This edition of Public Square looks at current issues surrounding job availability and unemployment, and discuss what a “liveable wage” means in Vermont.
Panelists:
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Kathy Brooks
Vice President, Human Resources, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters -
Ellen Kahler
Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund -
Will Patton
Executive Director, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility -
Colin Robinson
Director, Vermont Livable Wage Campaign
Resources:
Find livable wage resources around the state.
Other Public Square Episodes
It has been my observation that Vermont has been generally hostile to business, both in attracting and in retaining. As a consequence of these policies, our college-educated youth generally leave the state, and there are not the kinds of jobs here for folks to make a livable wage. For those who are not college-bound, there are jobs in welding and construction but our young are not being educated for those things. We know several plumbers and electricians who have more business than they can handle but cannot find help. Ski areas have to bring in welders from NH, NY and Canada. These are decent paying jobs that are going begging. I blame public policy for these problems. And there is a limit as to how much you can tax the retired and small businesses to pay for welfare. Again, this is a problem of poor public policy in Montpelier.
By: Ellen Schlagel on January 24, 2009
at 12:03 pm
I thought this was a good topic.
However, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters recently announced its employment expansion opportunities will be in Tennessee, where wages are lower.
How does that reconcile with GMCR’s commitment to Vt livable wages and Vermont in general?
By: Mark Webb on January 30, 2009
at 12:11 pm