News & Notices

2013 Newsletter

A Message from the President

NAGLO continues to be a resource to respond to the needs of employers and employees by creating innovative solutions to combat issues faced by the state workforce and industry.

There are several benefits to being a member of NAGLO. As members, you are able to network with labor professionals from across the country, and attend meetings and educational seminars to discuss labor trends. You can also stay current on NAGLO efforts by keeping up with our newsletters, website, and social media.

The Registered Apprenticeship Program is one our focuses this year. NAGLO has joined forces with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship to promote Registered Apprentice Programs that benefit the workforce as well as enhance each state’s economic profile. NAGLO will continue to keep apprenticeships on the forefront of discussions.

NAGLO strives to improve communication methods with the organization’s members and public audience. We need your submission to get the word out about the great things going on in each state.

We continue to see opportunities to enhance the programs we currently administer as well as develop new ones to protect workers and grow industry. By creating strong partnerships and innovative initiatives, and embracing improved technology, we can all help maximize the economic prospects of our states.

Social Media

Social media is an ever-growing medium for marketing campaigns and advertisements. As a government agency, it is often difficult to utilize social media to promote programs and services through our departments and workforce agencies. But it is important to recognize that social media can be a very effective tool in informing audiences about the services our agencies can provide to make life easier.

E-mail campaigns are also very effective in reaching large audiences. In Missouri, we use GovDelivery to send important news and notices directly to those who signed up to receive Labor updates. The subscriptions continue to grow, so we know our messages are reaching those who are interested in Labor issues.

If your department puts a new service or form online, promote it on Facebook or Twitter. If your state is starting a new Labor initiative, send an e-mail campaign to reach a larger audience. Embracing technology social media can greatly increase the participation and engagement from your stakeholders.

Members are encouraged to follow NAGLO’S Twitter account, @goNAGLO, for up-to-date information from other members on important labor issues.

Directory and News Updates

The 2013 NAGLO Directory will be printed and distributed after the Annual Meeting. Please check the NAGLO website to verify your information is correct.

Additionally, an update form will be sent out by e-mail. Please complete the form and return it by e-mail to Lauren.schad@labor.mo.gov.

We rely on our members to keep the most up-to-date information published on our website and in the directory. Your assistance in returning the update form is essential to making that possible.

Delegation of Federal and U.S. State Labor Officials to the Republic of China (Taiwan)

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 1, 2012, a delegation of state and federal labor officials visited the Republic of China (Taiwan) upon the invitation of the Republic of China. The delegates on the trip got along very well and the bi-partisan, federal and state make-up enhanced the learning and discussions.

NLRB in Taiwan
Those attending were Mark Pearce, Chairman, NLRB; Lafe Solomon, General Counsel, NLRB; Allison Beck, FMCS Deputy Director; Mark Bulter, Georgia Labor Commissioner; Ken Peterson, Minnesota Labor Commissioner; Tony J. Weiler, North Dakota Labor Commissioner; Reggie Newson, Wisconsin Secretary of Labor, and Lawrence Rebman, Missouri Labor Director.

The trip to Taiwan was an eye opening experience from an administrator’s viewpoint. Taiwan is an extremely high population density island, nation of 23 million people in an area the size of Maryland, with a very impressive highly modern society. Taiwan is surprisingly American centric in its culture with American English being spoken by many and signage in both Chinese and English throughout the county. Many of the leaders, including President Ma, earned Doctorates from Ivy League schools.

Taiwan’s economy ranks among the highest in the world and its industry is heavily invested in China and South East Asia. Like the U.S., Taiwan boasts that its economy is mainly comprised of small and medium-sized businesses. However, Taiwan does have very large multi-national corporations like Foxconn, Acer, and HTC. Due to the world’s economic recession, Taiwan has seen many of the same issues facing the U.S., including minimum wage, significant unemployment and underemployment among young workers, legal and illegal immigrant workers, an aging workforce with low population replacement and issues with financially supporting a generous social-welfare system.

Taiwan has labor and social programs modeled after the most progressive laws and policies in the U.S. and the world. Our tour involved visits to the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Bureau of National Health Insurance, Council of Labor Affairs, Bureau of Labor Insurance, Ministry of Economic Affairs, a local workshop for Employment Service and Vocational Training, Multi-Employment Development Program in Taichung, Hsinchu Science Park Administration, and the newly formed Board of Decision on the Unfair Labor Practices.

Based upon these common regulatory and social systems, the delegation was able to have candid and very enlightening discussions on issues of common concern as well as learn how Taiwan’s integrated system functions. I can say I have a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the programs here in Missouri for which I am responsible.  The trip was a great experience and I recommend it to all that have the opportunity.

2013 Annual Meeting

The 99th NAGLO Annual Meeting is scheduled for July 29-31, 2013 at the Omni Parker Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

Hotel room rates are $183 per night. Please contact the hotel at 617-227-8600 and the state department where you are attending the NAGLO Annual Meeting.

There are several exciting sessions planned for this year’s meeting. Topics include: apprenticeship integration in the workforce system, OSHA, and FMCS.