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February 1997

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Mediators wade in at American Airlines (Friday, 2/28/97)
Remember the 30-minute pilots strike at American Airlines? The Big One could still be coming. The emergency board set up by President Clinton when he blocked the strike for 60 days has begun hearings in an effort to help the sides reach a settlement.

Jobless claims up last week (Friday, 2/28/97)
Not necessarily bad news, though, according to Labor Department figures.

Okay for women to make music now (Friday, 2/28/97)
The Vienna Philharmonic has ended its ban on women.

Amsterdam conference ends amid some optimism (Friday, 2/28/97)
According to estimates, 250 million children are engaged in labor throughout the world. Signs are better that the exploitation of children can be reduced, as a big conference ends in the Netherlands.

How's the new policy on gays working? Don't ask (Friday, 2/28/97)
A new study finds that more gays are being discharged from the American military now than before President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy went into effect. Here's how it looks from the other side of the Atlantic. Ian Brodie reports for the London Times.

Turkish government to decline IMF advice on retirement (Friday, 2/28/97)
According to Milliyet, the International Monetary Fund would like to see an increase in the retirement age in Turkey, but the Minister of Labor and Social Security says the IMF has the wrong plan. Also in Turkey today, the Finansal Forum says that the government still hasn't decided how much government workers will receive in wage increases.

Pension changes recommended in Italy (Friday, 2/28/97)
Italy's Prime Minister Prodi set up a board to explore changes in the Italian welfare system. They're recommending that eligibility for retirement should be based solely on age and on how much one has contributed to the pension system. Pensions that kick in automatically after a certain number of years should be eliminated, they say.

Construction employment down in Switzerland (Friday, 2/28/97)
Employment in the Swiss construction industry has fallen to its lowest level in fourteen years, according to Neue Zuercher Zeitung.

Problems at Ontario nuclear power plants (Friday, 2/28/97)
Apparently, workers haven't been paying close attention at nuclear power plants in Ontario, giving rise to serious safety concerns. Here's the story from the Christian Science Monitor. Also in the Monitor today, Joe Wyatt says it's time that American colleges and universities change the way they teach.

VA hospital officials punished for harassment (Friday, 2/28/97)
Bill McAllister writes in today's Washington Post about problems at the VA going back to 1993. Meanwhile, in Illinois hospitals, a union says it is investigating charges of understaffing and poor training. Francine Knowles writes in today's Chicago Sun-Times.

Union split in Canada (Friday, 2/28/97)
Sarah Scott and Elizabeth Thompson report in today's Montreal Gazette on a split in the public sector union movement on the eve of the government's deadline for reaching an agreement on cutting the size of the civil service.

Defense secretary says keep sexes together (Thursday, 2/27/97)
United States Secretary of Defense Cohen doesn't think it's necessary to segregate the sexes in the military, despite recent sexual misconduct at a number of military installations and calls for changes in the way military personnel are trained and the conditions under which they serve.

Official sees hope in curbing child labor (Thursday, 2/27/97)
According to reports at an international conference in Amsterdam, many nations are responding, so there is hope of getting at least the most egregious forms of child exploitation under control.

Disney accused of using sweatshops (Thursday, 2/27/97)
A U.S.-based organization is accusing Disney of using sweatshops in Haiti.

Ratification at American Axle (Thursday, 2/27/97)
The strike at American Axle is officially over. UAW members have ratified the new agreement.

Job cuts in the media (Thursday, 2/27/97)
The multimedia division of the Discovery Channel organization is cutting jobs, and Microsoft is cancelling much of its Microsoft Network content, with the result that a large number of contract workers will be affected. Looks like the shakeout on the Internet is beginning. Part of the problem may arise from moving ahead without a clear understanding of what the Internet is and what it isn't, so far as genuine business opportunities are concerned. Many large organizations have invested heavily in web sites, only to be disappointed, while many small organizations, using a different business model and different expectations, are doing well.

Well, helloooooo Dolly! (Thursday, 2/27/97)
Dolly may become the most famous sheep in history. The world is abuzz over implications of the fact that Dolly is an exact genetic replica of another sheep and what this may mean for human beings in the not so distant future. Last week, the cloning of humans seemed impossible to most people; this week, it seems possible to many. While this may be the biggest story of the decade, we didn't start thinking about its relevance to the new work world until somebody asked, rhetorically, how it would be to have a whole basketball team of Michael Jordans.

Actually, there are few areas of human concern for which the story is not relevant, it seems to us, and we're as troubled as persons around the world seem to be. The possibilities seem barbarous in the extreme, bringing to mind George Orwell's "1984," the Nazi's Dr. Josef Mengele, and even Jeffrey Dahmer. Would any of us really like to live in a society in which clones are produced simply for the harvesting of body parts for transplant purposes, for instance? We almost blew up the world by leaving atomic energy and its applications to the technical people until the genie was out of the bottle. This time, it's probably important that thoughtful persons from a wide variety of backgrounds and walks of life debate the ethical and other issues of a potentially powerful technology before it's fully implemented. For one thing, as philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer remarked, intellect alone is not ennobling, and we might add that stunning technical expertise, by itself, isn't ennobling either.

New banking jobs coming to the Netherlands (Thursday, 2/27/97)
Trouw reports that Rabobank Nederland NV expects to hire a thousand year employees this year. Two-thousand jobs were created last year, in part, by reducing the length of the work week.

Cooperation needed in new welfare world (Thursday, 2/27/97)
Dee DePass writes in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune about how employers and workers will need to cooperate.

More black women than men earning degrees (Thursday, 2/27/97)
Rene Sanchez reports in the Washington Post. In a related story, Heather Ryndak reports in the Chicago Sun-Times that black college enrollment is down overall in Illinois. Also, Kenneth Crowe writes in Newsday about black losses in a Teamsters election.

More on the fuss over the French immigration bill (Thursday, 2/27/97)
Now, the French government and the European Parliament are exchanging unkind words over the French bill that would curb illegal immigration in the country. Also in the New York Times today, Chinese immigrants are released from prison, job insecurity is taken into account by the Fed, some soul-searching in South Africa over privatization, and surprises arise from an analysis of affirmative action.

On-the-job deaths up, injuries down in Hong Kong (Thursday, 2/27/97)
Jimmy Cheung reports in today's Hong Kong Standard on what's happening to government employees in the British colony.

Privatization and poverty in Chicago (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
Taxpayers save, but workers are driven into poverty by privatization, according to a new study. Here's the story from today's Chicago Sun-Times.

Labor rally in Tokyo (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
Koichi Iitake reports in Asahi Shimbun on labor's effort to influence government tax policy.

Pilots may strike in Portugal (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
Diario Economico reports that pilots at state-owned Air Portugal don't like the government's apparent plans to change work practices and may strike on March 15 to make their point. According to reports, the government wants to increase the length of the work week and raise the retirement age from 60 to 65.

Danish opposition wants labor changes (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
Denmark's Berlingske Tidende reports today that the conservative opposition party intends to offer a new welfare proposal before the next election. They would like to see changes in education and labor policy in the country, including reform of wage and taxes structures. Also in Denmark, Politiken reports that the Danish Minister for Economics will set up a pension market council to watch over how pension funds are invested.

Labor leader says government and industry should get together on Sweden's future (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
The chairman of Sweden's largest labor union, Goeran Johnsson, says relations between politicians and industry leaders are worse than they've been for a long time. He wants them to get together in order to work toward development of a common view of the country's future direction, particularly on issues affecting economic growth. Dagens Industri has the story.

Swiss postal service offers early retirement (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
The Swiss postal system wants to cut its workforce and is offering incentives to encourage workers to retire when they're between 55 and 60. Unions are endorsing the offer, and it is expected that 2,000 jobs will be eliminated by the year 2000. The Swiss postal system will be split off from the state-owned telecommunications company next year, so this effort is part of a general reorganization, according to Tages-Anzeiger.

Controversy heats up over immigration bill in France (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
Gail Russell Chaddock reports in today's Christian Science Monitor on a growing split over illegal immigration in France and a new bill that has strong support and is vigorously opposed, depending on who you're talking to. Also in the Monitor today, preliminary signs of creeping economic stability in Russia, plus two stories from Ilene Prusher in Jerusalem on Palestinian child labor. First this one, and, then, this one.

A little less job anxiety? (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
G. Pascal Zachary and Michael M. Phillips report in today's Wall Street Journal that companies are under pressure to increase compensation and fewer people are worrying about losing their jobs. Also in the Journal today, Ann Davis writes about on-the-job injuries and seeing them as crimes, while Sue Shellenbarger says that people are working harder and taking more heat as a consequence.

Strike costly to Giant Food (Wednesday, 2/26/97)
The recent strike at Giant Food cut sales by $75 million, according to the Washington Post.

New Chinese president commits to continuing economic policies (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
Deng Xiaoping has passed from the scene, but his influence will continue to be felt. Despite his political inflexibility, he was responsible for putting the world's largest nation on a course of breathtaking economic development. President Jiang Zemin eulogizes Deng and commits to continuing his economic reforms.

The latest big news in the privatization movement (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
Want to buy the tube? Looks like the London Underground will be for sale.

Ratification expected at American Axle (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
The United Auto Workers is counting the votes and passage seems assured.

Fed head sees no dread ahead (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will testify in Congress later in the week that the American economy seems in fairly solid shape.

What it will take to get government contracts in Denmark (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten reports this morning that Danish companies will have to commit to socially responsible action in order to win local public sector contracts. For instance, they will have to agree to hire a certain number of handicapped or unskilled workers.

Labor market reform meetings not going well in Spain (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
According to El Pais, one of the major unions engaged in talks with employers association representatives on the reform of Spain's labor markets may ask that talks be suspended if no agreement is reached this week. Employers want to make it easier and cheaper to fire workers, which the unions oppose. Unions, on the other hand, want incentives for employers to hire more full-time workers. The Spanish government has threatened to impose a settlement if agreement isn't reached soon.

Another take on Clinton's college plan (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
Scott Baldauf writes in today's Christian Science Monitor about the debate about President Clinton's plan for making college more affordable. Some think it would help only the middle-class. Also in the Monitor this morning, balancing work and family, rounding 'em up and moving 'em out at the University of Texas, the importance of the fine print on insurance policies, and the case against "clear-cutting" corporate subsidies.

Some advice on retirement from somebody who is there (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
A correspondent responds to an earlier Washington Post article we told you about.

"Family cap" not working in Massachusetts (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
A controversial provision of the new Massachusetts welfare policy isn't dissuading people from having more children while on welfare, according to a state government report. Also in the Boston Globe today, Juliet Brudney writes about the tough job search for people over 45, even in a surging economy.

The boomers are coming, the boomers are coming! (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
John Gallahue comments on the Advisory Council on Social Security's recommendations for protecting Social Security from the onslaught of the baby boomers.

Workers as bounty hunters (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
Lasso the right job candidate for your boss, and collect $5,000. Here's the story from the Rocky Mountain News.

Supremes will consider credit union membership issue (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
The Supreme Court has agreed to review a lower court ruling on credit union membership that the Clinton Administration and others feel could be a threat to large numbers of workers. The Detroit Free Press reports.

A South African farmer helps his neighbors (Tuesday, 2/25/97)
Suzanne Daley tells about a man who is helping workers become landowners in the new South Africa. Also in the New York Times today, House Republicans charge Administration negligence on the citizenship issue, an increase in the ranks of the uninsured, Lott's call for a panel on the CPI, earning a Master's degree on the Internet, and why face-to-face is still important.

Strong spring job market anticipated (Monday, 2/24/97)
Here are some findings from Manpower Inc.'s quarterly Employment Outlook Survey.

Crackdown coming in Spain (Monday, 2/24/97)
Expansion reports that Spain's Labor Ministry intends to get tough on companies that aren't paying social security taxes for their workers. An investigation in 1996 found 300,000 persons receiving unemployment pay who were not entitled to it.

Unemployment up in Zurich (Monday, 2/24/97)
Zurich has a majority of the jobs in Switzerland, but unemployment in that city rose to 7.1% in January, according to today's Neue Zuercher Zeitung.

Recovery from long strike likely to take even longer (Monday, 2/24/97)
James Tyson writes in today's Christian Science Monitor about efforts to have the last word in Detroit's recently ended newspaper strike. Also, the Monitor editorializes about President Clinton's plan for financing college, and Martin Crutsinger says that Clinton's plans for expanding NAFTA are in jeopardy. Here's that story from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Would you send up an office, please? (Monday, 2/24/97)
Room service isn't what it used to be. Here' a novel way of responding to the needs of business travelers.

More on the use of Social Security in the argument over a balanced budget amendment (Monday, 2/24/97)
While some are saying that a constitutional amendment is necessary to protect the American Social Security system, President Clinton is saying the system would be threatened by it.

The cost of prison vs. the cost of college (Monday, 2/24/97)
Roberto Suro of the Washington Post discusses the new report indicating that states are spending more on prisons than on college. Also, Jeff Jacoby of the Boston Globe says it's time to reconsider at least selective use of corporal punishment as an alternative to a bloated and enormously costly prison system that fails to reach its intended objectives and routinely produces unintended side-effects.

America's prison population passed one million persons several years ago and has been increasing steadily during recent years. The U.S. routinely imprisons a larger proportion of its citizens than any other country in the world, now that the old Soviet Union and the old South Africa have become different kinds of places, and also makes greater use of capital punishment than the other industrial democracies, with which the U.S. presumably has most in common.

If imprisonment and capital punishment really work well, this should mean a smaller crime problem in the United States than elsewhere, but the facts are the opposite, suggesting that if the system were a business, it would have been declared a failure and abandoned by stockholders and customers years ago.

Many experts have been saying that the American approach to punishment is as much a part of the problem as the solution in an increasingly brutal and dehumanizing society. Political discussion has been confused by the tacit assumption that the only alternative to the current use of imprisonment and execution is leniency. If modern medicine made as little effective use of modern knowledge as American institutions make of our understanding of how people develop and learn, there would be few successful treatments and an enormous number of medically-induced deaths. Punishment has a role in social control, but we might hope at the end of the 20th century that we could be a lot smarter about it. In addition to the personal and social carnage, the current criminal justice system in the United States is producing tremendous distortions in the American economy, as the Washington Post story indicates.

Businessman fights poverty in Illinois (Monday, 2/24/97)
Here's Maudlyne Ihejirik's story in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Why physicians are joining unions (Monday, 2/24/97)
Pradnya Joshi writes in today's Newsday about doctors and unions in Long Island. Also, a motivational speaker tells why emotional "slavery and cannibalism" cannot succeed in the new workplace, and here's a look at where the jobs were in Long Island last December, according to U.S. Department of Labor data.

Following Shanker's passing, now what? (Monday, 2/24/97)
Who will succeed the late president of the American Federation of Teachers, and where does the union go from here? Frank Bruni writes this morning in the New York Times. Also in the Times, the tough job facing union organizers in the South, and a look at "telemedicine".

Shanker dead at 68 (Sunday, 2/23/97)
The president of the American Federation of Teachers has died of cancer in New York. Albert Shanker was 68.

Renewed battle over amendment (Sunday, 2/23/97)
President Clinton and Congressional Republicans differ on the need for a balanced budget amendment. Clinton doesn't want it. One Republican member of the House of Representatives believes that it is necessary in order to protect Social Security, among other things.

New research on stress and health (Sunday, 2/23/97)
One new study shows a relationship between job stress and arterial blockage, while another shows that poverty contributes to mortality. However, these findings mostly support previous research, so neither is a surprise.

To love, honor, and toil together (Sunday, 2/23/97)
Maggie Jackson writes in the Washington Post about couples in business together.

Gay Marine wins benefits in court (Sunday, 2/23/97)
After four years, a man prevails in court against Marine Corps policy on gays.

AFL-CIO program for the elderly (Sunday, 2/23/97)
Steven Greenhouse writes in today's New York Times about the AFL-CIO's new program to tap the energies of the older generation. In addition, here's a story about organized labor's effort to find a role for itself in a dramatically new work world. Also in the Times today, more reconsiderations on the airline strike that hasn't been but may still be, the differences among the states on new welfare policy, and financial planning for the downsized out.

What's so funny about being an MBA? (Sunday, 2/23/97)
Grad students in business take Comedy 101.

Workers approve agreement at Johnson Controls (Saturday, 2/22/97)
The strike at Johnson Controls that has involved Ford Motor Company ends, as workers approve a new contract. Also from Reuters this morning, the Clinton Administration is trying to stir up support for its Labor Department nominee, and American labor leaders oppose the proposed update of the international Rio Treaty that would cut pollution in industrial countries. They fear jobs would simply be moved to regions not covered by the treaty.

Bad times at CompuServe (Saturday, 2/22/97)
Until fairly recently, CompuServe was the largest commercial on-line service. However, following highly aggressive marketing activities intended to increase its market share, America Online has become number one and has been in the news a lot lately because of its problems. Things aren't going well at CompuServe either, where 500 jobs are being cut.

Increased profit sharing at GM (Saturday, 2/22/97)
Some General Motors workers will get larger profit sharing payments this year. Here's the story from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Food stamp cuts begin today (Saturday, 2/22/97)
Another step is being taken today in the phase-in of new welfare regulations. Barbara Vobejda and Judith Havemann of the Washington Post report that tens of thousands of unemployed adults will lose their food stamps beginning today.

Your performance review won't necessarily be shared with you (Saturday, 2/22/97)
Carrie Mason-Draffen writes in Newsday answers a correspondent's question. Also, Michelle Locke tells about Scott Adams, whose "Dilbert" comments on the work scene.

Why Sweeney chose a new location for AFL-CIO meeting (Saturday, 2/22/97)
Steven Greenhouse writes in today's New York Times about the big union federation's move to L.A. for its winter meeting. Also in the Times today, an immigrant who didn't find America to be a "land of opportunity," HMOs that are sluggish in making their payments, New York's governor explains shift on food stamps, and welfare overhaul passes in New Jersey.

U.S. Chamber opposes Irish bill (Saturday, 2/22/97)
A bill that would limit the work week to 48 hours is opposed by the US Chamber of Commerce as a threat to U.S. investment in Ireland, according to today's Irish Times. Also in the Times today, more jobs at IBM in Dublin, and an Irish woman charges the American Central Intelligence Agency with discrimination.

Settlement at Johnson Controls (Friday, 2/21/97)
Tentative agreement has been reached to end the strike at Johnson Controls, a major Ford Motor Company supplier. Ford had been supporting the UAW by refusing to use parts produced by non-union replacements, but they did look around for another supplier. American industry has been watching this story closely because of its implications for outsourcing relationships in general.

Deng Xiaoping's death continues to stimulate reconsideration and commentary (Friday, 2/21/97)
Deng Xiaoping changed China's economic direction, taking it from its disastrous condition following Mao's "cultural revolution" and other spasms to the threshold of world economic leadership for the 21st century. Deng will also be remembered for his brutal suppression of dissidents. Kevin Platt tells how he transformed the largest nation that has ever occupied the earth, while David Shambaugh adds more about the man who has been most responsible for China's "rising expectations." Today's Christian Science Monitor also speculates about China after Deng, and Sheryl WuDunn of the New York Times discusses the tough challenges faced by Deng's successors.

Taming the biz cycle (Friday, 2/21/97)
The American economy has become boring? Well, at least, it seems less volatile, according to David Francis this morning. Also, new jobless claims were up a bit last week in the U.S.

New rules for HMOs (Friday, 2/21/97)
HMOs will no longer be able to limit what doctors can tell Medicaid patients about treatment options, President Clinton announced yesterday. Here's the story from Reuters and today's New York Times. Today, the President will meet with literacy tutors in Washington, D. C, according to Reuters, which also reports that a federal appeals court has reduced an award in an harassment case against Wal-Mart.

Planned policy will produce shortfall in social security receipts (Friday, 2/21/97)
Portugal's Diario Economico reports that a government official has told an insurance congress that plans to put a ceiling on pension contributions will reduce receipts by 2.2 percent for the year.

German official wants to promote technology investment (Friday, 2/21/97)
Germany's Finance Minister Waigel has told parliament that programs are needed to promote growth in order to cut the nation's record unemployment. Among other things, he would like to see government programs to encourage investment in technology at medium-sized companies, according to Frankfurter Rundschau.

Job cuts in South African broadcasting (Friday, 2/21/97)
South Africa's Business Report says that the country's state-owned broadcast organization is expecting increased competition to require that its annual budget be cut by US$29.5 million, and this will mean loss of jobs.

More on the deafening silence from your references (Friday, 2/21/97)
James L. Tyson tells in the Christian Science Monitor why your references aren't talking.

Hi-tech makes it possible to be abusive more efficiently than ever before (Friday, 2/21/97)
Here's a Newsday story about the "dark side of e-mail."

More post-mortem on the non-strike at American Airlines (Friday, 2/21/97)
What it all means now that the President has invoked the Railway Labor Act to block a strike at the nation's second-largest airline, according to the Washington Post.

Your tax dollars at work (Friday, 2/21/97)
Elisabeth Rosenthal tells about the people who aren't happy with the government's plan to pay hospitals that promise not to train more physicians. Here's her story in today's New York Times. Also, Richard Stevenson reports on staff cuts at the World Bank.

Deng's death leads to much thought about the future (Thursday, 2/20/97)
One of the most influential figures of the 20th century is dead, and thoughtful people throughout the world are trying to decide what the implications of his passing will be. Kathy Chen and Marcus Brauchli write in today's Wall Street Journal that the death of Deng Xiaoping isn't likely to result in a change in China's policies. The Washington Post's Keith Richburg says Deng's legacy is mixed, and Edward Gargan writes in the New York Times that plenty of people are concerned in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Hong Kong will return to Chinese control on July 1, and China has made in clear that it expects to reintegrate Taiwan sooner or later, particularly in light of China's growing power and influence throughout the region. Both Taiwan and Hong Kong have had spectacularly successful economies in recent years. The overseas Chinese are also considering the implications of Deng's life and death today. Here's a story from today's Chicago Sun-Times on how things look to Chinese from the perspective of midwestern America.

Recovery in Mexico (Thursday, 2/20/97)
The recession is over in Mexico. Here's news about last year's growth rate from Reuters this morning. Also from Reuters, the bus strike in France has lasted for two weeks. Also in France, La Tribune reports that pilots at Air Inter Europe are calling for a strike today. Air Inter Europe is a "sister" of Air France and conducts domestic flights. Pilots object to plans to merge the companies entirely.

Sweeney calls for hearings on Labor nominee (Thursday, 2/20/97)
The AFL-CIO wades into the controversy over President Clinton's nominee for Secretary of Labor. Also from Reuters, President Clinton is expected to make an announcement on Medicaid in Washington today.

Primary school teachers end strike in Greece; secondary teachers continue (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Kathimerini reports today that teachers in Greece have been demanding higher salaries and tax breaks. They're protesting the Greek government's program for reducing the 1997 budget deficit and its effect on them. Also in Greece today, Greece's largest trade organization, the federation of Greek industrialists SEV, is calling for faster deregulation and privatization of state-owned assets. The federation also opposes plans to pay workers in public corporations an "efficiency bonus" as part of the privatization plan.

Dutch TV organization to cut jobs (Thursday, 2/20/97)
According to De Telegraaf, Nethold NV will fire about 100 employees at its Filnet and Supersport commercial television stations. It will attempt to relocate others within the company as part of a reorganization program. Nethold NV was bought by Canal Plus SA, Europe's largest pay-TV company, late last year.

Spanish truckers end strike (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Gaceta de los Negocios and all other major papers in Spain this morning are reporting that truckers have called off their strike. After several days of negotiations with the Spanish government, it appears that none of their demands for earlier retirement and cheaper diesel fuel have been met. The strike disrupted industry and food distribution throughout much of the country and also caused major disruptions and industrial shutdowns in neighboring Portugal, as we've been reporting throughout the 14-day period of the strike.

German Health Minister responds to critics (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Germany's Health Minister Horst Seehofer has blasted critics of his proposals for health care reform in the country, saying that the reforms would not necessarily mean increased costs. Sueddeutsche Zeitung has the story this morning.

Australia seeks a new self-image (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Australia has been becoming a more diverse society, and Eileen McBride writes in today's Christian Science Monitor about growing tensions as the country tries to adjust. She also discusses some common fallacies about Asian immigrants in the country. Also in today's Monitor, Gail Russell Chaddock writes about how an anti-immigration plan is backfiring in France. In the U.S., many persons are rushing to marry in order to avoid deportation.

U.S. labor's tactical changes (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Here's Frank Swoboda's report on the AFL-CIO's overall change in approach. Also, organized labor is asking for job protection as welfare changes take effect, and Kenneth Crowe of Newsday reports on labor's efforts to organize workfare participants. Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times tells about the AFL-CIO's opposition to an expansion of the North American Free Trade Agreement, unless there are modifications, that is. Finally, here's more on Ford's unorthodox partnership with the United Auto Workers.

Comments on the right to a "living wage" (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Jim Niland and Martin Goff share their views in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Proving age bias (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Frances McMorris expects that it's going to be harder. Check today's Wall Street Journal for the story.

Different views on what's needed to do business with China (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Today's Japan Times reports that Japanese and Korean business people think more cultural understanding is needed, while their Chinese counterparts see things somewhat differently.

The mystery of productivity and living standards (Thursday, 2/20/97)
John Berry of the Washington Post examines one of the enduring economic puzzles. Speaking of economics, or, more properly, economists, nationally syndicated columnist Robert Reno has some irreverent thoughts today.

Long newspaper strike ends, but not the bad feelings (Thursday, 2/20/97)
Detroit newspapers have accepted a union offer to end the strike, despite ongoing animosities, but will not restore all the workers to their jobs immediately.

High court rules to broaden worker protections (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
The American Supreme Court has ruled unanimously in support of protecting former workers who file discrimination claims. Here's the story from Reuters and the Washington Post.

Looks like campaign 2000 has begun (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Presumed future presidential candidate Al Gore spoke to union leaders and pledged White House support, including tougher rules governing contractors. In other labor news. the AFL-CIO is intending to try to unionize welfare recipients who will have to work for their benefits, and the pilots' union at American Airlines says they have no intention of backing down or softening their demands, even though President Clinton has blocked a strike for 60 days. Also, Paul Eisenstein of the Christian Science Monitor analyzes the settlement at American Axle. He says that a crisis continues to grow within the automotive industry, despite the agreement.

Employees sue Citibank (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Racist e-mail has resulted in a suit. Here's the story from Reuters this morning. Also from Reuters, coffee prices have declined following the end of a strike in Columbia, and the strike that shut down the Acropolis will continue. Also in Greece today, Naftemboriki reports that the nation's parliament amended a law that governs the management of social security funds. Also, the Greek government has announced that registered unemployment rose .85 percent in January to 9.27 percent.

Dutch paint plant cuts jobs (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Akzo Nobel in the Netherlands is cutting 41 of 226 jobs at its paint plant as part of a reorganization plan that will take two years, according to De Telegraaf.

Spanish gas stations threaten to strike (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Cinco Dias reports that Spain's 7,000 petrol stations are threatening to strike in protest over the reduction in diesel prices that has been offered to striking truckers.

Fiat is hiring (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Italian papers are reporting this morning that demand for Fiat's cars will result in as many as 2,000 new hires. The Italian government has announced incentives encouraging people to get rid of old cars and buy new ones.

Austrian parliament agrees on flexible work hours (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Austria has had fairly rigid rules governing how long workers can work and at what hours during the week. In an effort to save jobs, the Austrian government has wanted to increase flexibility. Agreement has been reached within the ruling coalition to resolve flexibility issues through collective bargaining, according to Kurier this morning.

Teacher who needed a nanny becomes a nanny (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Nicole Gaouette tells a story about one recent immigrant in today's Christian Science Monitor.

Expecting sweetness and light in Hong Kong after July 1? (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Reality begins to set in for many people who have been expecting the Chinese government to keep things as they have been under British rule. John Hughes of the Christian Science Monitor says things are getting ominous. Also, Robert Samuelson writes in today's Washington Post about what may be brewing up in America's relations with China. Finally, in the seismic pressures, shake and rattle department, Thomas Friedman of the New York Times says to expect a wild year in Europe. Historians may say that the 20th century really ended with the end of the Cold War, but the globe continues to reorganize in fundamental economic and political ways.

Is German settlement costing jobs? (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Matt Marshall writes in today's Wall Street Journal that the new German wage agreement limits cost-cutting options. Also in the Journal today, Greg Steinmetz reports on job cuts at Deutsche Babcock, Sue Shellenbarger says Karen Nussbaum will try to get unions to focus on family issues, and Glenn Burkins writes about White House plans for protecting unions.

Well, since you asked.... (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
President Clinton wanted to know what people think about the welfare changes, and a panel of speakers were not reluctant to tell him yesterday. Also in the Washington Post today, stories about a planned union merger would create the second-largest American labor organization, the Paris tightrope on immigration, more on the state of housing bias in D.C., the paper's editorial opposition to special education cuts, and a denial of charges about an intended Social Security trust fund.

Be kind, Doc, if you don't want to get sued (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Della De Lafuente of the Chicago Sun-Times reports on a new study that emphasizes the importance of bedside manner in preventing malpractice suits.

Reno comments on the American Airlines conflict (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Here's nationally syndicated columnist Robert Reno's remarks from Newsday.

Accusations of forced labor in South Africa (Wednesday, 2/19/97)
Frank Prial writes that allegations are flying about forced labor in the South African wine industry under apartheid. Also in the New York Times today, a college teacher charges bias in benefit plan, a woman makes it to the top in the ad industry, and Russia's tax system is sputtering and derailing the country's drive toward an effective market economy.

Pilots may be on their own (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
American Airlines pilots don't seem to enjoy a favorable political climate or much enthusiastic support as they press their demands. Nonetheless, despite the 60-day cooling off period initiated by President Clinton, the head of the pilots' union says that a strike may be inevitable. In other labor news today, the AFL-CIO says that labor's decline has been stopped; now, to build new momentum. Here's more on the AFL-CIO's plans for revitalizing organized labor through a major recruitment campaign. Kenneth Crowe of Newsday says they have a big job ahead. Al Gore and Richard Gephardt will speak to labor leaders today. In other news, today's Detroit Free Press says there is progress in ending the strike at Johnson Controls, and David Welch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that talks continue at GM's Arlington, Texas assembly plant, but things are snagged over outsourcing. David Cole of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that talks continue at Macwhyte in Kenosha, Wisconsin in an effort to end a five-month strike there. Finally, Detroit newspaper executives say they're bewildered by the unions' apparently contradictory stance on ending the long newspaper strike.

Graduation at Marriott (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Linda Feldmann of the Christian Science Monitor tells about Marriott's "Pathways to Independence" program that is moving people off welfare. Also, Nicole Gaouette tells about another program for helping people leave poverty behind.

Company invites competitors to its job fair (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Workers will lose their jobs, but here's how their company is trying to help.

No population explosion in Italy (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Italy's low fertility rate is concerning many persons. Here's the story from Lara Santoro. Also, here are stories about why some college athletes envy students who have to work and about land disputes among the rural people of Brazil.

The road to good jobs less traveled by (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
The Wall Street Journal's Hal Lancaster says that the role of the temporary worker is expanding, and the new emphasis on temps can provide a route to good jobs.

Rental bias in the D. C. region (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Caroline Mayer of the Washington Post reports on a study that says housing discrimination has been lessening somewhat in the Washington area, but is still common. Also, Spencer Rich reports that, despite all the talk, Medicare services may be at least temporarily strengthened for some seniors, and Robert Pear of the New York Times reports that the Clinton Administration wants a repeal of a new law that could make criminals of some elderly.

Becoming a police officer after 40 (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Older police recruits are becoming more common, according to this Chicago Sun-Times story.

Details on the ordeal at the Citadel (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
One of the women claiming abuse in the Citadel's hazing rituals talks for the New York Times.

Hospitals to be paid not to train more physicians (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Too many doctors in some parts of the country has led to a government program reminiscent of farm programs. The physician glut, combined with a reorganization of the American health care system and the growing prominence of managed care facilities, has put downward pressure on the incomes of doctors, reduced career opportunities, and has led to layoffs in some cases. For decades the overall level of technical skill of physicians exceeded that of most workers in the American economy, but medicine has become less conspicuous in this respect in the new information economy in which necessary skill levels have been escalating in many occupations.

First unionized Wal-Mart store results from unusual situation (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Robyn Meredith of the New York Times tells about the unusual circumstances leading to unionization at a Wal-Mart store in Ontario.

Porteguese auto production hit hard by Spanish strike (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Portugal's industry depends on Spanish highways for access to Europe, and the trucker strike in Spain has cut Portuguese auto production by about half because of difficulty obtaining essential parts, according to Diario Economico. Meanwhile, in Spain, the trucker strike has caused the layoff of 52,000 production workers at 30 companies, according to El Pais. Also, Expansion reports today that the Spanish Labor Ministry is investigating fraud in the payment of 370,000 pensions.

Disagreement over use of social security reserves in Greece (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
Kathimerini reports that Greek labor negotiators have threatened to walk out of talks with the government and business if the government goes ahead with an intended law that would give it unlimited access to accumulated social security reserve funds.

Flex time may be coming to Austria through collective bargaining (Tuesday, 2/18/97)
According to Die Presse today, political leaders in Austria appear to moving toward a policy of allowing greater flexibility in work hours to be determined by collective bargaining. Among other things, if the policy were adopted, some workers may work as much as 10 hours per day without collecting overtime.

Settlement at American Axle (Monday, 2/17/97)
A strike has been averted at one of General Motors' principal suppliers. Meanwhile, there is widespread relief that a strike at American Airlines has been avoided for the moment as well. For example, the tourist industry in Florida and the Caribbean could have been hurt badly by a protracted strike during its peak winter season. Wall Street is also happy with President Clinton's action in blocking a strike. Also, now that it's clear that American Airlines planes will stay in the air for at least 60 days, other airlines have had to begin matching American's reduced fares, producing at least temporary bargains for travelers.

Protesting workers arrested in Iran (Monday, 2/17/97)
Oil industry workers protesting for higher wages in Iran have been arrested.

Radical reform of the Russian military backed by Yeltsin (Monday, 2/17/97)
The once great Red Army is in crisis and disarray, a condition that that not only troubles the Russian government, but, given the fact that there are still thousands of nuclear missiles in Russia, makes a lot of other people nervous as well. Russian President Yeltsin says he backs the Defense Minister's plan to deal with the crisis.

Greek unemployment highest in 20 years (Monday, 2/17/97)
Imerisia reports that official figures soon to be released are expected to show that Greece's unemployment topped 10 percent last year, the highest in twenty years.

Progress in Spanish trucker strike (Monday, 2/17/97)
Truckers in Spain are still on strike, but progress has been reported by El Pais in talks with the Development Ministry.

Italian president opposed to "golden pensions" (Monday, 2/17/97)
According to Corriere della Sera this morning, Italian President Scalfaro has indicated that he is unhappy with recent findings indicating that nearly 2,500 people receive monthly pensions that are far above average, exceeding US$9,500 per month.

Reaction to central bank governor's remarks in Belgium (Monday, 2/17/97)
Several days ago, Alfons Verplaetse, Belgium's central bank governor, indicated that it is up to employers and trade unions to create sufficient jobs to bring the country's unemployment rate down, which has been running at 9.5 percent. Both employers and trade unions have denied that they hold the key, according to L'Echo. Also in Belgium today, De Financieel-Economische Tijd reports that bankruptcies were up 12% in January over a year earlier. Also, more than half of the 4,662 jobs lost were from cuts at Forges de Clabecq SA and Nova Electro SA.

Union vote yesterday appears to end newspaper strike in Detroit (Monday, 2/17/97)
Striking newspaper workers in Detroit have voted to offer to return to work unconditionally after a 19-month work stoppage.

Bringing fun to work (Monday, 2/17/97)
Vickie Elmer of Newsday offers some suggestions based on psychologist Matt Weinstein's new book.

Shakeup in daycare industry coming to Quebec (Monday, 2/17/97)
David Johnston writes today in the Montreal Gazette.

Countering myths about immigrants (Monday, 2/17/97)
Susan Haigh says that we should not allow myths to determine bad policy. Here's her commentary in today's Washington Post. Also, the New York Times reports that illegal immigrants, held for nearly four years, have mixed feelings about their impending freedom.

Current plan to help kids not what it appears to be, Glassman says (Monday, 2/17/97)
Washington Post columnist James Glassman says that the Administration's plan for providing health care for poor kids is part of an effort to bring the Clinton health care plan in the back door a little at a time. In addition to writing for the Post, Glassman is a regular on CNN and PBS.

Sweeney to announce major recruitment effort (Monday, 2/17/97)
The size and influence of the organized labor movement have diminished dramatically in the United States during recent years. This New York Times story tells about how the AFL-CIO will be emphasizing recruitment of new members in order to try to turn things around. Also in the Times today, police officers in New York seem more angry with the mayor than with their own union leaders, despite recent scandal, and Norimitsu Onishi writes about the hidden homeless in New York.

Guess who's heading toward privatization (Monday, 2/17/97)
David Charter writes in today's London Times about possible course fees at Oxford as a first step toward privatization. Also in the Times today, an aircraft builder creates a thousand jobs in Northern Ireland, the Confederation of British Industry reports flatness in industrial pay, and the Greek army is patrolling its country's border with Albania in an effort to close the border to illegal immigrants trying to get into Greece in order to escape the catastrophic Albanian economy.

After a strike lasting only minutes, planes are back in the air (Sunday, 2/16/97)
American Airlines is almost fully operational again following President Clinton's decision to block the pilots' strike. James Bennet of the New York Times provides an analysis of the President's decision, and Peter Kilborn says that the pilots aren't happy with Clinton's action, but are committed to doing their best. Meanwhile, the airline is slashing fares in an effort to bring passengers back.

Progress indicated in talks at American Axle (Sunday, 2/16/97)
The midnight Friday strike deadline passed without picketing, and marathon talks are continuing as both sides try to avoid a strike at one of General Motors' major suppliers.

Big telecommunications agreement reached (Sunday, 2/16/97)
Seventy nations have reached agreement on telecommunications policy that is expected to give a major boost to the international economy. Here's the story from Reuters and the Los Angeles Times via today's Minneapolis Star Tribune. American President Clinton says the agreement will create jobs, among other good things.

Advertising beginning to seek diversity (Sunday, 2/16/97)
Ann Merrill writes today about changes in the advertising industry within an increasingly diverse society, at least in Minnesota.

Creditors more assertive as personal bankruptcies soar (Sunday, 2/16/97)
Creditors are less likely to abandon debts now, as so many Americans are declaring bankruptcy. Here's the story from Albert Crenshaw in today's Washington Post. Also, Jane Bryant Quinn wishes you many happy returns , done on your own. Further, Steven Ginsberg writes that, when asked about your job performance, many employers won't say, and William Branigin says that sweatshops have made a comeback in the American garment industry. Nearly forty years ago, author Michael Harrington wrote a book called The Other America in which he described a nation that is not really one, but two, with respect to economic condition, opportunity, and so on. Over the years since, many commentators have discussed this general idea as the gap between rich and poor has widened to become greatest among the industrial democracies. The United States is an amazingly advanced, sophisticated, affluent country that shares space with an underdeveloped "country" within its borders as well. The latter can be described with statistics largely typical of underdeveloped countries everywhere, in terms of literacy, health, infant mortality, and more. The sweatshops are an example.

Privatization cooling in Illinois (Sunday, 2/16/97)
Alex Rodriguez of the Chicago Sun-Times says that government in Illinois has reduced the rate at which operations are being contracted out to the private sector.

How the Hong Kong countdown looks from Japan (Sunday, 2/16/97)
After being a British colony for a long time, Hong Kong will become part of China in July. Amy Shiratori of Tokyo's Asahi Shimbun sees a culture conflict in the workplace, as well as nearly every other place.

The upside of being a temp (Sunday, 2/16/97)
Are there advantages in being a temporary worker? Yes, but it is easy to exaggerate them, compared to the disadvantages. Here's today's New York Times article on the subject. Also in the Times today, Stephen Kinzer reports that thousands are demonstrating in support of women's rights in Turkey, James Brooke tells about a place where young people aren't welcome, and Eric Schmitt says polarization is building over sexual harassment issues in the American military. In addition, here are stories about gaps in student health care coverage, medical savings accounts and tax issues, and the movement of women into executive positions in the construction industry.

Clinton blocks airline strike (Saturday, 2/15/97)
President Clinton exercised his presidential powers to end the pilots' strike at American Airlines only minutes after it began. The planes will keep flying for at least 60 days. Now, the airline is trying to bring passengers back who scheduled flights on other airlines.

Appeals court upholds Administration's policy on homosexuals in the military (Saturday, 2/15/97)
The Clinton Administration's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is upheld in an appeals court ruling on Navy case. Here's the story from Reuters this morning, as well as stories about a move to end child labor in the manufacture of soccer balls in Pakistan, the economic consequences of Spain's trucker strike, and the last-minute effort to avoid a strike at American Axle. The Detroit News reports unconfirmed indications that the strike deadline would be extended. The company is one of General Motors' major suppliers, and a strike would largely shut down GM's light truck production. This story, as well as the one about the strike at Johnson Controls and its effect on Ford are representative of the growing interdependencies in the new world economy.

More on Bulgaria's sad situation (Saturday, 2/15/97)
Among the worst places in the greater European region to be right now if you want to make a good living are Albania and Bulgaria. Here's a Washington Post report on the disaster in the latter country, and humanitarian efforts that are underway.

Women who are moving into the executive suite (Saturday, 2/15/97)
In this Wall Street Journal story, Joseph B. White and Carol Hymowitz tell about widening cracks in the corporate glass ceiling. The story is available in Newsday. Also, Here's Working Woman's guesses about who might be the first woman to become CEO of a major American company, as well as a list of the top women-owned businesses.

Stress reduction at the office (Saturday, 2/15/97)
Patricia Kitchen of Newsday writes about new ways to untie the knots that result from stress on the job. Also in the paper today, a look at a career as an insurance claims adjuster, and an answer to a correspondent's question about a company's decision to drop medical insurance benefits.

Striking newspaper workers want to return to their jobs (Saturday, 2/15/97)
The Detroit newspaper strike has been going on since July 1995, and it appears that 2,000 workers are offering to return to work unconditionally. Detroit's mayor is pleased with the news. The union denies that it is a surrender, and Chris Christoff of the Detroit Free Press, one of the papers involved, writes that the strike has already had widespread effects because it has demonstrated the futility of such measures in the new media climate.

Administration to free illegal immigrants (Saturday, 2/15/97)
Celia Dugger of the New York Times writes that the Clinton Administration will free illegal Chinese immigrants whom it has been holding for nearly four years. Also in the Times this morning, more on sexual assault allegations in the American military in Germany, and admitted mistakes by New York City's child welfare agency.

Emigration from Hong Kong drops (Saturday, 2/15/97)
Fewer people are trying to get out of Hong Kong now that there are only a few months remaining before the British colony is handed over the Chinese. Part of the reason has to do with immigration policies in the countries where Hong Kong residents like to move. Here's the story from today's Hong Kong Standard, as well as a story about staff exchanges between Hong Kong and China.

Getting the best deal when you relocate (Saturday, 2/15/97)
Here are some things to think about from U.S. News.

Mass migrations into Asian cities (Saturday, 2/15/97)
William McGurn writes in the Far Eastern Economic Review about the strain that many Asian cities are feeling as people from the countrywide rush in in search of the good life.

Talks continue as time grows short at American (Friday, 2/14/97)
The sides are still talking at American Airlines with the hope of averting a strike by the midnight deadline. Pilots aren't optimistic, according to reports. Scott McCartney writes in today's Wall Street Journal about how the shutdown process has begun, even without a strike. American Airlines canceled its foreign flights earlier, and now has begun to cancel domestic flights, while pilots picket at some locations, further giving the appearance of a strike that hasn't happened yet. Companies are scrambling to find alternative transportation for their business travelers, and thousands of ticket holders, including vacationers, are trying to arrange alternatives as well. Resorts in the Caribbean, Florida, and Colorado are trying to prepare and cope. Here's some advice on what to do if you're an American Airlines ticket holder.

President Clinton continues to urge the sides to settle, but isn't saying whether he would exercise his powers to intervene and keep the planes flying. Clinton is a Democrat, and, traditionally, the American Democratic party has been supported by organized labor, as a key member of its coalition, so Democratic presidents have been reluctant to interfere in labor's bargaining efforts. However, "times, they are a changing" and it is a new economy with a new political climate. Clinton has behaved more like a Republican in some ways, and, like Britain's Labour Party, American Democrats seem to be trying to broaden their base and reduce their dependence on trade unions, so stay tuned. Here's an example from Britain this morning. Incidentally, Newsday's Carrie Mason-Draffen writes about a New York law that will hit non-striking workers at American in the event of a strike at midnight tonight.

Government workers strike in Bogota (Friday, 2/14/97)
The public sector wants a big wage increase in Columbia, and a nationwide strike continues. Also from Reuters this morning, Japan's problem with illegal immigration from China, a soup company "food fight" ends, American jobless claims at six-month low last week, Democrats warn Clinton about help for immigrants, and analysts say Clinton's health plan for children may fall short of its goals.

Salaries up in Portugal (Friday, 2/14/97)
Portugal's Diario Economico reports that salaries in the country were up 4.6% last year, which amounted to 1.4% after I inflation, considerably ahead of the year before.

Traditional family roles supported in Switzerland (Friday, 2/14/97)
The Swiss government has reported the results of a survey indicating that less than a quarter of Swiss women believe that men should do housework and spend more time caring for children. The survey covered families in which both men and women are employed, according to Tages-Anzeiger.

Verplaetse says "social partnership" needed to solve Belgian jobs crisis (Friday, 2/14/97)
Le Soir reports today that Belgian's central bank governor Verplaetse says its up to a partnership between trade unions and corporate management to fix the country's jobs crisis, because there is little that the central bank can do. Belgium has a 9.5 percent unemployment rate. Also, 800 jobs will be lost in Belgium as a result of an agreement that will be signed today to shut down part of the La Louvriere Usines Gustave Boel SA money-losing steel plant, according to De Financieel-Economische Tijd.

Bank of Italy managers told to cut costs (Friday, 2/14/97)
Italian papers this morning are reporting that the Bank of Italy's governor, Antonio Fazio, has met with top managers of the country's major banks and has told them that they will have to cut their labor costs in order to increase profitability. The Italian government has told the banks not to expect much help in cutting jobs.

French court ruling worries employers (Friday, 2/14/97)
Le Figaro reports that a French court ruled yesterday that employers will have to reinstate some laid off employees under some conditions. The French employers association says it will restrict employment overall and wants to see the law changed .

Job growth increases in Australia (Friday, 2/14/97)
The Australian Financial Review reports that government figures released yesterday show an improvement in job growth in the country. Also in Australia, The Herald Sun says that a government investigation has identified 26,000 people who have been cheating on welfare, and The Australian reports that employers aren't particularly "family friendly." Fewer than seven percent of families with young children receive help from their employers on making child care arrangements.

More on the measurement of inflation in the U.S. (Friday, 2/14/97)
David Francis of the Christian Science Monitor tells about the growing bipartisan movement in the U.S. Senate to make changes in the way inflation is measured in order to cut the budget deficit. Also, some opinions about hazing in the military from the paper as well as the Marine Corps Commandant.

Surprise! Spending per welfare family will increase, not decrease (Friday, 2/14/97)
Judith Havemann writes in today's Washington Post about the bonus states will receive. A faster than expected reduction in the welfare roles is also helping, though. In addition, William Raspberry writes about welfare's "mental migration", and today's Minneapolis Star Tribune editorializes about the "vital role" of nonprofits in welfare reform.

Surrender coming in the Detroit newspaper strike? (Friday, 2/14/97)
One of the papers involved in the nearly eternal Detroit newspaper strike is reporting today that striking workers may be ready to offer an unconditional return to work. The strike began a year ago last July.

Quebec government to offer buyouts to public sector unions (Friday, 2/14/97)
The Montreal Gazette reports on negotiations and an offer of early retirement.

A postmortem examination of the university union vote (Friday, 2/14/97)
Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune examines the situation at the University of Minnesota following the narrow rejection of faculty unionization. Also in the Strib today, Paul Craig Roberts of the Scripps Howard News Service makes a case for unmixing the sexes in military training.

House proposal would raise minimum wage in Hawaii (Friday, 2/14/97)
Rick Daysog reports for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

One issue key, from pilots' point of view (Thursday, 2/13/97)
The American Airlines story still leads this morning, because midnight Friday is the strike deadline, and a strike would put nearly 90,000 people out of work directly, inconvenience thousands of passengers, and radiate throughout the American economy. In fact, effects have already begun to show up as businesses that would be affected by the strike make contingency plans. Pilots are now saying that they will focus on a single key issue in an effort to avoid a strike. Top priority seems to be compensation for pilots who will fly new, hi-tech planes that will be in the air soon. Some U.S. Senators want the president to get involved. So far, he's just urging the sides to settle, but here's a look at what his options might be if a strike comes. Meanwhile, American Airlines has cancelled their overseas flights, and airline passengers are looking around for alternative arrangements.

FTC says be careful on the Internet (Thursday, 2/13/97)
The Federal Trade Commission says scams abound on the Internet, many targeting college students and persons who have lost their jobs as part of the restructuring that has been going on throughout the economy. It's probably best to think of the Internet as simply a distribution and navigational system, a "network of networks" in some ways similar to the system of streets, alleys, and highways. One would not wander aimlessly and unselectively on our system of streets in search of help. Similarly, there is no reason to assume that simply being available or accessible on the Internet means that something is credible or legitimate. Who's behind information, advice, or assistance that is being offered? Check it out. Be selective. Speaking of scams, here's a story about what's happening in Albania's struggling economy. Scams there are doing their part to send many Albanians across the border into Greece looking for work, as we reported yesterday.

Ford may be confusing some people (Thursday, 2/13/97)
The strike at Johnson Controls continues, and Ford Motor Company is trying to get back to full production with the help of alternative suppliers. Today's Wall Street Journal says that Johnson Controls is upset, and so are other suppliers. The Detroit Free Press sees a difference between how Ford wants to be perceived and what it's doing. Meanwhile, another strike might affect both Ford and General Motors.

Recommended changes for Mitsubishi (Thursday, 2/13/97)
A task force has issued its report in the wake of the largest sexual harassment suit. Here's the story from the Washington Post and the Chicago Sun Times.

Army's problems found in Germany now too (Thursday, 2/13/97)
The Army's sexual misconduct scandal seems to be getting worse. Here's a story about allegations on U.S. Military installations in Germany from the Washington Post this morning, as well as Reuters.

Minnesota faculty narrowly rejects union (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Several months ago, we were following events at the University of Minnesota closely, because the university's Board of Regents was attempting to greatly modify or even effectively eliminate tenure, something that universities throughout the United States were also watching closely. Tenure held, but the events renewed the unionization movement on the campus. The vote came yesterday, and faculty unionization was rejected, but not by much. The results show that the campus is still almost evenly divided .

Trucker strike spreads in Spain (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Gaceta de los Negocios reports that Spanish truckers are blocking roads throughout much of the country this morning, not only disrupting traffic, but also forcing some industrial plants to cut production. The Spanish government apparently intends to cut the cost of diesel fuel. Meanwhile, Portugal's Diario Economico reports that the Spanish trucker strike is blocking access to Europe for Portuguese truckers and may have a more damaging effect on Portugal's economy than the trucker strike in France last year.

Bank strike expected tomorrow in Israel (Thursday, 2/13/97)
According to Ma'ariv this morning, the bank workers union in Israel, with the support of the national labor union, Histadrut, will strike most bank branches in the country tomorrow.

Flexible hours sought in Austria (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Austria's Chancellor Klima is asking legislators to reform labor laws in order to permit flexible work schedules and the use of part-time workers, according to Neue Kronen Zeitung this morning. The plan is consistent with what is happening throughout much of the new world economy, as fundamental restructuring proceeds that de-emphasizes permanent employment and job security while emphasizing greater reliance on part-time, temporary, or contract work.

Slavery now, slavery then (Thursday, 2/13/97)
David Hecht writes in today's Christian Science Monitor about the debate over whether slavery still exists in Mauritania. Meanwhile, David Hecht writes about the argument over whether Goree is where slaves departed for the Americas during the bad old days.

Love at the office (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Shelley Donald Coolidge writes about Cupid putting in overtime at the office. Also in the Christian Science Monitor this morning, a story about what work means to the Amish in Wisconsin.

Hi-tech and privacy on the job, or the lack of it (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Are you being watched? Here's a story from the Boston Globe's Diane E. Lewis via the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

First unionized Wal-Mart store (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Unionization has come to Wal-Mart in Windsor, Ontario. Here's the story from today's Washington Post. Also in the Post today, Lally Weymouth writes about India's apparent intention to continue policies of market reform upon which the future of the Indian economy may depend. The process has been complicated by a political corruption scandal.

Fewer loans to lower-income minorities in Illinois, new study says (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Here is the Chicago Sun Times story about the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's new study. Speaking of the Fed, Avrum Lank of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that one Wisconsin economist thinks Wisconsin's labor shortage could fuel inflation, and the Federal Reserve wouldn't hesitate to raise interest rates if the entire American economy were as hot as Wisconsin's.

Canadian government wants 80,000 summer jobs (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Carolyn Adolph of the Montreal Gazette writes about youth unemployment in Canada and the federal government's response.

Physicians to unionize in New York (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Long Island's Newsday has the story, as does the New York Times. Also in the Times today, the U.S. feeds funds to trade unions in Serbia, an economist's research says that inflation is overstated the way it's measured now, the welfare-to-work transition seems to be off to a sluggish start, and U.S. workers may be feeling sufficiently secure as to push for higher pay following a long period of downsizing.

How the government could improve higher ed (Thursday, 2/13/97)
Economist Robert Samuelson writes about the "hypocrisy scholarship" in the Washington Post.

Talks resume today at American Airlines (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Still hoping to reach agreement before the pilots' strike deadline of midnight Friday, negotiators are meeting again today. American is the second-largest carrier in the U.S., so a shutdown on a holiday weekend would be highly disruptive to thousands of passengers. Effects would radiate throughout the American economy. For instance, Colorado is worried about its big ski weekend.

Intel shares success with employees (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Intel is one of the most important and successful hi-tech corporations in the world, and last year was very good. They're sharing $820 million with their employees.

Grace to change direction on temp division (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
W.R. Grace & Co. owns Cross Country Staffing, a firm that provides temporary health care workers. However, maybe not much longer. Changes are in the wind, and here's the story from Reuters this morning. Also from Reuters, Compaq Computer will create 550 jobs in Dublin, Ireland over the next three years.

Truckers protesting on the Iberian peninsula (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
The Jornal de Noticias reports today that Portuguese truckers are trying to block their country's border with Spain near Vilar Formosa in a protest aimed at Spanish truckers who are striking, as reported by Gaceta de los Negocios today. Spanish truckers have stoned Portuguese trucks that cross the border.

Big drop in unemployment stats expected in the UK (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Somebody has leaked information about the British government's newest unemployment statistics to The Daily Mirror. It is expected that the government will announce today that there has been a drop of 57,800 jobless. The opposition Labour Party doesn't necessarily believe it, and is saying so. Also in the UK today, the Conservative government might fine teachers if their students don't do well. Last time that was done was during Victorian times, reports the Times of London

Greece prepares for new wave of Albanians (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
The Albanian economy seems to be disintegrating, and more prosperous Greece shares a long border with that country. As a consequence, Greece is expecting a wave of migrants from Albania trying to get into Greece in search of work. Greece is moving police and military units to the border in anticipation, according to Kathimerini.

Prodi tries to cool calls for pension cuts (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Italian Prime Minister Prodi says that reform of the Italian pension system will require agreement with unions and employers. Recently, other members of the government and various politicians have been calling for unilateral government action, according to Corriere della Sera.

Austria wants to reduce foreign family members in the country (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Die Presse reports today that Austria's Interior Minister is proposing a reduction in the number of foreign workers' family members that are allowed into the country in 1998.

Another example of flex time (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Non-violent offenders are offered an opportunity to choose when they do their time so that they can also get their work done. Here's the story from Daniel B. Wood. Also in the Christian Science Monitor today, detectives help in employee selection, and apparel jobs stay in, would you Guess, the U.S.

Productivity up in 4th quarter last year (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Here's the story from the Washington Post and the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Strikers caught as Ford shifts to new supplier (Wednesday, 2/12/97)
Ted Evanoff and Rachel Konrad analyze the situation at Johnson Controls in today's Detroit Free Press. General Motors could be faced with a similar situation as a strike looms at one of its suppliers, all underscoring the complex interdependencies in the new economy.

Army responds to criticism, suspends top enlisted man (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
The U.S. Army's top enlisted man is under investigation in relation to a sexual harassment complaint. He's been suspended pending resolution of the allegations against him. In somewhat related news, Jonathan S. Landay of the Christian Science Monitor reports on how common abusive hazing rituals are in every branch of the American military.

Strike deadline nears at American Airlines (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
Negotiators are still meeting at American Airlines, hoping to head off a potential devastating strike by its pilots. The FAA is putting more inspectors into service following anonymous threats against the pilots, and "supermediators" are involved in the negotiations.

Ford seeks another supplier in order to re-start its vehicles (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
Production of one of Ford Motor Company's most popular vehicles has been held up because of the strike at Johnson Controls. Now, Ford is turning to Lear Corporation for the parts its needs to resume production.

Coffee prices high because of strike in Columbia (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
Reuters reports this morning on the labor strife in Columbia that has sent coffee prices as high as they've been in nearly two years. Also from Reuters today, the American First Lady paid tribute to working mothers at the White House yesterday, but one of the honorees had to leave early.

Bank executive wants government help in laying off workers (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
The Governor of the Bank of Italy has appealed to the Italian cabinet for help to make it easier to lay off workers in order to control costs in the low-profit banking sector, according to Il Sol this morning. Also, the Italian Transport Minister wants to meet with train workers' union representatives again in order to try to persuade them to call off a planned series of strikes this week.

Longer shopping hours not working in Austria (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
Der Standard reports in Austria that a new law that allows retail stores to say open longer on weekdays and Saturdays hasn't generated the new jobs that had been hoped. Also in Austria, an official of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce has indicated that he doesn't like the Chancellor's plan for achieving more flexible working hours through collective bargaining, as opposed to changes in the law.

Europe nervous about German unemployment (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
It may not be entirely rational, but high unemployment and other economic distress helped bring Adolph Hitler to power in Germany in the early 1930s. Now that Germany has higher unemployment than at any time since 1933, Europeans feel they have a lot to think about. Here's Ruth Walker's report from the Christian Science Monitor. Also, Greg Steinmetz writes in today's Wall Street Journal that we can expect unemployment to remain high in Germany for sometime, and part of the reason is that the once mighty Germany economy has not yet made the transition to an information base. Today's Washington Post discusses the cost of job security in Germany and other countries in Europe that are suffering through the historic transformation that's underway. Canada and Japan are having major problems too, while the U.S. economy, presently out ahead in the "information age" transition, is booming and enjoys a fairly good jobs picture. Problem is, many high-paying jobs have been replaced by low-paying jobs in the U.S., exacerbating the "haves vs. have nots" gap. However, a new White House report says that the gap has narrowed somewhat. Also, the president's Council of Economic Advisers says that current unemployment levels are sustainable for the time being.

More on the Medicare cost problem (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
Lawrence Goodrich writes about the problem of fixing Medicare. Also in the Christian Science Monitor today, Christina Nifong reports on how churches are helping the poor obtain housing.

Oklahoma poor leaving welfare before they have to (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
Today's Wall Street Journal has stories about the big drop in welfare rolls in Oklahoma's Creek County long before benefits run out. The county's caseload is down 30%. Also in the Journal today, a story about big job cuts coming at a Jeans manufacturer.

Strike could stop rail service between New Jersey and Manhattan (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
A walkout by signalmen has been approved, according to today's New York Times.

Teacher shortage in South Korea (Tuesday, 2/11/97)
Ian King reports for the Korea Herald. Also, a new survey reports that a lot of South Korea's workers are spending more than they're earning.

Sexual abuse deeply imbedded in military culture, report says (Monday, 2/10/97)
A new report finds that the U.S. Army failed to respond to charges of sexual misconduct decades ago. Also, the Army defends its decision not to suspend their top enlisted man.

Negotiators trying to head off strike (Monday, 2/10/97)
American Airlines seems to be nearing crunch time. Negotiators are meeting today to try to find a solution and avoid a devastating strike that would throw tens of thousands of people out of work and disrupt travelers.

Farmer protest winds down in Greece (Monday, 2/10/97)
Police managed to break up a blockade planned by protesting farmers in Greece over the weekend. Police deflated tires on hundreds of tractors that were ready to participate in the blockade of a major highway. Farmers object to the government's new economic and social policies intended to promote development, but the government vows to proceed, according to Imerisia this morning. The farmers want more favorable tax and subsidy policies.

German Finance Minister comments on unemployment issue (Monday, 2/10/97)
Finance Minister Waigel says that Germany needs more structural changes, including changes in tax and social security policy and additional flexibility, in order to reduce record unemployment levels in the country. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has the story this morning. Europe and the world are watching Germany for various reasons, including implications for the intended European common currency, which may depend on what happens with the Germany economy. Italy is also struggling to reform its welfare system and get deficits under control. Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said discussion about the reform of its system should be discussed "in Rome, not in Berlin." The reference is to remarks made by other government and banking officials following a G7 meeting in Germany. Incidentally, British Foreign Secretary Rifkind doesn't think the common currency will happen as planned in 1999.

Italian trains stopped by strike (Monday, 2/10/97)
Corriere della Sera reports this morning that a 24-hour train strike stopped public transportation between Italy's principal cities. Postal workers are also striking in the country, so mail isn't being delivered as usual either.

Austrian Chancellor wants to end stalemate over flexible work hours (Monday, 2/10/97)
Chancellor Viktor Klima wants to implement a plan to allow seasonal workers to work overtime during busy times of the year in order to collect pay during slow times, but he wants to do it through collective bargaining, not by changing the constitution. The plan would also increase work hour flexibility for part-time and second-shift workers, according to Der Standard. The paper also reports today that job guarantees ran out at the end of last year for 2,000 employees at German-owned Steyr Nutzfahrzeuge AG, and they're uncertain about their future.

Some are crashing through the glass ceiling (Monday, 2/10/97)
Joseph White and Carol Hymowitz write in today's Wall Street Journal about a new generation of top women executives. Also, Christopher Georges tells how President Clinton is beginning to get resistance from some House Democrats who don't like his idea of restoring some welfare funding, and Jackie Calmes tells what we could expect from a quick increase in the retirement age.

Testing welfare reform in Appalachia (Monday, 2/10/97)
Elizabeth Levitan Spaid writes today about Appalachia in the Christian Science Monitor. Also, a balanced budget may depend on subsidy cuts, high unemployment in Canada as an election approaches, questions about whether there's really a "daddy track", the U.S. is in danger of losing its lead as a higher ed "exporter," and some thoughts about welfare and the "new federalism."

Will boomers be both old and poor? (Monday, 2/10/97)
Are boomers saving enough? Maybe despair is premature, Mike Meyers says in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Illegal immigration in Italy (Monday, 2/10/97)
The New York Times'Celestine Bohlen writes about a stepping stone from Tunisia. Also in the Times today, Elizabeth Kolbert tells about a government success story you may not have heard about, and it concerns welfare.

Plan is flawed, Post says, but, then, aren't we all (Monday, 2/10/97)
Here are the problems with President Clinton's tuition credit plan, according to the Washington Post.

Try "nice" for a change (Monday, 2/10/97)
Patricia Kitchen writes about nice in the workplace for Long Island's Newsday. Also, Drew Fetherston reports on a sexual harassment suit in the pit.

Compromise over benefits in San Francisco (Sunday, 2/9/97)
United Airlines and the City of San Francisco have reached a compromise on the issue of benefits for unmarried life partners. Other airlines have been watching the controversy.

Egg farm receives additional fines (Sunday, 2/9/97)
An egg farm in Maine with a string of workplace safety violations has received new fines.

American children most concerned about health care (Sunday, 2/9/97)
A new survey of American children finds that health care is much on their minds.

Army wants to continue coed training (Sunday, 2/9/97)
With the Army's sexual misconduct scandal, some, including the U.S. Secretary of Defense, are thinking about alternatives to the current policy of training men and women together. The Army itself wants to keep things the way they are, without the sexual misconduct, that is.

An alternative to looking for a job (Sunday, 2/9/97)
Some welfare recipients would like to work for themselves, but, with most new businesses failing within the first year or two, it's high-risk, particularly without help and guidance. Nonetheless, as we've been reporting during the past week or two, entrepreneurship is seen by some as a significant answer to the problem of poverty worldwide. Also in the Minneapolis Star Tribune this morning, an editorial on welfare reform.

Booming age discrimination ahead? (Sunday, 2/9/97)
America's baby boomers may have received more popular attention than any other generation in its history. Now, look for more, as boomers begin to respond to age discrimination, according to Kirstin Downey Grimsley of the Washington Post. Who was it who said we shouldn't trust anybody over 30? Incidentally, Grimsley also writes about the compromise that led to the cutoff in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

Bad times in Bulgaria (Sunday, 2/9/97)
Most Western Europeans can feel better about their own nations' economic stresses by taking a look at Bulgaria, which may be near economic collapse. Here's the story from today's Washington Post. Also, Bill McAllister writes in the Post today about the alarm spreading through the veterans' lobby over President Clinton's plans for financing health coverage for veterans.

Sex differences among the occupationally mob