Workforce Investment Act of 1998 - Basics

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It is not possible to address every issue in the world of WIA. Labor needs to prioritize where we hope to have an impact, and decide just what that impact would be. Providing an overall framework of labor's goals in this arena is a first stop:
 

A Framework of Labor Goals Under WIA

Goods jobs - will public resources promote the creation of living wage, full-time, permanent jobs, with benefits and career ladders or will funds focus exclusively on growing companies and jobs, without a focus on good jobs? Are we linking WIA policy to living wage ordinances?
 
Workers' voices - will labor be a recognized partner in building a strong economy and strong community, or will we be marginalized so that our input is lost?
 
Access for working people - will benefits of the new system and training dollars flow to workers who need assistance and labor/management projects, or will dollars flow to higher wage occupations and employers?
 
Below are some starting questions labor could ask during different phases of WIA implementation. Look through, add additional questions and focus on where you think you and other labor reps could have the greatest influence.
 

Local and State WIB Planning Process:

  • Was the public comment and review process for local and state plans publicized?
  • Were you able to contact impacted labor unions and labor bodies about the need to comment on state and local plans?
  • Did labor submit concerns?
  • Were labor's concerns addressed prior to submission of the final plan?

Local WIB/State WIB:

  • Is the WIB/SWIB a new board or a grandfathered board?
  • Do we have minimum of 2 (or more) labor reps on the Board?
  • Did the state federation or some other state labor federation appoint SWIB labor reps?
  • Did the CLC appoint WIB labor reps?
  • Are allied community organizations on the WIB/SWIB?
  • What kind of internal decision-making policies exist? Can any be adopted that facilitate greater equity? (e.g., consensus)
  • Are there open meeting requirements? Copies of minutes?
  • Is there a clear policy governing conflict of interest requirements?  

One-Stops:

  • Will the WIB select a collaborative over a competitive One-Stop operator selection process? (they better!)
  • Are you able to influence the MOU process (between public agencies and WIB) and include language in each MOU requiring all parties to respect existing collective bargaining agreements?
  • Have you added language stating that no funds will be used to promote, deter or assist union organizing?
  • Have you insisted that Wagner-Peyser funded employment services will be provided by public employees?
  • In terms of specific populations (e.g., veterans, persons with disabilities), have the public sector unions who serve these populations been given an opportunity to have input into the services and counseling offered?
  • What kind of policy is in place to guard against "creaming" in the One-Stops? How do we guarantee that the most difficult to place are referred for core, intensive and training services and not shown the self-service resource room?


Working For America Institute 31