LABOR

Reich Defends Retraining Program: Labor Secretary Robert Reich, addressing the skepticism of several union leaders, said the economy is producing a high number of skilled jobs that demand new training programs. “Retraining for what?” has been the refrain of many labor leaders over the past year as the Clinton Administration highlighted its goal of retraining workers displaced by job cuts, technological advances and new trade policies. Although Reich said the question did not come up during his hourlong meeting with the 35-member AFL-CIO Executive Council in Bal Harbour, Fla., he said 60% of the 1.6 million private-sector jobs created last year were technical, managerial or professional and that many more are coming.