Local leader holds community conversation about improving workforce
SOUTH BEND, Ind., --- As the nation honors the achievement of American workers on Labor Day, South Bend Second District Councilman Henry Davis Jr. held a conversation about developing the local workforce and getting more folks into higher paying jobs.
“Today is Labor Day and we want to salute those who's labored for us and give them the opportunity to have a conversation and talk about the future of workforce for South Bend,” said Councilman Davis Jr.
The second district councilman joined more than 20 community members Monday afternoon at the D Blues Spot & Bistro in South Bend to discuss the development of the local workforce.
“We have to raise the wage right. We have to make sure workers are being compensated for the work that they do,” he explained. “We have opportunities that are around South Bend and the state of Indiana that we want to exploit to make sure our local labor force is getting their fair share.”
According the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, last month there were more 150, 000 open job postings statewide, with many local employers ready to fill open positions.
Some folks at Monday’s discussion believe hiring efforts need to start before people even hit the workforce.
“I think it’s important to target young people as early as elementary and middle school to get them thinking about how these mathematical skills for example that they’re learning. How they apply to the real world,” said Jorden Giger the Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter.
“That way they can have an idea of what’s out there besides college. There's always talks about going to college but there are alternative measures,” added Murray Miller, a Business Manager for the Local Labor’s Union in South Bend.
While the nation celebrates the holiday dedicated to recognizing the achievements of all-American workers, councilman Davis Jr. said he believes it’s important to also put emphasis on local minority businesses and workers.
“We have and be very intentional about investing into these businesses and make sure and that these businesses are going to be able to bid on the projects, on the larger projects and smaller projects…we have to make sure as a city we aren’t deciding winners or losers.”
Councilman Davis Jr. said he plans to continue the conversation every month, including putting a focus on the potential battery plant that could be coming to New Carlisle.