bolivia and back Nov 19, 2009
It wasn t until after her divorce, as she was struggling to get by, that she joined the workforce. Although she had no formal training in the financial services, she got a job as a marketing officer at a local non-profit focused on sustainable development after cramming enough to pass the required test. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Blue Santa accepting donations, applications Nov 19, 2009
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:07 PM CST Blue Santa. Blue Santa applications will be accepted at the Port Lavaca Police Department from Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Dec. 11, at the Port Lavaca Police Department. (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
Boerne City Council, P&Z Commission meet jointly tonight (177) Nov 19, 2009
However, Haberstroh did mention some key related issues involving how the master plan is interpreted and implemented, and he pointed out the need for workforce housing ... pinelodge wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:57 PM:" I agree, Mr. Haas. This article doesn't mention the traffic problem, something that was brought up at the hearings as well. The last traffic study did not plan for commercial, business or apartments on this road, and it is still going to be at a high level of congestion. The public,... (Boerne Star, TX)
‘We are FMTV’ more than just a saying for workers Nov 19, 2009
Ken Clay said the Army s decision to award the contract to Oshkosh was pretty unbelievable given BAE s solid workforce training and products, deemed ultra-reliable by the Army ... We have the workforce ... We have the workforce, the facility, the BAE company supports us 100 percent and just thought it was done in a very off fashion. (Sealy News, TX)
Community calendar Nov 19, 2009
Breakfast buffet opens at 6:45 a.m. The program will focus on workforce development and industrial technology. In addition. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
No plans for additional economic stimulus package Nov 19, 2009
The review proposes a four-pillar strategy consisting of efforts to specialise the economy further, improve skills of its workforce, make growth more inclusive and strengthen public finances. Meanwhile, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah said in Putrajaya yesterday that the Government would keep a close eye on the Japanese economy where indications of a probable second dip in the economy were surfacing. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
World Bank: Msia needs faster structural reforms Nov 19, 2009
For Malaysia to reach its ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2020, the World Bank argued that the strategy consists of efforts to specialise the economy further, improve the skills of its workforce, make growth more inclusive and strengthen public finances, it said. The World Bank has forecast Malaysias gross domestic product (GDP) to grow 4. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Sony Ericsson to shut India centre Nov 19, 2009
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue said the headquarters relocation "will be another boost to our state's economy." "Our talented workforce, connected transportation network, and access to high-tech industry are all keys to our success attracting corporate headquarters and quality jobs," Perdue said, noting that other tech companies such as NCR have recently moved to the Atlanta area. North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue said she was disappointed with Sony Ericsson's departure, saying the company left... (India Times)
unemployment rate Nov 19, 2009
7 percent, according to preliminary Department of Labor and Workforce Development statistics. Five of the state s 10 private sector industry sectors had job losses last month, while four posted gains and one had no change. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Passion for work is on life's test, says former Navy teacher Nov 19, 2009
During his fourth trip to the Texas Employment Commission (now the Texas Workforce Commission), he learned that Central Texas College in Killeen had a contract to supply teachers for college courses aboard Navy ships. He loved to travel. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Town sees uphill battle for Stiefel Nov 19, 2009
We had been working with GSK and our impression was they were happy with the Oak Hill plant, the staff and the workforce ... But with the GSK announcement over the past few weeks of closings in Ireland, Florida, Singapore and Georgia, the workforce has decreased by almost a third. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Performance pay: We know it works Nov 19, 2009
Zients told the task force he has found that leadership, measurement and a motivated workforce create the foundation for good performance. He did not refer to pay in his testimony, perhaps because it is a sensitive issue. (FCW.com)
Namibia: European Loan Helps Build Cement Factory Nov 18, 2009
According to the EIB, the loan will also finance a grinding mill, access roads, a railway spur and housing facilities for the workforce. DEG, part of Germany's KfW banking group, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa are also lenders in 250 million euro project. (allAfrica.com)
