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Our Focus
The retail industry is a window into the American workforce. As the nation’s largest private sector employer, retail supports more than 52 million American jobs throughout the American economy. Retail workers represent all types of people, in all types of roles, experience, education, and skills, in all phases of their lives. Retail is for everyone; it is the place for a first job, a second chance, a third act, or a side hustle – the retail workforce is truly representative of the American workforce.
Growing the 21st Century Retail Workforce
RILA advocates for forward-thinking workplace policies at the state and federal level that reflect the needs of a large and inclusive workforce.
Employing DACA Beneficiaries and Access to H-1B Visas
RILA is an unwavering supporter of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and continues to advocate for a permanent solution.
Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act)
PRO Act is a return to antiquated thinking about work. Retailers are advocating for a modern policy fostering innovation & preserving employee rights.
Preserving Existing Benefits and Creating New Opportunities
RILA members are at the forefront of developing new innovative approaches designed to encourage preventative health, improve outcomes, and lower costs
Creating a Dynamic, Innovative and Skilled Workforce
RILA is devoted to ensuring retailers have access to the tools, research, and benchmarking to improve policies around DE&I.
Retail is for Everyone
The retail industry prides itself on providing opportunities to people from all walks of life, at any stage in their career -#retailis4Everyone.
Workforce Committees
Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, providing opportunity for all. RILA advocates for sound policies that support diversity, flexibility, upward mobility, and the power to choose one’s own path.
View All CommitteesUpcoming Meetings
Labor and Employment Committee Meeting
- May 20, 2025
- Washington, DC
Labor Activity in Retail (2022)
RILA and IRI Consultants 2022 report provides data around the rate and growth of labor activity in 2021 and outlines key strategies to help leading retailers address workforce challenges.
Read Report
Attract and Hire People for Who They Are (2022)
Best practices and promising new models for hiring across the RILA membership and Talent Solutions’ retail clients.
Read Report
Labor Activity in Retail (2021)
Latest data on union organizing and membership across the nation as well as four articles about timely labor and employee relations topics.
Read ReportRetail Supply Chain Conference 2025
- Feb 16 - Apr 19, 2025
- Orlando, FL
RILA's Retail Supply Chain Conference is the only event of its kind - gathering top executives from leading retailers to network and learn.
Go to EventRetail Works for All: 2023 Public Policy Priorities
Leading in the Community
Retail is more than a store; we are an integral part of the fabric of our communities.
Read MoreInvesting in People
Retail is for everyone; the place for a first job, 2nd chance, third act, or a side hustle – the retail workforce represents the American workforce.
Read MoreBuilding Communities
Given challenges across the industry, RILA pursues coordinated legislation, to ensure retailers can continue to enhance communities.
Read MoreStrategic Initiatives that support performance, compliance and transform the industry
Latest Workforce Insights
Labor Secretary Should Strengthen Retail Workforce
- By [Evan Armstrong]
- 02/26/2025
Retail Litigation Center Announce Leadership Transition Plan
- 01/29/2025
RILA BOD Adds Four Leaders, Re-Elects Best Buy CEO as Chair
- By [Brian Dodge]
- 01/27/2025
Retailers Urge ILA-USMX: Don’t Gamble with U.S. Economy
- By [Jess Dankert, Sarah Gilmore]
- 01/06/2025
Retailers Urge Congress to Pass Workforce Training Bill
- By [Evan Armstrong]
- 12/06/2024
Court Ruling on Overtime Rule a Win for Workers, Retailers
- By [Evan Armstrong]
- 11/15/2024