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December 1996

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Strikers suspend action for the holidays (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Trade unions in South Korea have suspended the general strike that has disrupted the country during recent days, but threaten more action during the new year. It has been the most widespread strike in South Korean history, and occurred in response to a highly unpopular new labor law that greatly diminishes job security in the country.

Strike suspended in Israel too (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
The Jerusalem Post reports that the Histadrut chairman and Israeli finance minister have been meeting over budget cuts, and a result has been a 24-hour suspension of the general strike that had largely shut down the country. Also in Israel today, Yediot Achronot reports that the government's plan to cut a 50 percent tax credit for married working women has been defeated.

Tax changes take effect at midnight (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
New tax legislation will affect many Americans during the new year. Here's a list.

Economy may not be enough to save Major's government (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Compared to many economies on the European continent, Britain has been doing quite well, and John Major's Conservative government would like to take credit. However, with an election coming up within the next several months, polls are predicting a new Labour government and a new PM. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has been trying to alter its identity by moving slightly to the right on some issues, particularly the welfare state, much as the Democratic Clinton Administration has done in the United States. Among other things, Labour has been loosening its dependency on the British trade unions while still emphasizing job creation and work, as opposed to dependency. For instance, London's Independent reports this morning that Labour is calling for a minimum wage for the long-term unemployed for taking on community work.

Iomega to move jobs to Malaysia (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
With its enormously popular Zip Drive and other products, Iomega has captured much of the portable computer storage market from long-dominant Syquest after years of dormancy. Now, here's a major restructuring that will cost 700 jobs in Utah. Also in the job cuts department, Humana expects to slice as many as 900 positions throughout the United States. However, to keep things in perspective, AT&T announces that it will end the year with about as many jobs as it started the year with, despite common perceptions. You'll remember that last January's big story focused on 40,000 job cuts at AT&T, for which the company was greatly criticized at the time. However, while they've been firing, they've also been hiring, so it seems to be mostly a wash. "Restructuring," yes, but maybe not so much "downsizing."

Pension money management firm purchased (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Mellon buys Buck Consultants, which has been managing $400 billion in pension funds.

Kohl emphasizes necessary changes (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl says that the old days are over for the German economy, and that fundamental changes are necessary if the country is to remain competitive in the new global economy. For one thing, jobs in Germany will depend on a continuing high level of exports. Sueddeutsche Zeitung reports on the Chancellor's New Year's speech to the nation. Meanwhile, French President Chirac prepares to address his country tonight and will emphasize unemployment, which could hit 13 percent next summer, as France's biggest challenge during the new year, according to Liberation.

Spanish labor unions warn government (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Gaceta de los Negocios reports that union leaders have told the Spanish government to expect a "strong reaction" from workers if there is an attempt to impose further reform of the country's labor market. Employers have wanted to make it easier and less expensive to fire workers. Unions are willing to go along if employers are willing to take on additional permanent workers. The government has threatened to impose a solution if the two sides can't reach agreement.

More on alleged USDA discrimination (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
The Christian Science Monitor's Elizabeth Levitan Spaid writes about the complaints of minority farmers against the United States Department of Agriculture. Also in the Monitor at year's end, Kevin Platt on China's internal debate on the price of WTO membership, and Caspar Weinberger and Peter Schweizer describe what they believe to be the underlying problem in the American military. Hint: more than 17,000 American soldiers are on welfare, they say.

Some social fallout from economic changes in China (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Edward Cody of the Washington Post writes about China's new crime wave, while Frank Swoboda reports progress in the labor conflict at Giant Food, and Molly Moore says that rural poor are still flooding into Mexico City in search of work that few fine. Also, William Branigin describes the impact of the immigration law on legal foreign students in the U.S., and Stephen Barr reports on pay increases for senior government executives in the D.C. region.

Juggling work and family during the new year (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Finding effective ways to help people integrate their work and family responsibilities would help everybody, according to the Boston Globe today, which also reports on evolving workplace attitudes toward those with HIV.

Pittsburgh jobless rate lowest in six years (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Here's the story from today's Pittsburgh Tribune, which also reports on workers compensation reform in Pennsylvania during 1996.

Software company workers become millionaires (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
One company acquires another, and many new workforce millionaires are created, according to Newsday.

Australian survey describes "new age" executives (Tuesday, 12/31/96)
Here are the results from a survey of 500 Australian business people, as reported in the Australian Financial Review.

Work stoppage continues in Korea (Monday, 12/30/96)
It's the most widespread strike in South Korean history, and it is continuing, although some cracks have occurred in the solid front. The new labor law to which strikers object signals a dramatic new direction in the country, if it stands.

General strike widens in Israel (Monday, 12/30/96)
South Korea isn't the only country experiencing a general strike. However, while an unpopular new labor law is the reason in Korea, the strike in Israel has arisen from the arrest of an official of the Histadrut labor federation following a strike last week, according to Ma'ariv.

College enrollments increasing in the U.S. (Monday, 12/30/96)
More people are attending college in the United States, but the increases are not consistent across all regions. Here's the story from Reuters this morning. Also, a new poll finds less alienation in the American population than last year. In Switzerland, on the other hand, a poll commissioned by Sonntags-Zeitung reports economic pessimism. Seventy percent of those polled expect the Swiss economy to worsen during 1997.

Leave the CPI to the technical folks, Reich says (Monday, 12/30/96)
If the Consumer Price Index is changed, it should be for technical, not political reasons, outgoing Secretary of Labor Robert Reich says. Reich appeared yesterday on the ABC News broadcast "This Week."

German party calls for further limitations on immigration (Monday, 12/30/96)
Sueddeutsche Zeitung reports that the Bavarian wing of the Christian Democrats want greater limitations placed on immigration in order to protect jobs. Incidentally, Somini Sengupta writes into today's New York Times about the advantages of dual citizenship, an idea that has not been popular in the United States.

States try to get ready for welfare changes in 1997 (Monday, 12/30/96)
Linda Feldmann writes about the welfare shock wave spreading across the American states. Here's the story from today's Christian Science Monitor, which also reports today on economic and social reforms in Chile and how well they're working.

One of the costs of success for many (Monday, 12/30/96)
Many men are working longer hours, says Mary Kane of the Newhouse News Service. Here's the story from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune. Also, Mike Meyers reports on what most economists expect during the new year, and Tim Hanratty writes about medical savings accounts.

Doctors react to managed care movement (Monday, 12/30/96)
The Washington Post's Stuart Auerbach writes about physicians in the Washington, D. C. area who have formed their own medical plan to compete with HMOs. Also in the Post today, Anne Swardson and Sandra Sugawara report on Asian workers becoming customers in the second of a four-part series. Finally, here's more on downsizing in the federal government.

Hiring employees a second time (Monday, 12/30/96)
Joann Lublin writes in today's Wall Street Journal that there are pitfalls.

Some stories from the new world of welfare (Monday, 12/30/96)
Here are some representative stories about how lives have been changed by the changes in the American welfare system. Peter Canellos writes for the Boston Globe.

The advantages of dying old can be overestimated (Monday, 12/30/96)
You may live longer than you expect, so you'd better be ready, says Jane Bryant Quinn. How much will you need for a retirement that could last almost as long as your active work life? Here's her nationally syndicated column from today's Baltimore Sun. Also, Kenneth Hooker responds to a question about 401(k) plans in today's Boston Globe, and Leslie Wayne writes in today's New York Times about the battle lines that are developing in the debate about Social Security.

Major changes on domestic partner coverage in San Francisco (Monday, 12/30/96)
A new ordinance will affect as many as 10,000 companies, according to this story in the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

Big bank merger costing jobs in Detroit (Monday, 12/30/96)
Here's Charlotte Craig's story in the Detroit Free Press.

Want work safety? Ask your employees (Monday, 12/30/96)
Employee input will determine how successful a safety program is, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Bonnie Good.

Managing your time for survival (Monday, 12/30/96)
Newsday reports that a time management seminar has been popular among participants.

Workplace Relations Act kicks in in Australia (Monday, 12/30/96)
Stephen Long reports in the Australian Financial Review that the country is entering a new era in industrial relations.

The happy loneliness of being an MBA in China (Monday, 12/30/96)
China is a land of contradictions. The most populous country is also the world's largest communist state, but has a vigorous, fast-growing private sector. State-run firms need help, though, and the rare MBA seems much in demand, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Disorder spreads in South Korea; complete paralysis threatened (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Trade union leaders are demanding that the South Korean government revoke the controversial new labor law, as a general strike spreads throughout the country. Some violence has occurred, as strikers have come into conflict with police.

Arrest made following latest U.S. workplace violence (Sunday, 12/29/96)
A man has been arrested following a shooting at a McDonald's restaurant in California.

Americans optimistic about the new year (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Steve Berg of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Americans generally expect good things from the year ahead, but Steve Lohr of the New York Times says people are still fearing for their jobs. Incidentally, here's a follow up on people who have lost their jobs as reported in the earlier Times special, "The Downsizing of America."

Reviews of 1996 (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Here are reviews of business in the news during the year from Karren Mills and Dan Beucke in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Newsday, respectively. Incidentally, look for our Top Ten NewWork News Stories of 1996 during the next few days.

Demographic power shift (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Terry Fiedler writes that shifting demographics are resulting in a change in the power balance in many work settings. Also in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune, here's an examination of how childhood is lost to labor in many parts of the world.

Will the boomers really go bust during retirement? (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Nationally syndicated columnist Jane Bryant Quinn seeks to dispell some myths.

Free trade and the world's poor (Sunday, 12/29/96)
The Washington Post's Keith Richburg writes from the Philippines about how free trade is helping the poor, and, more specifically, how the skilled are cashing in in the factories.

Some Q&A help today (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Here are some questions and answers from the Chicago Sun-Times and the Boston Globe this morning.

Work pressures and holiday depression (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Joan Lloyd writes in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about depression during the holidays.

Growth in Peru, but not for everybody (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Peru has been in the news a lot recently for other reasons, but here's a story about the country's economy, and how the poor are being left behind. Calvin Sims reports for today's New York Times. Also, Serge Schmemann writes about the mixed relationship between peace and prosperity in Israel, Barbara Crossette describes a manual on the rights of women in Islamic countries, and Eric Schmitt reports on the continuing debate about the role of women in the American military.

The web isn't the answer for all job searches, says the New York Times (Sunday, 12/29/96)
Well, who said it was? Anyway, here's an interesting article on how the web has revolutionized the way many people look for jobs. Also in the Times this morning, the feds and the states are arguing over how much authority states have in deciding how their money will be used under the new welfare law.

Strike violence in South Korea (Saturday, 12/28/96)
Some strikers have been battling police in Seoul. The New York Times reports that 350,000 strikers are involved, but the Hong Kong Standard says more than a million have been called out at this point.

Population Institute says world population could level off (Saturday, 12/28/96)
The population explosion has slowed recently, and world population could stabilize at 8 billion. Ninety million people are still being added to the total each year, however.

New unemployment claims down last week in the U.S. (Saturday, 12/28/96)
The United States Department of Labor reported that jobless claims declined more last week than expected.

On being a worker in the tobacco industry (Saturday, 12/28/96)
Glenn Frankel of the Washington Post writes about how Philip Morris employees feel about what they do.

Teamsters fail in effort to widen strike at Giant Food (Saturday, 12/28/96)
Liz Bowie writes in the Baltimore Sun that Teamsters efforts to stop food deliveries hasn't worked. Also in the Sun today, more on the National Labor Relations Board ruling that Caterpillar must compensate ex-strikers.

Is Michigan a "job pirate?" (Saturday, 12/28/96)
Wisconsin lawmakers are calling for an investigation into Michigan's attempts to attract businesses from their neighbors. Here's the story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

First women ambulance staffers coming to Hong Kong (Saturday, 12/28/96)
So far, three women have defeated many men in the competition to qualify, according to today's Hong Kong Standard.

Strikes spread throughout South Korea (Friday, 12/27/96)
New labor laws were passed in secret in an effort to revolutionize national labor policy, and a very large number of people in Korea don't like it. Here's the story from Reuters and the Washington Post, as well as the Korea Herald, which reports that the Korean government is trying to use a "carrot and stick" approach, while President Kim is remaining aloof.

Marriage fund in Turkey? (Friday, 12/27/96)
The ruling Welfare Party in Turkey wants to set up a fund for young people who are too poor to get married, according to Lisa Cicolello in Global's Istanbul bureau.

Choose your scenario for France's economy (Friday, 12/27/96)
Les Echos reports that the French national statistics institute offers two pictures of unemployment in France, depending on the economic growth rate during the next several years. "Optimistically," unemployment should be around 10 percent in 2001; "pessimistically," it would be about 12 percent.

Seventy continuous months of expansion in the U.S. (Friday, 12/27/96)
It's been a long time since the last recession in the United States, and, while growth rates have been a bit sluggish compared to previous "recoveries," the American economy continues to be in good condition, particularly compared to many others around the world. David Francis of the Christian Science Monitor reports that many economists see a good 1997 ahead as well. Also in the Monitor today, here's another analysis of President Clinton's intentions and strategy with regard to welfare reform.

Added perks in the Caterpillar case? (Friday, 12/27/96)
Robert Rose reports in today's Wall Street Journal on new complaints about Caterpillar following the big NLRB labor case. Here's the story from today's New York Times as well.

Having as opposed to not having in the new Russia (Friday, 12/27/96)
Lee Hockstader of the Washington Post reports on the odd situation for entrepreneurs and others in Russia. Also, Frank Swoboda writes about Teamsters plans to extend the strike against Giant Food, Edward Walsh examines whether welfare reform is to blame for the increase in homelessness and hunger in Milwaukee, and Peter Baker reports on the new rules on Medicaid and Medicare providers that will be going into effect next week.

Chicago drivers may see pay frozen (Friday, 12/27/96)
Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times reports on a tentative agreement between Chicago bus drivers and others with the Teamsters.

New designs minimize isolation in the workplace (Friday, 12/27/96)
Cliff Edwards reports on workstation design and interaction in today's Fort Worth Star Telegram.

New patterns reflected in Milwaukee-area economy (Friday, 12/27/96)
There has been a growing shortage of skilled workers in many parts of the United States, suggesting that, while the new economy may need less labor overall and cares less about "credentials," it is willing to pay well for people who can do what needs to be done. Here's the employment picture in the Milwaukee area, as reported by Geeta Sharma-Jensen in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Care for the aged in Singapore (Friday, 12/27/96)
Seth Mydans reports in the New York Times on traditional vs. modern trends in the affluent, authoritarian city state. Also in the Times today, a precedent-setting court decision in New York affecting legal representation for the poor and an examination of some different plans for saving Social Security.

New Korean labor law results in widespread rage and work stoppages (Thursday, 12/26/96)
A new law in South Korea greatly diminishes job security, and the response of organized labor is immediate and massive. Auto manufacturers and shipyards and shut down, and strikes appear to be spreading to other sectors. If the work stoppages are extended, it could slow the South Korean economy's recovery.

Israeli standard of living down (Thursday, 12/26/96)
Ma'ariv reports that the Israeli economy has experienced a sharp downturn, and experts predict that the slowdown will continue through the first part of 1997.

Surplus employment reduced in Japan (Thursday, 12/26/96)
In Japan, "surplus employment" refers to workers who are kept on the payroll, even if there is no work for them, and their number decreased to 720,000 during the third quarter. This is 1 million fewer than during the first quarter of the year, according to Japanese newspapers.

NAFTA benefits for Mexico (Thursday, 12/26/96)
The Los Angeles Times' Mary Beth Sheridan says that NAFTA has brought benefits to Mexico, and these have come mostly from Asia and Europe. A new study finds both job losses and job gains in various regions of the United States as a consequence of NAFTA, and suggests that there have been net benefits to American workers. The study is likely to be controversial.

The Dutch show how to tighten things up (Thursday, 12/26/96)
Today's Wall Street Journal reports today on how the Netherlands is showing European neighbors how to deal with economic problems. They're holding down pay raises, reducing social spending, and encouraging entrepreneurship, according to Lawrence Ingrassia. We've been reporting on developments in Holland as well as in various other European countries for months. Also in the Journal today, a story about a Pratt & Whitney factory that managed to use incentives to sharpen up its operations and change minds about closing it, as well as a story about a French grandmother who has helped an oil company and workers reach agreement in Guatemala.

Are job fears controlling inflation? (Thursday, 12/26/96)
John M. Berry of the Washington Post says that the fact that inflation hasn't taken off in the United States requires explanation, and he provides a possible one. Also, Laurie Goodstein writes about how entrepreneurship is being promoted from the pulpit, and William Claiborne reports on how states are getting ready for the consequences of reduced Social Security benefits for some persons during the new year.

Jackson to host February conference on literacy and poverty (Thursday, 12/26/96)
Adrienne Dress of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Jesse Jackson will head a conference of educators and scholars from throughout the United States.

Bringing joy to work (Thursday, 12/26/96)
Here's a story from Geeta Sharma-Jensen of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on getting joy in living out of joy at work. Also, the paper reports today that a federal appeals court has ruled that credit unions can continue accepting new members from outside their groups for now.

New Jersey shifts to managed care for prison inmates (Thursday, 12/26/96)
Melody Petersen of the New York Times reports on New Jersey's effort to contain the cost of health care for its prison population. Meanwhile, a Connecticut legislative committee reports that, despite criticism nationally, HMO's are working well in that state. Also in the Times today, a story about how Shoney's is in the middle of a big debate following its payment of $103 million to settle a discrimination suit a few years ago.

Rich-poor gap increasing in the suburbs too (Thursday, 12/26/96)
Laurel Shaper Walters writes in the Christian Science Monitor today about child poverty in the affluent American suburbs. Also, Dave Moniz reports on how Marine Corps training has changed following the sex scandals at some military installations, Ruth Walker tells about the difficulties of changing labor traditions in Germany, and Mark Sappenfield says that your frequent flyer miles may be about to expire. Finally, here's a story about women on the boards of Fortune 500 companies.

Yeltsin vows to speed up wage payments (Wednesday, 12/25/96)
Now that Boris Yeltsin is back in his office, he's not only committed to getting people to pay their taxes, but also to helping people obtain wages due to them. Russia faces many economic and political problems, so the Russian president has a lot on his agenda.

West Coast U.S. ports losing productivity (Wednesday, 12/25/96)
Bloomberg reports that various factors seem to be contributing to a loss of productivity at many ports on the American West Coast, including labor disputes.

Credit card delinquencies up (Wednesday, 12/25/96)
Dee DePass reports for the Minneapolis Star Tribune on third-quarter credit card debt.

Varied interests claim charity funds (Wednesday, 12/25/96)
Here's a story from John Solomon in today's Washington Post on what happens to the funds that federal workers contribute.

Agriculture Department changes mind on food stamps (Wednesday, 12/25/96)
Tim Novak of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that 34,000 single adults will keep their food stamps for awhile .

Children crusade against child labor (Wednesday, 12/25/96)
Here's Steven Greenhouse's story in today's New York Times, as well as stories about organized labor's weakening ties with the Democrats, and modest gains for third-world laborers.

More death on the job: factory explosion near Houston (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
Eight workers killed, others injured. Here's the story from Reuters.

Preliminary injunction blocks California's Proposition 209 (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
U.S. District Judge Henderson believes that the voter-approved proposition probably violates the constitutional right to equal protection under the law. Reuters and the New York Times have the story, as well as do nearly all other U.S. news services.

Yeltsin returns to work (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
Russian President Boris Yeltsin is back in his office, and, among other things, intends to go after tax-dodgers. However, some people haven't been paying their taxes because they haven't been paid themselves. Russia has been experiencing "economic gridlock" for months. The old Soviet Union's former ally is having trouble with tax evasion too, and intends to intensify efforts to deal with "economic disorder" during the new year.

Not the biggest news story of the day, but... (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
Wal-Mart has fired a couple of employees for hiding Tickle Me Elmo dolls from customers. Wal-Mart is also in the news today in a somewhat more serious way. They've lost a sexual harassment suit that will cost them nearly $2 million.

Incomes and spending up last month in the U.S. (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that incomes and consumer spending strengthened in November after a flat October.

TWA cutting back (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Trans World Airlines will cut some trans-Atlantic flights. Reuters reports today that, among other things, this will mean a loss of jobs at Kennedy Airport in New York. In another Grinch story, the Boston Globe reports that a consolidation at Raytheon may cost 150 jobs. However, in the good news department, Newsday's James Madore reports that Long Island's unemployment rate is at an eight-year low.

Spain's minimum wage to go up in 1997 (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
Spanish trade unions had wanted a 7.2 increase, while employers wanted wages frozen. Instead, El Pais reports that the minimum wage will increase 2.6 percent next year.

Benefits for working women cut in Israel (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
The Jerusalem Post reports that the Knesset Finance Committee has developed a plan whereby additional revenue will be raised by dropping some tax benefits for working women and increasing sick days paid for my employers, rather than the Israeli government.

Dutch company to require longer work week (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
The collective bank labor agreement in the Netherlands limits the work week to 36 hours, but ING Groep NV is asking employees to sign a special agreement that will obligate them to working a 40-hour week. Employees can refuse to sign, but may see promotion opportunities limited as a consequence, according to De Volkskrant.

Special keyboards may not help prevent RSI (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
David Hilzenrath of the Washington Post says that repetitive stress injuries continue to be a risk for those who spend many continuous hours at the keyboard. Moreover, the fancy, expensive versions may not be helpful. Also in the Post today, stories about those who work more, not less around the holidays, and a possible Teamsters plan to hit Giant Food's suppliers next as part of an ongoing labor conflict.

New book on the homeless in Japan (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
Four women who work with the homeless in Osaka have written a book called I Don't Want to Be Homeless, according to today's Asahi Shimbun.

More on the new incentive systems (Tuesday, 12/24/96)
Diane Lewis writes in today's Boston Globe about some new ways of paying employees.

The comeback of incentive pay (Monday, 12/23/96)
Incentive pay isn't just for top executives, and it doesn't mean the old piece rates either. Here's a look at a important trend by David Francis of the Christian Science Monitor.

This worker needs a raise, writer says (Monday, 12/23/96)
The President's salary has lost a lot of buying power, writes David Sarasohn of the Newhouse News Service.

Stability of unemployment payments in Portugal (Monday, 12/23/96)
Diario Economico reports that Portugal's Social Security Minister Mendes says that payments to the unemployed have stabilized at 63,000 escudos per month, on average.

Employers, employees reach agreement in France (Monday, 12/23/96)
A new agreement in France will decrease worker and employer contributions to unemployment benefits, while still improving compensation. Workers and employers will share a 13 billion franc surplus accumulated by Unedic, the government agency that distributes unemployment benefits, according to La Tribune.

Spanish employers want reduced layoff costs (Monday, 12/23/96)
CEOE, the Spanish employers' association, is willing to sign a new labor agreement if the cost of laying off workers is reduced as part of the package, according to Expansion today.

Both too few and too many volunteers (Monday, 12/23/96)
Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that people are generous with their time when the holiday spirit hits, but the real needs are at other times of the year.

The case against borrowing from your 401(k) (Monday, 12/23/96)
The Boston Globe's Kenneth Hooker tells about the disadvantages.

Next year's job market (Monday, 12/23/96)
Various economists predict what the next year may be like in the job market. Here's the story from today's Baltimore Sun. Along similar lines, here's a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story about prospects in the Wisconsin region. Also in the Journal Sentinel today, Kathleen Ostrander reports that a few cracks are beginning to appear in the glass ceiling.

Work survival guide (Monday, 12/23/96)
Patricia Kitchen of Newsday tells about a guide in the current edition of Self magazine that can help you deal with work's frustrations. Also, here's a story about staying fit on the job.

Australian government gives new meaning to "fire power" (Monday, 12/23/96)
The Australian Financial Review reports that the relatively new conservative government in Australia has excluded more workers from federal unfair dismissal protection, meaning that it will be easier for employers to fire them.

What if you don't want to be in touch? (Sunday, 12/22/96)
The new technologies allow many people to do their work anytime, anywhere, including when they're on vacation.

Big job cuts in Wells Fargo merger (Sunday, 12/22/96)
Wells Fargo is merging with First Interstate Bancorp, and nearly 11,000 jobs will go as a consequence.

Hoffa gets attention of some in Congress (Sunday, 12/22/96)
James Hoffa isn't the only one who would like to see the Teamsters presidential election process examined, apparently. Reuters reports today that leaders of the House Judiciary Committee are asking the Justice Department to look into it. Meanwhile, here's Steven Greenhouse's New York Times analysis of why the opposition nearly won.

The very high stakes in social engineering experiments (Sunday, 12/22/96)
Here's another Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial on welfare reform.

The unknowns in the retirement calculation (Sunday, 12/22/96)
Albert Crenshaw writes on the difficulties of determining retirements needs in today's Washington Post. Also in the Post today, President Clinton wants the work-study program to produce tutors to promote literacy.

A difficult harassment case in Boston (Sunday, 12/22/96)
Kimberly Blanton of the Boston Globe examines the difficulties in getting at the facts.

Holiday helpline for job seekers (Sunday, 12/22/96)
Patricia Kitchen reports for Newsday. Also, Carrie Mason-Draffen and Lynn Brenner answer some readers' questions, and Patricia Kitchen tells about the publication's do-your-own-Dilbert contest.

Death at work (Sunday, 12/22/96)
The New York Times' Jon Nordheimer reports on one day's death toll. Also, Steven Greenhouse reports on a union's move to save jobs by relaxing work rules, and Beth Koblinger tells about "captive-broker arrangements" as part of employee stock plans.

Clinton cabinet complete (Saturday, 12/21/96)
As expected, President Clinton announced the remaining cabinet appointments yesterday, including Alexis Herman at the Department of Labor. Here's more background on her. Also, the younger Cuomo will be going to HUD, and Janet Yellen will be Clinton's chief economist. Incidentally, Cuomo is known as an advocate for the homeless. Here's a story about an NIH inquiry into whether Indiana University has been using homeless persons in medical research.

The feds wade into the Proposition 209 controversy (Saturday, 12/21/96)
The Department of Justice thinks that California's Proposition 209 is unconstitutional. Here's the story from Reuters and from the New York Times.

Mediators join conflict between Giant and the Teamsters (Saturday, 12/21/96)
Frank Swoboda reports for today's Washington Post. Also, Anthony Faiola reports on sweatshop allegations outside a major Washington D. C. department store.

Kyoto still says no to foreign workers (Saturday, 12/21/96)
Today's Asahi Shimbun reports that the mayor of Kyoto, Japan says that the city's policy will not be revised. Non-Japanese will continue to be denied access to public service jobs in the city.

Motorola adds jobs in Texas (Saturday, 12/21/96)
Things are picking up at Motorola factories in the Fort Worth area, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Herman may be new Labor chief (Friday, 12/20/96)
The latest word is that President Clinton has settled on Alexis Herman to succeed Robert Reich as U.S. Secretary of Labor. The remaining cabinet appointments may be announced today. Labor has been the most difficult choice, according to the Reuters story this morning. Also from Reuters, James Hoffa is still calling for an investigation into the recent Teamsters presidential election, and Peregrine may make big job cuts after buying General Motors plants. Here's that story from today's Detroit Free Press as well.

Joblessness up a bit in the U.S. (Friday, 12/20/96)
The increase was slight last week, but it amounted to the highest level since July. Here's that story, as well as stories about layoffs at Caliber System Inc. in Ohio and at Philips in the Netherlands. Also, Reuters reports today on Democratic plans to make pensions portable, as well as other reforms. The new economy includes a greater degree of mobility for workers, and some think pensions should be changed to reflect this fact, just as a recently passed law allows workers to take their health coverage with them when they change jobs.

Italy close to allowing private pension funds (Friday, 12/20/96)
Il Sole reports today that the Italian Treasury Ministry has published regulations on how private pension funds will be run, which means that banks and insurance companies will soon be allowed to manage the funds.

Many want to turn back the crude, rude wave in American life (Friday, 12/20/96)
Vulgarity and rudeness come and go. In the U.S. and some other Western countries, the 19th century was fairly straight-laced and repressed, while the 18th century was quite vulgar. The 20th century started out as an extension of the 19th, but seems to be ending in a flood of vulgarity and incivility with which many are tiring. Here's a Christian Science Monitor story about movements to restore civility, and perhaps save what it means to be civilized. Along very slightly related lines, here's a U.S. News article this week on how some feel that, while the parts are okay, the whole's a mess. Also in U.S. News this week, check for articles examining the "end of affirmative action" as well as on "Santa's sweatshop".

Legendary television station sued by employees (Friday, 12/20/96)
WCCO in the Twin Cities has had a legendary reputation in the American broadcasting industry, particularly the radio station, but also the TV station, which, among other things, has provided the national networks with numerous journalists over the years. Last week, the station was featured on CBS' "60 Minutes" following an admonishment from the Minnesota News Council arising out of its sweeps month reports on Northwest Airlines. Now, two women employees are suing the station for maintaining a sexually hostile environment. Here's the story from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune, which also contains an editorial on child care as the critical link between welfare and work, as well as a commentary by Leonard Inskip who feels that transportation may be the key. Meanwhile, Peter Baker and Barbara Vobejda in today's Washington Post report that the Clinton administration seems ready to try to restore some welfare cuts, but expects tough resistance from the Congress.

Show biz folks strike in France (Friday, 12/20/96)
The latest round of labor troubles in France involve actors and musicians who are protesting a cutback in benefits in France's troubled economy. The Washington Post reports.

Half of people leaving welfare finding jobs in Massachusetts (Friday, 12/20/96)
The Boston Globe reports on what is happening to people leaving welfare in that state. Also, Jerry Ackerman reports on the Christmas mood in many companies. Many are getting extra time off this year.

First rank-and-file, secret ballot election for union (Friday, 12/20/96)
The Laborers International Union of North America makes history. First time such an election has been held since the union started in 1903, according to Newsday.

Montreal police becoming more diverse (Friday, 12/20/96)
Today's Montreal Gazette reports on employment policies that are making the police force more accurately reflect diversity in its community.

Big gains in new economy, according to magazine (Friday, 12/20/96)
This week's Business Week reports on the "triumph of the new economy". Many benefits are seen from globalization and the information revolution.

Texaco plan announced (Thursday, 12/19/96)
Texaco will make a major effort to increase employment opportunities for minorities. Reuters reports, and here's the story from the Christian Science Monitor as well.

More credit card caution, report says (Thursday, 12/19/96)
The American Bankers Association says credit card delinquencies are down.

Zenith to cut quarter of work force (Thursday, 12/19/96)
In an effort to slow financial hemorrhaging, Zenith will cut more than 1,100 jobs. Also from Reuters this morning, Clinton meets with mayors about implications of new welfare policy and other issues, and the top Army official says harassment is widespread. In related news, attorneys say that hazing has been going on a long time at the Citadel.

Boston Edison settles age discrimination suit (Thursday, 12/19/96)
Bloomberg reports that Boston Edison has agreed to pay $2.25 million to former employees who charged the company with age discrimination following their dismissal in the late 1980's. Also, Bloomberg says that the Bureau of Labor Statistics will hold a conference today on the Consumer Price Index to discuss recommended changes. Also, John M. Berry of the Washington Post reports on how the Boskin Commission's conclusions are coming under fire from numerous experts.

Portugal's social security system to be reformed (Thursday, 12/19/96)
Diario Economico reports that the Portuguese government plans to change its social security system, particularly child benefit provisions in order to emphasis the poorest children. Also, Prime Minister Guterres met late into the night last night with representatives of employers and labor unions in order to try to save the talks aimed at labor reform in the country.

Big drop in UK unemployment (Thursday, 12/19/96)
London's Financial Times says the British government has announced the largest drop in unemployment ever, but opposition leaders say the Major government is manipulating the data by changing the benefits system.

Shrimp indicator tells about economy (Thursday, 12/19/96)
Shelley Donald Coolidge of the Christian Science Monitor reports on shrimp at office parties as a measure of how companies are doing. Also, Sam Walker says that stepped up patrols haven't diminished the attraction of work in the United States.

How Utah's handling welfare (Thursday, 12/19/96)
Here's an editorial from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune on Utah's approach to coping with the new world of welfare.

Entertainer settles in HIV-related case (Thursday, 12/19/96)
An entertainer was denied a job previously promised after testing positive for HIV. He sued, and will now collect $90,000 in damages, according to today's New York Times. Also in the Times today, layoffs in the world of foreign exchange, slight impact of NAFTA on jobs, according to a report, and Japan scales back its growth forecast for next year.

Clinton to meet with mayors (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
The mayors of many American cities are struggling with the question of what to do about their urban poor now that there has been such a drastic change in federal welfare policy. President Clinton will meet with a group of them. A U.S. Conference of Mayors report indicates that the number of hungry and homeless has increased this year. Many observers expect additional dramatic increases ahead.

Torres in the lead for Labor Secretary (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Additional top administration appointments appear to be near, and among them may be U.S. Secretary of Labor. A Californian seems to be the leading candidate.

Clinton Administration backs off curtailment plan (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Nursing home inspections will go on as usual, according to Administration officials.

Another suspension at the Citadel (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Another cadet is suspended. There may have been more hazing incidents as well, according to reports today.

Hearing delayed as negotiations proceed in Texaco case (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
A trial may be avoided in the obstruction of justice case involving a former Texaco executive and the discrimination case. Here's the story from Reuters as well as the New York Times.

Big unions merge (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
The United Steelworkers of America and the Aluminum, Brick & Glass Workers International Union are becoming one, according to Reuters this morning. Also, the Labor Department recommends discouraging office Christmas parties because of drinking hazards, while Stuart Silverstein and Emily Otani of the Los Angeles Times discuss legal hazards.

Mrs. Clinton wants to help D. C. (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
America's capital has lots of social and economic problems, and, as the First Lady, seeks to define her role during the second Clinton administration, the District of Columbia seems to be on her "to do" list.

No agreement reached on plan to help the Swiss economy (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Neue Zuercher Zeitung reports that government, business, and labor have been meeting in an effort to find a way to help the struggling economy in Switzerland, but no agreement has been reached. Also, Tages-Anzeiger quotes Federal Statistics Office data indicating that the number of jobs in Switzerland decreased by 220,000 between 1991 and 1995. Unemployment is expected to set an all-time record during the first quarter of the new year.

No reduction in wealth tax in France (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
With France's economy stumbling, a joint committee of the two houses of the French parliament has decided not to reduce taxes for about 1,000 wealthy taxpayers, fearing a broad public reaction. Les Echos reports that story today, as well as criticism of union plans for a shortened work week by the French employers federation, CNPF. The federation claims that a shortened work week would not create or save jobs.

Full-time worker, part-time soldier (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Jonathan S. Landay of the Christian Science Monitor tells about a company that helps people balance the demands of two roles. Also, Daniel Sneider discusses the move to test the constitutionality of Proposition 209 in California and its implications for similar movements elsewhere.

On building bridges (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune editorializes on getting from welfare to work.

More on the problems at Giant Food (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Kathleen Day of the Washington Post reports on the Teamsters plan to begin picketing the D.C.-area food chain's stores, and Liz Bowie of the Baltimore Sun also reports.

Safety net dissolving for chemically dependent persons (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Tm Novak and Alex Rodriguez report for on the impact of welfare reform for persons with one type of disability. Also, from today's Chicago Sun-Times, the same reporters tell about how a redefinition of welfare eligibility may cut out some children as well.

No change in health plan for Japan's elderly (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
They'll continue to pay a flat rate, according to today's Asahi Shimbun. The Health and Welfare Ministry had been seeking changes that would have resulted in the elderly paying a fixed percentage of total costs.

Hancock reaches agreement with the feds (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
The John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company has reached agreement in the pension funds mismanagement case.

Hearings on slavery in Sudan to be scheduled (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Rep. Christopher H. Smith of New Jersey wants American aid to Sudan stopped until slavery in the country is ended.

Vote on unionization at Baltimore Gas & Electric today (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
BGE has been union-free for 180 years, according to the Baltimore Sun. Also, here's a story on a Purdue University study saying that bankruptcies have been occurring at a greater rate than necessary.

Analysis of Greenspan's remarks on Social Security (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
The Detroit Free Press says that a cure for Social Security will have a side-effect.

Hoffa calls for investigation (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
James Hoffa apparently has lost the Teamsters presidential election, but he's not necessarily accepting the result. Kevin Galvin reports for the Milwaukee Journal and Sentinel. Also, Dick Johnson of the New York Times discusses the role of nostalgia in the recent Teamsters vote. Louis Uchitelle of the Times reports on the continuing debate over the nature of inflation and how well the Consumer Price Index measures it, whatever it is.

New plan for Chase Manhattan employees (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
The company offers employees a new stock option plan for Christmas, according to Newsday this morning.

Cost cutting will hit public service unions, like it or not (Wednesday, 12/18/96)
Elizabeth Thompson reports for the Montreal Gazette on Premier Lucien Bouchard's recent remarks.

Judge's affirmative action order extended in California (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
California is still restrained from implementing Proposition 209, according to Reuters this morning. Also, from Reuters, an Army sergeant is cleared in a sexual assault case, and a report shows more hungry and homeless in the United States. Along those lines, here's a story about one governor's efforts to solve the homelessness problem, as reported in today's Christian Science Monitor. More from Reuters today: Milosevic is feeling more pressure from unions and others and, after losing the Teamsters election, Hoffa is checking "discrepancies" in the vote. Francine Knowles of the Chicago Sun-Times says that Ron Carey faces a tough job in trying to bring unity to the Teamsters following a close vote.

China not interested in WTO membership, official says (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Reuters reports that the official China Daily says that China is now indifferent to World Trade Organization membership. Meanwhile, India claims that it did not compromise its position at the recent WTO conference, including its insistence that core labor standards not be dealt with within the WTO, but, instead, should be handled by the International Labor Organization. The Deccan Herald reports this story, as well as reaction from India on the recent Unicef findings on child labor in the country.

Healthcare costs to be left out of CPI (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Basler Zeitung reports that the Swiss government has decided not to count healthcare costs when computing the official consumer price index.

Union accepts 3% raise in Portugal (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Diario Economico reports that one union representing workers in Portugal's public sector has agreed to a 3% increase in wages following a long dispute. Also, Publico says that 100,000 Portuguese families may face financial disaster because of increasing payments on their housing mortgages.

Growth ahead, but little unemployment relief, according to French forecast (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
French economic growth may be twice as great in 1997 as in 1996, but unemployment is not expected to improve much until at least the second half of the new year, according to the French national statistics institute. Les Echos reports this story today, as well as one about CNPF, the French employers lobbying organization, intending to increase its influence through all regions of the country.

Giving is down too (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
At the same time that government retreats from involvement in social welfare, it appears that charitable giving is declining as well. However, it may not reflect unwillingness on the part of large numbers of people. Here's the story from today's Christian Science Monitor, as well as a list of the largest charities. Also from today's Monitor, you may be able to apply unused vacation to your retirement soon, according to the IRS, which has its own labor problems, incidentally. Here's that story from today's Washington Post.

The return of the office Christmas party (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Wendy Bounds of the Wall Street Journal says the office bash is back, despite perils. Also in the Journal today, Tony Lee writes about the open road as a career path, Jonathan Clements says that even slight yearly increases can make a big difference in retirement savings, and Glenn Burkins reports on the AFL-CIO's big recruiting plans for next year. Also, here's the Boston Globe's story about the union federation's plans, and Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times tells about organized labor's legislative goals.

Results in the private welfare scandal in Japan (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
The Japan Times reports that the Japanese Health and Welfare Minister has made some decisions in a case that has attracted a lot of attention in the country. Also, the Japanese government has announced plans they say will create a lot of jobs by 2010. Also in Japan today, Asahi Shimbun reports that Japan has dropped to third in a GDP ranking, and a Labor Minister's advisory council has recommended a change in the rules to protect women from employment discrimination.

Teamsters strike leads to layoffs (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
The Washington Post reports on the situation at Giant Food.

More on the loss of benefits by legal immigrants (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Alex Rodriguez and Tim Novak report on the impact of the new welfare law on legal immigrants in today's Chicago Sun-Times. Also, Chicago-area employment is at a record, and Illinois promises to help the needy find jobs.

Harassment suit settled at construction firm (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Here's the story from today's Boston Globe.

Pay gap narrowing at the top, report says (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Working Woman magazine released its annual survey of women's pay yesterday. One finding is that the gender gap is narrowing somewhat toward the top of the pay scale. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has the story.

On labor problems at Pabst (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
James Causey of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports on what a company official had to say about the big labor conflict at Pabst Brewing.

News from the front in the compassion war (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
Jack Markowitz writes about welfare reform in the Pittsburgh Tribune.

Big thanks at Kingston Technology (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
The wealth is shared with employees, according to this Los Angeles Times story in Newsday.

More reluctant entrepreneurs in Canada (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
As the world economy reorganizes at most levels, a decline in traditional industrial-era organization has left more people on their own in a variety of ways. For instance, there are an increasing number of self-employed persons in several countries. Here's a report from the Montreal Gazette.

A new generation gap (Tuesday, 12/17/96)
The New York Times reports on the great differences between "boomers" and "X'ers" when it comes to retirement planning.

World's largest aerospace company to be created; effect on jobs uncertain (Monday, 12/16/96)
Adam Bryant of the New York Times examines one of history's largest mergers, and Reuters reports that U.S. federal regulators will be looking at it closely. The participants are saying that they will try to minimize the job losses in this new step toward a reorganization of the world economy following the end of the Cold War. However, no numbers have been offered yet.

More states beginning the adjustment to the new world of welfare (Monday, 12/16/96)
Peter Kilborn reports that the previously reluctant states are beginning to move now too.

Carey still defiant following victory (Monday, 12/16/96)
Steven Greenhouse reports on the aftermath of the Teamsters presidential election and looks at the man who won.

Agreement between Catholic teachers and schools abandoned (Monday, 12/16/96)
Here's a story about labor strife in New York Catholic high schools. Some teachers may stay home in protest.

Universities praise HUD on behalf of homeless (Monday, 12/16/96)
HUD's budgets are under pressure, but a new report from Barnard College and Columbia University says it's been doing a good job for the homeless. Here's the story from Steven Holmes in today's New York Times.

Former UPS driver declares victory (Sunday, 12/15/96)
Ron Carey, the first Teamsters president who won office by a direct vote of the rank and file, has declared re-election victory over the man with the very familiar name. Here's the New York Times story via the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Reuters reports that Carey will push for reform in a union that has had a long, troubled history.

EU and US presidents to meet (Sunday, 12/15/96)
European Commission President Jacques Santer is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Bill Clinton tomorrow, now that agreements in Dublin have moved Europe toward greater economic integration. How much does economics determine politics? Is a genuine "United States of Europe" ahead? Don't hold your breath.

Second Clinton administration economic picture developing (Sunday, 12/15/96)
Clay Chandler of the Washington Post tells about Clinton's "economic makeover". Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Clinton's new economic team shouldn't need too much on-the-job training, and Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin sees fairly blue skies ahead for the American economy.

Cadets punished in incident at the Citadel (Sunday, 12/15/96)
Shortly after going co-ed, the Citadel has become one of the latest military institutions with offenses directed at women, and the school responds.

Immigration is the sincerest form of flattery (Sunday, 12/15/96)
Dick Youngblood shares a nice immigration story. Also in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune, several opinion pieces relating to welfare reform. For instance, here's the paper's editorial about one state's challenge now that the federal law has been changed. Also, Dave Hage says to fix what was wrong, but don't overlook the old system's successes, and Leonard Inskip discusses the role of non-profit organizations in building a new safety net. Larry Epkins and John Flory tell about a program to place low-income people in jobs, and Kelly Johnson shares her own experiences with the old welfare system, and how it punished progress.

Some tuition aid will be taxed from now on (Sunday, 12/15/96)
The change in tax policy hits working graduate students, according to today's Washington Post. Also, Kevin Merida and Barbara Vobejda report on a movement to restore a "civil society" that cuts across conventional ideological boundaries.

More on the new Commerce Secretary from his hometown (Sunday, 12/15/96)
The Chicago Sun-Times examines the new job of one of the very political Daleys.

Boston bank wants to help black community (Sunday, 12/15/96)
Not all smooth so far, but the Boston Bank of Commerce still expects to do well by doing good. Here's the story from today's Boston Globe.

To the 3Rs, add an M (Sunday, 12/15/96)
Newsday reports on teaching children about money and investment. Also, here's Carrie Mason-Draffen's response to a question about whether employers can ask about the prescription medications you're taking and some other things. Finally, in Lisa Doll's "Job Hunt" column, information about social workers and the market for them in the new economy.

Will they like him better if they get paid? (Sunday, 12/15/96)
Chris Hedges writes in today's New York Times about how Serbia's unpopular leader is trying to buy peace by paying people money they've been owed for a long time. Also, Anthony DePalma writes about the increasing ailments of Canada's healthcare system, and Patrick Tyler tells about the lack of incentives for China's farmers. Here's more from the Times today: Romania tries to keep families together in order to respond to the crisis with state-run orphanages. New York's mayor plans to overhaul that city's child welfare system, and, by the way, he says that he likes the way workfare has been going. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission decides that minority police officers have experienced discrimination on the job in Suffolk County. Finally, American paperboys are becoming paperadults.

Agreements in Dublin mark onward march toward common currency (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Many local national European currencies could be replaced with a single common currency sometime quite soon. Progress has been made at the Dublin meeting. Here's the story from the New York Times and Reuters. What will the currency look like? Not like what you're used to. Given the ancient European rivalries, it's a sensitive issue. The Washington Post and Reuters report on the design questions, as the new world economy continues to reorganize for the 21st century.

Teamsters election results could be announced today (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Results are expected soon. They've been counting the ballots. Carey seems still in the lead, but the race has tightened, suggesting ongoing conflict once the results are announced.

Now, harassment problems at the Citadel (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Two female cadets have issued a complaint. Sue Anne Pressley of the Washington Post reports that some of their clothing apparently was set on fire. Meanwhile, settlement in a harrassment case at the Air Force Academy.

Some economic appointments made (Saturday, 12/14/96)
President Clinton continues to fill in the spaces for his second administration. William Daley will be Commerce Secretary, a position that has taken on added importance in the new world economy when the U.S. has so much more international competition than it used to have. Daley is the brother of Chicago's mayor and a son of the senior Daley who was mayor of Chicago many years ago and dominated the Democratic political machine in the city. Like his brother, William has been involved in politics all his life, and he's expert at operating behind the scenes. He was off to a rough start yesterday, though. Daley fainted during the President's announcement, but recovered quickly. Another appointee, chosen as head of the National Economic Council, is said to be a workaholic among workaholics. Still no announcement on Labor Secretary.

Airline strike in Japan scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, 12/14/96)
All Nippon Airways changed the salary system for pilots and flight attendants last April. The workers will strike tomorrow for the second time this year in protest. Also in Japan, Tony Tysome of Asahi Shimbun reports on the crisis in Japanese universities.

Agreement reached at French bank (Saturday, 12/14/96)
France's Credit Lyonnais is in a financial crisis and had planned to cut 5,000 jobs. Agreement has been reached with three unions to save some jobs by cutting back the work week, according to Les Echos.

Italian communists will oppose pension cuts (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Party leader Fausto Bertinotti says his party will defend the social welfare state, according to Il Sole.

Consumers should benefit from Singapore agreement (Saturday, 12/14/96)
The agreement to cut tariffs on electronics products will amount to a "global tax cut" for consumers, according to this Minneapolis Star Tribune story. Also, here are opinion pieces about unionization at the University of Minnesota and the long road to tenure. Minnesota's largest university has been in the national news a lot lately because of a Board of Trustees effort to weaken or eliminate the tenure system. This threatened to establish a precedent for many other institutions at a time of great pressure and vulnerability arising from forces in the new economy. After two of the three final candidates dropped out of the running, the university has just appointed a new president. Their first choice for head of their football program dropped out too, but they've just appointed another. The University of Minnesota has seen more tranquil times.

Union workers say Macy's relies on sweatshops (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Here's Diane Lewis' report from the Boston Globe.

Don't rule out December as a time to find a job (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Here's some advice on holiday job hunting from Michele Conklin of Colorado's Rocky Mountain News. Speaking of job hunting, some employees of Colorado-based TCI will probably be doing that soon.

On the eternal Detroit newspaper strike (Saturday, 12/14/96)
A newspaper strike has been going on in Detroit for more than a year. Here's a strike-related story from one of the papers involved.

Are you headed for debt trouble? (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Consumer debt is running very high. Here's a quick test and some articles from the Houston Chronicle.

Deer hunting and unemployment in Wisconsin (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Here's a story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about a connection one probably wouldn't find most places. Also, Geeta Sharma-Jensen reports on some saved jobs at a restructuring children's book publisher.

Layoffs at software firm (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Newsday reports that about 100 jobs will go at SunRiver Corporation.

Scramble for naturalizations slowed in New York (Saturday, 12/14/96)
Celia Dugger reports on the big drop in naturalizations since October in New York. Also in the New York Times, Raymond Hernandez reports that the federal government has approved New York's welfare reform plan after delays that we've been reporting.

Agreements to help the poor, ministers say (Friday, 12/13/96)
Reuters reports that the new world economy of the 21st century is beginning to take shape at the WTO meeting in Singapore. The Washington Post's Sandra Sugawara tells about the move to end high-tech tariffs, which may make some consumer products less expensive and also stimulate investment.

Economic appointments could be announced today (Friday, 12/13/96)
President Clinton may announce today who will be filling some top economic jobs in his second administration. Incidentally, the Congressional Budget Office forecasts moderate growth and inflation next year in the American economy.

Congressional employees file discrimination suit (Friday, 12/13/96)
Several custodial employees charge they're paid less than men. In other parts of the government, a settlement has been reached in a verbal harassment suit, while the Army gets a warning from a Congresswoman and government employees get a warning about drugs from the Transportation Secretary.

Reich worried about privatization (Friday, 12/13/96)
Outgoing U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich says that privatizing Social Security carries special risks.

Carey strengthens lead over Hoffa (Friday, 12/13/96)
The vote counting in the Teamsters election continues, and Carey's lead seems to be getting larger, according to the Boston Globe. The Wall Street Journal says that Hoffa is challenging the vote, and counting may continue into the weekend.

Low income areas find bank loans easier to get (Friday, 12/13/96)
James Tyson of the Christian Science Monitor reports this story. Also, here's how the present looks from the perspective of the 1970s.

What Americans are thinking (Friday, 12/13/96)
Today's Wall Street Journal contains a big section on American public opinion in relation to a lot of topics, including economics. Also, Kathy Chen reports that China will start stricter control over who can be hired at foreign law firms.

Judge disappoints some at Mitsubishi (Friday, 12/13/96)
The Washington Post's Kirstin Downey Grimsley reports on the company's failure in its effort to keep documents from view relating to the sexual harassment issue. Also, Molly Moore writes about the first big conflict between the U.S. and Mexico within NAFTA. Julia Preston of the New York Times also reports on the story.

Wisconsin governor to increase day care spending (Friday, 12/13/96)
Remember all the publicity Wisconsin got because of its welfare reform moves? Now, in order to help people successfully join the world of work, $25 Million will be added to cover the cost of day care, according to the Washington Post today. Also in the Post, Michael Fletcher reports on Nissan's quick response to a racial epithet.

Dramatic increase in pension underfunding (Friday, 12/13/96)
The Chicago Sun-Times reports on a doubling of underfunding in a single year, and also tells about the big layoffs coming at BankAmerica.

Kobe opening jobs to non-Japanese (Friday, 12/13/96)
Some jobs will now be open to people without Japanese citizenship, according to Asahi Shimbun. Also, Akiko Shiozaki writes about the increase in the number of businesses in Japan owned by deaf persons.

Witco to cut 1,800 jobs (Friday, 12/13/96)
The cuts amount to a quarter of the company's work force. Also, big cuts are coming at Siemens in Germany.

Church begins big housing project (Friday, 12/13/96)
The Archdiocese of Boston plans to develop 700 units, according to the Boston Globe. Also in the Globe today, a think tank calls for cuts in unemployment tax rates, and a company has been saved by its employees.

A generous welfare system (Friday, 12/13/96)
Youssef Ibrahim reports on the welfare picture in Norway for the New York Times. Also, Chris Hedges writes about lost jobs as a political cost in a Serbian town, Seth Mydans tells about putting on a happy face in Singapore, and Crag Whitney says the economic situation in France has helped to put Chirac on the ropes. More stories in the Times today: New Jersey's new plan for helping to cover the cost of caring for the uninsured, the special dangers of drinking on the job if you're a police officer, and, elsewhere, police officers losing their jobs for lying. Finally, a report says that home care for the elderly was cut illegally in Connecticut, four school custodians have been fired for drug use in New York, and, despite the economic rebirth of Shanghai, it's Hong Kong that continues to shine on the eve of its return to China.

UNICEF calls for global action on child labor (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Reuters tells about the UNICEF report, as well as the Food Research and Action Center report on hungry children in the United States.

Good news and bad news at WTO (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Reuters says that agreement is near on critical issues at the big World Trade Organization conference in Singapore, particular on cutting tariffs on information technology. However, Sandra Sugawara in today's Washington Post says progress has been "scant".

Carey in the lead, but all is not calm with the Teamsters (Thursday, 12/12/96)
The Hoffa people aren't satisfied with the way the election count is going, suggesting that the outcome may not be accepted.

Unions join protests in Belgrade (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Unions have been lukewarm about the opposition, but, like so many others, they aren't happy with Milosevic's nullification of election results.

Catalyst says women hold more than 10 percent of board seats (Thursday, 12/12/96)
It's seen as a milestone in Fortune 500 companies, but still not satisfactory, they say. Here's the story from Reuters and also from the Christian Science Monitor. Also, Ellen Goodman, in her syndicated column this time, discusses Madeleine Albright's crashing through the glass ceiling and what it means. Finally, here's Dave Moniz' Christian Science Monitor piece this morning on being a female drill sergeant in "this man's army."

Dutch unions want factory reopened (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Trouw reports that were 140 people were affected when Unilever NV closed its snack factory at Veldhoven. Unions want the company to reopen it, moving ice-cream production there from a factory that was sold recently.

Belgian airline gets permission to retire workers early (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Sabena Airlines in Belgium is trying to cut costs, and has received permission from the government to retire workers at 52 as part of that effort. Le Soir reports this morning.

More strikes threatened in Spain (Thursday, 12/12/96)
The Spanish government is planning to freeze the wages of civil servants next year, and unions don't like it. Some government workers walked out yesterday, affecting schools and postal services the most, and more strike action is threatened if the government doesn't change its mind, according to Gaceta de los Negocios.

Agreement on full sick pay in Germany (Thursday, 12/12/96)
A new law in Germany allows companies to pay workers 80 percent of their regular pay when they're out because of illness. Many companies responded by cutting back to the new legal minimum, and union reaction was swift and fierce. Now, as we reported yesterday, many companies seem to want to retreat from open conflict with the unions. According to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, IG Metall union and employers have reached an agreement that will provide full pay during sick leave.

Another look at the CEO role in work organizations (Thursday, 12/12/96)
The Christian Science Monitor's Richard J. Cattani says that the CEO job can be critical to an organization's success, despite recent trends toward democratization in some settings.

Editorial calls for adjustment to the Consumer Price Index (Thursday, 12/12/96)
It's a good idea, according to this editorial writer.

Major report on personal finances (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Today's Wall Street Journal contains one of its major sections, this time reporting on many aspects of personal finance. It's an important contribution, and there are lots of articles. Also in today's Journal, Andrea Gerlin writes about jobs for law school grads and Patrick McGeehan tells about the hiring frenzy on Wall Street.

Call for public sector cuts in Japan (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Today's Japan Times says a panel wants to see a major trimming, while today's Asahi Shimbun reports on a growing public distrust of bureaucrats in the country. Also, here's a story about resentment toward the government because of what some believe is insufficient concern with worker safety, following a disaster.

Homeless targeted in U.S. cities, some charge (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Barbara Vobejda and Judith Havemann write in the Washington Post today about accumulating laws in America's largest cities that seem to target the homeless.

Walkout at New York University (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Karen Arenson of the New York Times tells about the conflict that clerical and technical workers have with the university. Also, here's more from Steven Holmes about disagreements over who should be the next U. S. Secretary of Labor.

Groups want information about new policies in Hong Kong (Thursday, 12/12/96)
Hong Kong returns to Chinese control next July, and the new Chief Executive has been designated. Some are concerned with what housing and welfare policies will be. Here's the story from today's Hong Kong Standard.

More on Korea's labor law changes (Thursday, 12/12/96)
The Korea Herald reports that conflict over labor changes continues in that country. Also, here's a story saying that urban workers aren't spending less, but growth has slowed.

Labor issues snag WTO meeting, as expected (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Participants in the big conference in Singapore seem near agreement on some issues, but the world clearly is not of a single mind on labor issues. For instance, Singapore's next-door neighbor, Malaysia, doesn't want the WTO involved with workers' rights. Some countries, including the United States, have a different attitude, particularly in relation to child labor, and the U.S. has warned that it may block a deal if labor issues aren't recognized. Incidentally, here's a major ruling by the Indian Supreme Court that will affect tens of millions of child laborers in that country.

Campbell Soup deal reached (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Campbell Soup cut off medical benefits for some of their retired workers, and was sued as a consequence. A tentative settlement has been reached, according to Reuters this morning. Also from Reuters, U.S. mayors would like slower welfare reform, and Clinton calls for ratification of the UN agreement to end discrimination against women.

Unions resist privatization in Turkey (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Global reports today that the country's largest workers union, Turk-Is, claims that selling off state-owned assets will cost workers and the country in the long run.

Heathcare and child allowance cuts won't pass, coalition says (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
The Israeli cabinet has approved a plan to cut healthcare and child allowance costs, but coalition members of the parliament in the Finance Committee say they will not pass it, according to today's Jerusalem Post.

Gun maker to cut jobs (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA manufactures guns for the civilian market in Belgium, and it is operating at a loss. More than 400 jobs will be cut as part of an effort to fix that problem, reports La Libre Belgique

Temp work up in France (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
In France, they call temporary work "precarious employment," and it increased 22 percent last year, according to Liberation. President Chirac is concerned and plans to address the issue in a TV interview tomorrow night. Many European economies have been experiencing a decline in the relative amount of work done by full-time workers with benefits, and the same trend, which appears to be characteristic of the new economy, has been found in the United States in a number of sectors.

Here's an interesting incentive if you're looking for a college (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
There are more than 3,500 colleges and universities in the United States, which leads many persons to suspect that the higher educational system is over-built. Many schools are pondering their futures and scrambling to compete for students in a rapidly changing context. To our knowledge, no one is offering coupons or green stamps yet, but here's a college that is offering guaranteed job placement, which should get a lot of people's attention. Also in the Christian Science Monitor today, special education programs for disabled students are in jeopardy because of costs, and Ron Scherer writes that the Teamsters isn't just truckers anymore, as Bruce Butterfield of the Boston Globe reports that the presidential election is going to be very close. Ballots are being counting now.

Argentine reforms in jeopardy (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Today's Christian Science Monitor reports that corruption may sink various reform efforts in Argentina, including privatization. Also in the Monitor, Britain's PM is expected to put the brakes on several movements at the EU's meeting in Dublin Friday, as his country's traditional sense of separateness from the European continent continues to assert itself. Finally, here's news about the Reebok Human Rights Awards to be given in Boston.

New York and the feds in conflict over welfare reform (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
The New York Times reports that the federal government is withholding funds from New York until they write on the dotted line. Also, Edmund Andrews reports that German companies are beginning to retreat from the fight with organized labor.

Minnesota ruling affects "tipped employees" (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Minnesota won't be enforcing the minimum wage increase for people part of whose income comes from tips, according to today's Minneapolis Star Tribune. Also, Joseph Coleman tells of "bullying tactics" in the Japanese work world, and the Boston Globe's Derrick Jackson comments on fractional fairness for African Americans. Along those lines, today's Washington Post reports on biases affecting black farmers, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will try to resolve complaints of discrimination.

Another comment on the homelessness issue (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Mike Darrow writes about finding ways to help people find a way out.

Millions of lawyers suddenly interested in keyboards (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Well, okay, maybe a slight overstatement, but David Segal of the Washington Post expects that the big carpal tunnel award will be followed by large numbers of other people headed for court. Jon Auerbach and Laura Johannes write about the keyboards issue in today's Wall Street Journal as well. Also, today's New York Times reports that one lawyer who lives on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington is asking for rules governing repetitive motion injuries.

Another Administration economic expert leaving (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
The Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers is going to the World Bank. The Washington Post also reports today that different groups are backing different people for the Secretary of Labor job. Also, Spencer Rich reports that a Columbia University study finds that poverty among the very young in the United States has gone up dramatically. Many observers expect additional increases are ahead under the provisions of the new welfare law.

Irish government set to approve projects creating jobs (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Today's Irish Times says that as many as 4,000 jobs may result.

Migrants in the German construction industry (Wednesday, 12/11/96)
Edmund Andrews of the New York Times reports on how the German construction industry controls costs by using migrants from other regions. Also, here's a story about Ford's movement of 2,500 workers to the Detroit suburbs.

Big argument in Singapore over labor standards (Tuesday, 12/10/96)
Nobody said that integrating the world economy would be easy, given the enormous differences across nations and regions. Reuters reports this morning that, as expected, vigorous debate on labor standards has broken out at the World Trade Organization meeting in Singapore. Also, here's a report about the move to abolish most tariffs affecting information technologies. Meanwhile, the Christian Science Monitor's Susan Ariel Aaronson reports on why the move toward worldwide free trade depends on the U.S. at a time when many Americans are wary.

Labor rights and world trade (Tuesday, 12/10/96)
The Wall Street Journal's Helene Cooper reports on how the Clinton Administration is trying to gain the support of organized labor by linking labor rights and world trade. Also, Tony Lee says you may be able to get a new job for Christmas.

They're counting the ballots, so stay tuned (Tuesday, 12/10/96)
We'll soon know whether James Hoffa will have pulled a presidential upset in the Teamsters election.

Jackson applies pressure (Tuesday, 12/10/96)
Jesse Jackson would like to see R.R. Donnelley & Sons settle the discrimination lawsuits by the middle of next month, rather than dragging things out in the courts, as large corporations with big legal staffs and deep pockets are capable of doing. A move to persuade major magazines to find other printers may help make his case.

Grads to face better job market (Tuesday, 12/10/96)
Research at Michigan State University finds better prospects for graduating seniors next year. However, the "haves vs. have-nots" gap among college grads will continue, because employers aren't buying degrees so much as specific competencies. Not all types of grads will be welcomed. If you're a chemical engineer, you'll have to run to keep dozens of employers from catching you, and your first paycheck will be larger than those of other grads after years of experience. However, even the chemical industry is turbulent. For instance, Monsanto is set to cut some jobs.

Union federation in Portugal prepares for battle (Tuesday, 12/10/96)
Diario de Noticias reports that trade unions are on a "war footing" as talks with the government on public sector pay snag. The CGTP trade union fe