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June 1997

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Mood is celebratory for some, anxious for others (Monday, 6/30/97)
Unless you've been residing on Mars for several years, you know that Hong Kong returns to China at midnight tonight after more than 150 years as a British colony. Chinese President Jiang has arrived, as the last British colonial governor prepares to go home. William Kazer reports that police have cleared out Tiananmen Square in Beijing, as well, presumably to make room for celebrations in the Chinese capital, but also probably to keep things controlled and predictable, from the government's point of view.

Meanwhile, as Lynne O'Donnell reports, Chinese troops have been on the move toward Hong Kong itself, which may not amount to a public relations masterstroke, under the circumstances, and the American Secretary of State doesn't like the way it looks. Chinese officials have been insisting that Hong Kong will be allowed to retain its free-wheeling economic as well as political character, after all. Kathy Chen writes in today's Wall Street Journal that some are hoping that Hong Kong will have a greater influence on China than the other way around, and there is ample historical precedent for conquerors being greatly influenced by the conquered.

One thing: don't expect the border to come down between Hong Kong and mother China. People have been coming from the mainland in search of freedom and opportunity for a long time--"Immigration is the sincerest form of flattery," as American entertainer Jack Paar once said--and, even if the freedom mostly disappears, as is likely, Hong Kong's economic attractions are likely to persist. The Chinese government isn't prepared to cope with a flood from the mainland.

Here's the view from the Hong Kong Standard as well as from London's Daily Telegraph, which reports that there's not a whole lot of good will at the end of this historical epoch. But, then, there wasn't much at the beginning either. More than 150 years ago, Britain took Hong Kong by force because the Chinese were annoyed that foreigners were importing opium into their country in such enormous quantities and with such devastating effect. It was a period of humiliation during which outsiders carved up and exploited China in a merciless manner, and few Chinese have forgotten, whatever their politics. China had the most advanced civilization on earth many centuries ago when Europeans were mostly still living in mud huts, and the Chinese haven't forgotten that either. Foreign exploitation over many years fired a yearning for the unification of China that helped bring the communists to power. As Mao said in his victory speech in Tiananmen Square in 1949, "China has stood up."

Other new eras begin tomorrow as well (Monday, 6/30/97)
The Hong Kong handover might be the most momentous, but Americans will look back on July 1, 1997 as the day the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act kicked in, as well as the day the 62-year-old federal welfare system formally died. Responsibilities have shifted to the states, and Jean Hopfensperger of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports on how things are going in one of those. Also, Barbara Vobejda and Judith Havemann of the Washington Post provide some perspective as the era of "one size fits all" ends.

Strong threat from BA (Monday, 6/30/97)
British Airways is threatening to fire and sue for damages any workers who go on strike, according to London's Financial Times. Cabin staff overwhelmingly indicated support for a strike last week, and it's expected that the union representing ground staff will announce a willingness to strike as well.

Clinton offers different spin on capital gains (Monday, 6/30/97)
President Clinton has decided that he'd rather not reduce the capital gains tax rate, but has another idea.

Austrians unenthusiastic about EU membership (Monday, 6/30/97)
Wiener Zeitung reports that there is less popular support in Austria for membership in the European Union than in any of the other countries involved. A survey conducted by the EU Commission found that 38 percent of Austrians feel that membership would be a good thing for their country's future, compared to an average of 58 percent across EU countries. Also, Salzburger Nachrichten reports that the Austrian government expects to complete pension reform negotiations by September with the public-sector trade union Gewerkschaft der Oeffentlicher Dienst.

Talks continue, strike continues at Pontiac (Monday, 6/30/97)
Todd Nissen reports that the strike at the Pontiac truck plant has passed a milestone, of sorts.

Steel plant may start up again in Belgium (Monday, 6/30/97)
The Swiss-Italian steel maker Duferco SA has a plan for restarting operations at Walloon's Forges de Clabecq SA, and unions say they're pleased with the idea, but want more information, according to Le Soir. Also, France's Prime Minister Jospin is being criticized by members of his governing coalition and some trade unions for not stopping the closure of Renault SA's Vilvoorde factory in Belgium. The Socialist leader became PM after campaigning that he would deal with his own country's high unemployment rate. Les Echos has this story today, as well as one about the Socialist-led government's probably having to take austerity measures to control France's deficit, suggesting that the new government may start to look more like the old government. A reason: economic realities that smart people can recognize, whatever their overall ideologies. Many political observers in France expect the new government to follow many of the same policies as the old in the long run, but may do a better job of communicating the need for them to the French public.

Some immigrants aren't getting paid for their work (Monday, 6/30/97)
Not startling news, perhaps, given the long history of exploitation of immigrants over much of the world, including New York City. A bill is being introduced that is intended to help. Also in the New York Times today, how unions are using e-mail in their organizing efforts.

Things haven't turned out quite as the South African government expected (Monday, 6/30/97)
South Africa's Business Report says that the government had expected to add 126,000 new jobs in the non-agricultural sector last year, but, instead, saw a decline of 71,000 jobs. Economic growth forecasts have also been scaled back for 1997. Meanwhile, Business Day reports that public service unions will begin their protest of government pay offers tomorrow. A national strike could result by the end of the month, they say.

What industry accounts for 14% of American GDP and has no system for ensuring quality? (Monday, 6/30/97)
Health care, says Henry Simmons of the Christian Science Monitor, and he thinks something should be done about it. There is growing concern in the United States that efforts to get health care costs under control are threatening the quality of care.

How's your program for working out, er, working out? (Monday, 6/30/97)
Newsday's Randi Feigenbaum tells how women can combine work with exercise.

New tax cut law should be final by August (Sunday, 6/29/97)
The House and Senate have passed their own versions of the big tax cut bill, and the two houses of Congress expect to be able to work things out in short order. So, let's see--taxes will be cut, and the federal budget will be balanced within a few years. It would seem that this means an intended scaling back of government's role, which has been the ideology throughout much of the world lately, and, to some extent, the reality as well. Except that the changes haven't been all in one direction, as the recent French election illustrates. Is it that the free world is in the process of working out some sort of Hegelian synthesis of familiar stereotypically "liberal" and "conservative" points of view, just in time for the new millennium?

Sales manager awarded $12 million in discrimination case (Sunday, 6/29/97)
She says her company retaliated when she complained of discrimination. Now, Johnson & Johnson will pay, the court says.

Leader wants Teamsters rank and file to authorize a strike (Sunday, 6/29/97)
The president of the Teamsters wants a strike authorization to help negotiations along a bit with United Parcel Service. In a somewhat related story, Clay Richards reports that Las Vegas is growing faster than any other city in the U.S. and jobs are plentiful. Wait a minute--what do these have in common? For years, it's been widely reported that Teamsters pension funds helped finance the development of both of these successes. That's been the rumor, anyway. It's just what we've heard. It's a small world after all.

Pilots want mediation (Sunday, 6/29/97)
Tony Kennedy reports in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the union representing pilots at Northwest Airlines wants to call in the federal mediators. In other labor news, Caterpillar and the UAW already have mediation, according to Francine Knowles of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Will Medicare changes make more elderly into street persons? (Sunday, 6/29/97)
Tom Hamburger and Bill Martin report that many older people in the United States are very nervous about changes in Medicare that appear to be on the budget-balancing horizon. On other issues relating to the late years of life, Albert Crenshaw of the Washington Post discusses the increasing complexity of retirement planning, particularly when it comes to taxes, and Newsday's Lynn Brenner advises a correspondent on vacation pay and a 401(k). Also, Wall Street Journal's Ellen Schultz discusses the options for your accumulated retirement funds when you leave your company, and Sally Flax suggests that we think before we leap, when it comes to privatizing Social Security.

Being paid with something other than money (Sunday, 6/29/97)
Money isn't everything, and some other forms of compensation may be favored by both employee and employer. Steven Ginsberg reports in the Washington Post.

South Korea still on track, officials feel (Sunday, 6/29/97)
When many people hear the term "economic miracle," they tend to think of either Germany or Japan, both of which rose from the ashes of World War II to become two of the most powerful, vital economies in history, even though both are having some trouble now. For instance, Japan's unemployment now matches the all-time high of last year, according to the Nando Times. However, South Korea was also devastated by war, and even more recently. Still, in just a few short years, it has moved from being a poor, third-world country in nearly every respect to the 15th economy in the world, one of the world's industrial powerhouses with a much higher standard of living than previously and a rapidly expanding middle class. However, South Korea's been stumbling a bit lately too, but the Japan Times reports that officials feel that it's only a temporary loss of momentum along a track that will eventually lead to economic superstardom.

Many workers have teens in the next room (Sunday, 6/29/97)
A growing number of people with children are taking advantage of opportunities to work at home in order to have things both ways. However, the Wall Street Journal's Sue Shellenbarger reports that not all of the children are young. Despite their apparent attitudes at times--because part of a teen's job is to learn independence, and attitude can sometimes substitute for reality--older kids need to have their parents around too.

A different kind of "wailing wall" at Smith Reynolds Airport (Sunday, 6/29/97)
Workers at US Airways express their feelings about being transferred.

Privatization revenues to help the poor in Jordan (Sunday, 6/29/97)
From Amman, here's a story about giving the poor a stake in privatization.

UK backs provision of EU's "social chapter" (Sunday, 6/29/97)
The European Union has been working through new rules for governing workplace conditions, and the new government in Britain is supporting a provision that will make it easier for persons suffering sexual discrimination to make their case. Charles Bremner reports for today's London Times.

Supreme Court will decide affirmative action case (Saturday, 6/28/97)
James Vicini reports that the Clinton administration seems to have lost on this one. Here's the story from Linda Greenhouse of the New York Times as well. Meanwhile, the Clinton administration is examining its options in relation to affirmative action and college admissions. Also, Peter Applebome writes that minority law school enrollments have gone way down in California and Texas, and the Baltimore Sun reports that college educated black women are closing the income gap.

Senate also passes tax cut bill (Saturday, 6/28/97)
The House already passed its version. More lies ahead, though, before it becomes law. Tabassum Zakaria reports.

Former Texaco executive indicted (Saturday, 6/28/97)
He is accused of destroying records relating to the big discrimination case. Also from Reuters today, growth during the first quarter was even greater than thought, talks continue at Continental Airlines, data show an unclear economic picture in Japan, the Pentagon will take a close look at coed training, and a report indicates that the U.S. Army needs to do a better job of choosing people to be drill sergeants.

Want to become a police officer? (Saturday, 6/28/97)
Here's a look at that occupation from Lisa Doll's "Job Hunt" column. Incidentally, police and firefighters share some occupational hazards with others who deliberately expose themselves to situations that most people don't want to go near, such as emergency room workers, psychotherapists, and so on. However, firefighters have special cancer risks too, according to new research.

Unions want NAFTA changes (Friday, 6/27/97)
A coalition's report says gains have been offset by costs to workers and the environment. Meanwhile, the new edition of Business Week says NAFTA hasn't resulted in the export of many jobs to Mexico, but it has made it harder for American union organizers.

Big pension fund losses in Denmark (Friday, 6/27/97)
The value of shares held by Danish pension funds lost 1.4 billion kroner. The funds have divested themselves of major holdings in ISS A/S, the world's largest cleaning-services company, following a dramatic drop in the value of the company's stock, according to Borsen.

Some effects of the new tax bill (Friday, 6/27/97)
The Washington Post's Kirstin Downey Grimsley reports that the tax bill passed by the American House of Representatives yesterday would make it easier for businesses to make "independent contractors" out of "employees." She explains what this would mean for many workers. Basically, it would mean they'll be on their own, which has been a general trend in the new world economy.

Finding work in the suburbs (Friday, 6/27/97)
The Christian Science Monitor's Linda Feldmann writes about a program that helps the urban poor link up with jobs in the suburbs. Incidentally, a Michigan State University economist has found that, despite public beliefs to the contrary, bias still limits the economic progress of African Americans.

Austrian chancellor says pension reforms must proceed (Friday, 6/27/97)
According to Wiener Zeitung, Austrian Chancellor Klima says proposed changes in Austria's pension system are necessary in order to be sure that the country will have a viable social welfare system over the next several decades. However, he emphasized that a changed pension system must be fair, particularly to women, who are at a disadvantage presently.

Workers in Chicago school system must reapply for their jobs (Friday, 6/27/97)
Edward Walsh writes about the latest in the turbulent Chicago school system, the third-largest in the United States.

Australian government backs down on unfair dismissal issue (Friday, 6/27/97)
Tony Wright reports in today's Sydney Morning Herald that the Australian Federal Government has changed its plans about trying to secure exemption for small businesses from unfair dismissal laws.

What Americans think of globalization (Friday, 6/27/97)
Albert Hunt writes in today's Wall Street Journal as part of a special report on American public opinion. Lots of articles, and much worth reading. The Journal does this four times per year.

Another way to reduce Medicare costs (Friday, 6/27/97)
Medicare would cost $23 billion less if fraud and waste could be eliminated, according to this Los Angeles Times story.

A new book about the original "efficiency expert" (Friday, 6/27/97)
Robert Kanigel has written a new biography of Frederick Winslow Taylor, and finds that opinions still differ after all these years about whose friend he was, the worker's or the employer's.

Can Europe's job problems be blamed on hi-tech? (Friday, 6/27/97)
No, says this writer in the new edition of Business Week. And, if he's right, it eliminates the justification for "job sharing" on the continent.

Israeli Industry and Trade Minister forecasts big engineer shortage (Friday, 6/27/97)
Minister Natan Sharansky said yesterday that his country will need 7,000 more electronic engineers than it will have by the year 2000. Here's the story from today's Jeruselum Post.

First Amendment holds (Thursday, 6/26/97)
The American Supreme Court, in a decision that is likely to be the lead story for all major American news organizations throughout the remainder of the day, has struck down the so-called "decency law" for regulating the Internet. The law recently was passed with enthusiasm by the American Congress and President Clinton. However, the Court presumably feels that the issue is not whether we dislike some of the content on the Internet or whether we believe that some of it can have destructive effects, particularly with respect to the development of children. History has been filled with people, including many ambitious politicians, who have believed that restrictions on the free flow of information or on free inquiry are somehow good for us, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary across many centuries.

Nearly a year and a half ago, we took an essentially absolutist position on this key First Amendment issue, even though you're highly unlikely to see anything here at BNWW & NWN that you would not want your five-year-old exposed to. Nonetheless, we have heard that our site is unpopular with the Chinese government and may be on a list of mainstream information sites to which China will attempt to block access within the country, even though anyone searching for titillation will think we bore the dead.

At any rate, if this is China's attitude, it helps to explain the Supreme Court's reasoning, and why this issue is so important. Social organization is in large part a consequence of who can talk to whom about what under what circumstances. Totalitarianism has never liked the free flow of communication. Simply the increasing availability of ordinary office copy machines probably helped bring down the old Soviet system. The Internet is something else again, and we can understand why many politicians don't particularly like it, and what their underlying concerns really are.

Budget balancing bills pass both houses of Congress (Thursday, 6/26/97)
Both Senate and House versions would balance the federal budget for the first time in 30 years, but differences between the two will have to be worked out before President Clinton receives a bill for his signature. Sue Kirchhoff reports that cuts in Medicare and Medicaid spending are included in the legislation. Lawrence Goodrich, in a piece that seems to have been written before the Congressional action, says Medicare reform is coming, one way or another, and for good reason. Isabelle de Pommereau reports on how changes in Medicare look from Miami Beach, and two major Washington political figures offer their views on "messing with Medicare" in this Washington Post article.

Greek government wants agreement on wages (Thursday, 6/26/97)
Naftemboriki reports that the Greek government is proposing that trade unions limit wage increases over two years that would allow a reduction in the nation's inflation rate to 2 percent by 1999. Labor leaders, on the other hand, are proposing that the government tax government profits to help finance the creation of more jobs.

House expected to approve big tax cut bill today (Thursday, 6/26/97)
David Rosenbaum of the New York Times says that, among other things, about 1000 taxpayers would harvest a bonanza.

GM and UAW apparently near agreement (Thursday, 6/26/97)
The nine-week old strike at a General Motors truck plant isn't over, but agreement may be on the horizon. One may end, another may begin. At the same time, a strike is a possibility at British Airways.

Joblessness increases in Italy (Thursday, 6/26/97)
Crispian Balmer reports on the increase in unemployment in Italy. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Nando Times reports that while new jobless claims were down last week, the less-volatile longer-term average was up, complicating interpretations a bit. Nonetheless, the American economy is still a powerhouse. Incidentally, the Washington Post's Steven Pearlstein writes about life in a turbulent, evolving economy where individuals can more readily rise and fall.

New maternity leave law in Switzerland (Thursday, 6/26/97)
Under the new law, which has not yet been finalized, mothers would be able to collect 80 percent of their salaries during 14 weeks of maternity leave, according to Tages- Anzeiger.

Shortage of top candidates (Thursday, 6/26/97)
Timothy Schellhardt reports in today's Wall Street Journal that the pool of qualified candidates for top corporate executive jobs has thinned, in part because of downsizing over several years. Also, Thomas Ricksan and Steve Glain report that the Pentagon is putting preparations in place for leading a major aid effort in order to maintain stability in the region of the Korean peninsula once the expected collapse of North Korea occurs. The collapse has been expected for a long time. Many may have underestimated the North Korean people's capacity for deprivation and suffering, but all indications are that a complete economic and political collapse is inevitable.

Workplace suit arises in relation to a TV episode (Thursday, 6/26/97)
An episode of the top-rated American TV show "Seinfeld" was aired, which led to events that led to the firing of a Miller Brewing Company executive, which led to his suing the company. Got all that? Here are details from Long Island's Newsday.

A solution to the migrant worker pay problem (Thursday, 6/26/97)
Barnaby Feder tells about McKay Nursery, which has become an employee-owned company.

China pleased with vote in the U.S. Congress (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
China is assured of Most Favored Nation trade status for another year. American officials have been nervous about China's continuing record on human rights, but, given that, as China's economic power and influence in Asia increase, the communist colossus is becoming less concerned with what Americans think, the Clinton administration and the Congress seem to feel that there is little to be gained by denying China MFN status. They'll take a look again next year, though, and China would rather that they not. Andrew Browne writes that the MFN vote is a boost for the "new" Hong Kong only days before it's turned back to China. Leo O'Neill says that Hong Kong will continue to be a major economic influence, and Seth Faison points out that, even though the communists are coming, the communists are coming, the Hong Kong stock market is surging. Finally, the New York Times' Keith Richburg reports that the last British governor of Hong Kong is optimistic about the future of democracy in the soon-to-be former British colony. So, quit your worrying, okay? The Chinese government is made up of a bunch of sweet guys, and everything's cool, okay? Okay?

Control wages to cut unemployment, Swedish economists say (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
According to a report in Dagens Nyheter, economists affiliated with a blue-collar labor union in Sweden are saying that the government can't cut unemployment in half by the year 2000 without structural changes, including holding back wages. Otherwise, low unemployment will result in higher inflation, they say.

North Korean government wants to talk more about peace (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
Officially, the Korean War of nearly 50 years ago never ended. There has simply been an uneasy truce over all these years which has become increasingly unstable recently, particularly with the collapse of the North Korea economy and widespread famine in the country. The contrast between the economies of the two Koreas is as great as any in the world, and Seoul, a modern albeit congested city, one of the world's largest, sits only a few miles from the border it shares with the North, which is under the control of increasingly paranoid leaders with short-range missiles. We all need some good news from the Korean peninsula, for years one of the most dangerous places on earth, and maybe this is it.

Consider ethics when investing pension funds, Danes say (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
A poll finds that about two-thirds of the Danish population believes that ethical considerations should be taken into account when investing pension funds. Politiken has the story today. Also, Berlingske Tidende reports that government authorities are investigating the fraudulent use of divorce as a means of increasing welfare benefits. That is, some persons are getting divorced but continue to live together and collect welfare benefits for two households.

Millions of refugees worry the Council of Europe (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
The story about the "smithereening" of the old Soviet Union isn't over. What about the millions of people who have been displaced? The Council of Europe has been meeting in France, and it is concerned. Speaking of France, the new government there isn't greatly pleased with the attitude of the U.S. at the recent economic summit in Colorado; but, then, France hasn't been happy with the prospect of American dominance for many years.

Andrew Young checks out Nike in Asia (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
Things may not be as bad for workers in the Nike plants of Asia as has been reported. Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young has been there taking a look. Here's Mike Cooper's story on what Young has found.

Highest consumer confidence in nearly 30 years (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
One of the ways the American economy is tracked is with measures of consumer confidence. One of these finds the best numbers since 1969. Also, in case you've been wondering how the Labor Department's experimental CPI is doing, it held steady in May. The regular Consumer Price Index has been accused of overestimating inflation, which, if true, would also inflate government payouts that are tied to the CPI.

You go, honey; I'll stay (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
You may not find it surprising, but a new study finds that men are more reluctant to relocate because of their wives' careers, than the other way around.

The Internet and the rich-poor gap (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
The Internet has been a topic of discussion in talks in Singapore and Malaysia.

Senate votes in favor of Medicare means test (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
The well-off among America's elderly may be paying higher premiums for some medical services as part of a plan to keep the Medicare program solvent. Here's news about the Senate vote yesterday. In somewhat related news, Robert Pear of the New York Times reports that HMOs don't want to pay for some emergency care. It's all part of trying to cope with health care costs in the United States by rationing services and shifting a larger portion of the cost to consumers of service.

Finally: hard data on the PC's economic impact (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
A famous study at MIT during the 1980s couldn't find any productivity increases as a consequence of computerization, despite enormous investments in hi-tech over many years. At the time, many persons thought it was more a people problem than a technology problem. That is, the American work community simply hadn't learned how to make full use of the technology. Now, that seems to have changed, and the personal computer, perhaps the most important technology in human history, seems to be influencing the Gross Domestic Product.

Argentine workers concerned about the future (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
Jonathan Friedland writes in today's Wall Street Journal about the concern of workers in Argentina now that the safety net is being left behind. Workers are afraid they'll be left behind too, even though the country's economy is beginning to boom. Also, Sue Shellenbarger says you may think you're too tough to burn out, but think again.

Big boom in minority women-owned businesses (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
The National Foundation for Women Business Owners says that businesses owned by minority women have been doing well, and there's a lot more of them.

A comment on affirmative action (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
Katherine Kersten writes in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune that affirmative action isn't the answer. And the question is? Also in the Strib today, Lani Guinier comments in this New York Times article about academic admission standards. She says the problem hasn't been simply with affirmative action, but, instead, with the way all students are selected for inclusion in American academic programs. Speaking of such things, Luis Garcia writes in the Sydney Morning Herald that the wealthy are heavily represented in prestigious university programs in Australia.

Welfare recipients as celebrities (Wednesday, 6/25/97)
Jason DeParle reports in today's New York Times that some welfare recipients are getting a lot of media attention in Wisconsin.

Head of Texaco task force appointed (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
The largest discrimination case in history involved Texaco and was settled some time ago. Part of that settlement is a task force to oversee employment practices in the company. The Washington Post reports today that Deval Patrick will be in charge.

Training the unskilled in Michigan (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
David Wessel writes in today's Wall Street Journal about a tight labor market in Michigan and efforts on the part of Grand Rapids companies to train the unskilled. Getting to work is the first lesson, he says. Also, Tony Lee writes that if you have a company helping to find your next job, be sure they're really helping. Sometimes outside helpers can really be a hindrance, he warns.

"Means test" plan modified by Senate panel (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
The affluent elderly would still pay more under revised Medicare rules proposed in the Senate, but the revised system might be a bit more acceptable to lobbying organizations, such as the American Association of Retired Persons. Robert Pear reports this morning in the New York Times

House defies president on preserving military jobs (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
President Clinton has wanted to preserve thousands of military jobs in California and Texas, but the House of Representatives doesn't agree. Here's Eric Schmitt's story.

Physicians strike in Belgium (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
In the view of many physicians in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, the government has mandated rationing in health care, and they have begun a five-day strike in protest. Organizers threaten to take the strike across the country unless the Belgian government backs down, according to Le Soir.

Austrian union official opposes government pension reform plans (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
Wiener Zeitung reports that the head of Gewerkschaft Oeffentlicher Dienst, the public-sector trade union, opposes the Austrian government's plan to change eligibility requirements for state pensions, as well as increasing employee monthly contributions. Fritz Verzetnitsch says the proposed changes would make it more difficult for workers to make retirement plans.

Average American home now worth more than $90,000 (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
The federal government says that the median value of American homes in 1995 was $92,500. However, the great variability across regions might be the most important part of the story. Remember, with your feet in the oven and your head in the refrigerator, on the average, you're comfortable, right?

Coping with too many messages (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
American work settings are getting clogged with messages of all types, and hi-tech is largely responsible.

More growth needed to reduce unemployment, French official says (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
France's Social Affairs Minister has told labor leaders that stronger growth will be needed in order to reduce the country's record unemployment rate, which has been the highest among industrial countries. Les Echos has that story this morning, while Le Figaro reports that the new government estimates that a program permitting early retirement for workers who have paid into state pensions for 40 years will cost nearly 40 billion francs.

Women declared key resource at environmental conference (Tuesday, 6/24/97)
If development is to be sustainable, it will largely depend on women, according to this report from Alexandra Marks of the Christian Science Monitor. Also in the Monitor today, David Francis says that a cut in the capital gains tax won't necessarily create a boom, and speaking of booms, Scott Baldauf tells about the building boom going on at some American colleges. James Tyson tells about the increasing role of the Internet in the ever-important career networking process, while Shelley Donald Coolidge passes on some hints from networking guru Harvey Mackay, who has a new book on the topic. Finally, Jonathan Decker writes about a new type of bridal registry intended to help young marrieds buy a home.

Colorado summit ends (Monday, 6/23/97)
The leaders of the world's richest democratic industrial economies, until recent days consistently referred to as "G7," concluded talks yesterday in time for all the rich guys to be back at work this morning. Daniel Sneider of the Christian Science Monitor tells about Russia's entry into the exclusive club and what it means. Incidentally, pop quiz: Who are the "G7," anyway? The seven rich industrial nations are the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Japan, Italy, and France. Russia seems to have joined the group, so we can expect it to be "G8" from now on.

However, the criteria of group membership will have to be redefined a bit. Russia was brought to the conference table, not so much because of current free market success, which has been greatly limited so far, but because of possible future potential. Also, because Russia's success as a budding democracy and market economy is important for everybody. It doesn't take much imagination to see the implications for everybody else's plans if both were to fail and Russia were to return to its centralized, totalitarian ways. Russia has no long-term democratic tradition. Its political and economic systems have been centralized for centuries, not just during the 20th century Soviet period.

Also, with only about a week to go before one of the world's most open and successful market economies is turned over to the world's largest totalitarian communist state, Hong Kong was much on the minds of conference participants. China is expected to have the world's largest economy within a few years and a democratic China clearly isn't on the immediate horizon. If you're expecting China to preserve democracy in Hong Kong itself, well, you probably have quite a lot of imagination.

But, wait, maybe Hong Kong is really taking over southern China, says Kevin Platt. Instead of greater centralization, are we seeing a major step toward greater regional autonomy and an eventual political breakup?

Iberia Air lines to distribute cash and shares to employees (Monday, 6/23/97)
El Mundo reports that Spain's national airline intends to distribute 5.42 billion pesetas to employees in the form of cash and shares amounting to about 4 percent of the company. The payout is part of an agreement to share profits and compensate for salary payment delays during the years 1993 and 1994.

Wilson blasts Clinton over affirmative action (Monday, 6/23/97)
California Governor Pete Wilson has accused President Clinton of fostering reverse discrimination through his support of affirmative action programs, and, by so doing, undermining equality in the United States. The Los Angeles Times has the story today, and here it is via Reuters. Also in the Los Angeles Times today, a report on how Americans are responding after the big Philadelphia volunteerism summit has long faded from the front pages. Here's the story from Long Island's Newsday

South African mine workers reject offer (Monday, 6/23/97)
According to South Africa's Business Day, the National Union of Mineworkers has rejected a wage offer that would have increased worker pay by up to a third at some of the lowest paid mines. The proposal would also would have allowed mines to operate every day of the year with the exception of public holidays.

Health care plans examined (Monday, 6/23/97)
Lawrence Goodrich of the Christian Science Monitor discusses efforts on the part of the Congress and the Clinton administration to find a way of extending health coverage to millions of American children presently lacking it. Also in the Monitor today, Laura Siegel reports that immigrants are flocking to the community colleges, and Werner Fornos writes about the inherent connection between population growth and global warming. The enormous expansion of population in recent history is unique in human experience, and is driving most major economic, social, and environmental problems across the globe. Of course, among other things, economics is about natural resources, and there is no more fundamental natural resource than the earth itself.

World population stood at approximately one billion in 1840 or so. Now, it stands at more than 6 billion, which means that we have accumulated more than five times as many people on earth during only about the last 150 years as it took all of human history up until 1840 to accumulate. To put things in perspective, visit any cemetery, and you will easily find headstones for persons born before 1840 whom persons still living knew and talked to. As another exercise in understanding how much the world has changed in such a brief time, write a letter to Theodore Roosevelt, whom some persons still living remember, and explain the Internet to him.

Should we worry about the far right in Germany? (Monday, 6/23/97)
Europeans remember what happened in Germany when unemployment was last about where it is now. A man named Hitler was quickly transformed from a obscure crackpot few took seriously to Chancellor of Germany. William Drozdiak of the Washington Post reports that rightist parties are finding some fertile fields in economic distress over much of the continent, but, while public attitudes in Germany seem faintly familiar, Rolf Schlierer's far-right Republicans party isn't finding it easy to attract voter support. Also in the Post today, nationally syndicated columnist William Raspberry discusses parent training. At least slightly related is Randi Feigenbaum Newsday piece on the new book, Working Fathers, on helping dad succeed.

Survey says Danes support lower minimum wage for youth (Monday, 6/23/97)
A survey conducted by the Greens Analysis Institute finds that more than 60 percent of Danish voters would like to see the minimum wage for young people lowered. They also support a reduction in the period during which the unemployed are entitled to welfare, which currently stands at five years, according to Borsen.

What good is a resume? (Monday, 6/23/97)
A well-written resume won't get you a job, so what's its role? Claudia Gryvatz Copquin explains why a good resume is still important and what you should expect from it.

Major Mexican union figure leaves the scene (Monday, 6/23/97)
Julia Preston of the New York Times explains why the late Fidel Velazquez Sanchez was important.

Weekend news from the economic mountain top in Colorado (Sunday, 6/22/97)
Rich Miller reports that the seven or the eight or whatever we should be calling them now are agreeing that more should be done to strengthen the new global economy, while David Sanger describes the fundamental unease that hangs over the summit talks in Denver. The New York Times' Louis Uchitelle says that the U.S. is strutting its stuff, basking in the delight of having the strongest economy in the world after years of self-doubt. Incidentally the summit participants took time out to tell Bosnian leaders to shape up. Do more to insure the peace, they say, or face a cutoff of aid.

Regarding pension errors, you're responsible (Sunday, 6/22/97)
You're probably not responsible for creating the errors, but you're responsible for finding them, so better take a look, says Albert Crenshaw of the Washington Post.

Health care reform didn't happen, but has been happening anyway (Sunday, 6/22/97)
The Clinton administration's ambitious plan for essentially rebuilding the American health care system from the ground up, and, to the minds of many, fixing much that hasn't been broken, went down in flames several years ago. So, what's been happening? Columnist Robert Reno says that incremental changes have been creating a revolution anyway, and many of the people who were unhappy with the original plan are also unhappy now.

Getting your copy write (Sunday, 6/22/97)
Wanna right, er, write jingles, commercials, junk mail pieces? Here's information about the work life of a copywriter from Lisa Doll of Newsday. Also, Carrie Mason-Draffen advises a correspondent on how to recover lost benefits, and Lynn Brenner tells about what it takes to qualify for Medicaid, and what difference Supplemental Security Income makes.

Should "workfare" workers receive minimum wage? (Sunday, 6/22/97)
Yes, says today's Minneapolis Star Tribune in its editorial.

Some perspective on employment references (Sunday, 6/22/97)
Former employers are reluctant to share much information, and here's why.

Judge rules in favor of Detroit newspaper strikers (Saturday, 6/21/97)
The newspaper strike has gone on in Detroit for nearly two years. Now, a judge has ruled that the strikers must be rehired, but appeals will be filed, and they could mean more years before final settlement. Here's the story from Reuters, as well as from the two major papers involved, the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press. For a chronology and the strikers' perspective, check out the strike paper, the Detroit Journal.

Formal sessions begin in Colorado (Saturday, 6/21/97)
The summit meeting sessions of what has been referred to as "G7" are underway in Colorado. Incidentally, "G" in this case refers to "group," which we think is terribly creative too. At any rate, it is the "group of the seven" largest industrial economies in the world. Peter Baker of the Washington Post adds some perspective on the opening of the summit, and here's a Minneapolis Star Tribune story about Russia's long and unlikely journey to this particular conference table. In fact, despite coolness from some members, U.S. President Clinton is talking as though Russia has full membership, and that the exclusive club will have to be called "G8" from now on, according to Steven Erlanger of the New York Times. Also, the Washington Post's David Hoffman reports that the billionaire who promoted free market capitalism in Russia isn't pleased with how things have gone so far.

Millions could starve in North Korea (Saturday, 6/21/97)
The most irrational, paranoid, and regimented society on earth has been one of the least popular places to live for a long time, but a great many people have had no choice. Those who thought things couldn't get worse in North Korea have been proven wrong. Here's the Reuters story today on the mass starvation that threatens in one of Asia's last "workers' paradises." Also from Reuters today, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is sued for discrimination, new help for entrepreneurs, Hewlett Packard adds more jobs to the hot Irish economy, and the Army's hearing involving its Sergeant Major will be closed.

Bosnian Serbs agree, and aid will come (Saturday, 6/21/97)
Jonathan Randal of the Washington Post reports on a change of heart on the part of the Bosnian Serbs and how it will lead to post-war economic reconstruction.

Clinton expects G7+R to lead the world to a strengthened economy, greater democracy (Friday, 6/20/97)
American President Clinton says that the G7 summit will "cut a new path," with the U.S. economy a model for others, although some members think the U.S. may be overdoing the self-congratulations. Clinton also defends his administration's free-trade policies and complains about Japan's trade surplus. Japan opposes Russia's entry as a full member to make G7 into G8. At the moment, Russia's status is a bit indistinct. Russian President Yeltsin expects the year ahead to be much better than the last, and is on his way to the summit meeting in Colorado, where he plans to meet with President Clinton.

Tories not to be outdone on age issue (Friday, 6/20/97)
The U.K.'s new PM is the youngest since Britain fought the War of 1812 against the United States. Now, the Conservatives have chosen a leader who is even younger to replace former Prime Minister John Major. William Hague is the youngest Conservative leader in nearly two centuries. Does this mean anything? We don't know either. At any rate, here's Alan Wheatley's story from Reuters and Fred Barbash's story from the Washington Post. We do know that the new Conservative head opposes European unity, including the common currency.

Government workers get a raise in Turkey (Friday, 6/20/97)
Milliyet reports that the Turkish government has announced a pay increase for government employees for the second half of the year to compensate for the country's 75% inflation rate.

Music company to cut costs, jobs (Friday, 6/20/97)
EMI Group Plc. expects to cut about 135 workers in its U.S. operations.

Greek plan for reducing inflation (Friday, 6/20/97)
An economist who advises Greek Prime Minister Simitis has issued a report in which he calls for a tough wage policy plus other measures, such as a one-time 10% tax on corporate profits. Economist Ioannis Spraos expects his suggested policies to slow inflation to 2.0 by 1999, which was running at 5.4 percent last month. Naftemboriki has the story this morning.

Increase in France's minimum wage proposed by new PM (Friday, 6/20/97)
France's Prime Minister Jospin is proposing a 4 percent increase in his country's minimum wage, but says that the job creation programs he promised in his recent campaign must be slowed because of the country's shaky finances. Maybe things haven't changed so much in France after all.

Spanish Finance Minister warns salary increases are too high (Friday, 6/20/97)
According to Gaceta de los Negocios, Spanish Finance Minister Rato says that negotiated salary increases average 4.2 this year, while last month's inflation rate was 1.5 percent. He says the salary increases are excessive and threaten the country's competitiveness and economic growth.

Prodi will negotiate on pension reforms (Friday, 6/20/97)
The Italian Prime Minister is on his way to the G7 meeting in the U.S. In response to union objections to his proposals for reforming the country's pension system, he says he is willing to negotiate. Union leaders don't like the idea of limiting seniority pensions or requiring partial paybacks from those receiving large pensions, according to Corriere della Sera.

German plan to reduce its deficit (Friday, 6/20/97)
Europe's efforts to integrate its local national economies to a greater extent in order to complete more effectively in the revolutionary new world economy may depend on what happens in Germany, which, despite troubles, is still the leading economy in Europe. For instance, if Germany doesn't qualify for the common currency, there probably won't be any, and its large deficits make this questionable. However, the German government has a new plan, as reported by William Drozdiak in today's Washington Post. Also in the Post today, some opinions about how the Republicans are wanting to throw money at a problem, as they've complained about Democrats doing over the years. It all has to do with health care for more American children.

Hot civilian job market is bad news for the military (Friday, 6/20/97)
The American military may not be able to meet its recruitment goals because of employment opportunities in the civilian economy, according to Thomas Ricks in today's Wall Street Journal. Also, Ellen Schultz says you should be careful about putting your retirement money into an IRA if you're leaving your job. The Journal is on the web, but is fairly pricey. They offer a free trial period, though.

The emerging health care market in Asia (Friday, 6/20/97)
The current international edition of Business Week offers some perspective on what could become a major business boom in Asia-- private health care. Also, the respective roles of productivity and wage restraint in America's competitiveness, and continuing high unemployment in Argentina, despite an improving overall economic picture in that country.

More storm clouds developing over Medicare (Friday, 6/20/97)
Support for a Senate plan to make major changes in Medicare in order to insure its viability has been fading. Adam Clymer reports for today's New York Times

Preparations continue for G7 summit this weekend (Thursday, 6/19/97)
President Clinton will set the agenda and is upbeat going into the meeting of the most exclusive, upscale club in the world, the organization of the world's richest industrial nations. Europeans will find a lot to envy in the American economy at the moment. Also, Craig Hines reports that Yeltsin's position at the table also makes this particular meeting different.

South African arms industry falling on hard times (Thursday, 6/19/97)
As many as 70,000 jobs may be cut in the South African arms industry, according to Business Day. The cuts follow a cut in the country's defense budget in February.

European unity plans move ahead following Amsterdam meeting (Thursday, 6/19/97)
Ruth Walker of the Christian Science Monitor says forward movement is a little wobbly, though. Meanwhile, Newsday's Robert Reno says the French continue to do things their way, and don't expect complete failure, despite current "conventional wisdom." Incidentally, according to Wiener Zeitung this morning, the European Commission reports that Austrian unemployment was 4.4 percent in April, compared to the European Union average of 10.8. Further north, Het Financieele Dagblad reports that unemployment among Dutch youth is the lowest in 10 years, settling in at 5.6 percent for those under 25 during the last three months.

Productivity up in the U.S. (Thursday, 6/19/97)
Productivity rose at a rapid rate in the United States during the first quarter. Productivity levels are critical in determining overall standard of living. Also, Glenn Somerville reports that the American economy continues to expand, although with some "pockets" of weakness very recently.

Four stories from Hong Kong (Thursday, 6/19/97)
With only about ten days to go before one of the most successful, free-wheeling economies on earth is turned over to the world's largest communist state, Edward Gargan of the New York Times focuses on four individuals who help tell Hong Kong's story.

"Employment" undergoing redefinition in Portugal (Thursday, 6/19/97)
Employment is up in Portugal, according to conventional measures, but so is "underemployment," meaning the average number of hours worked per week. Publico has the story today.

A look at Wellstone and the new American welfare system (Thursday, 6/19/97)
Senator Wellstone of Minnesota split with his party's president last year on the new welfare law. Here's some background from today's Christian Science Monitor. Wellstone is widely regarded as the most "liberal" member of the U.S. Senate, and he says he will not run for the Senate again once his present term expires. Recently, he seems to have worked fairly hard to achieve more national visibility, suggesting that he may suspect the national political mood to change a bit in time for the next presidential campaign after a period of "conservatism."

Capitol cops choose a union (Thursday, 6/19/97)
The police who guard Capitol Hill have voted, and it wasn't for the Teamsters. Here's the story from today's Washington Post and the New York Times.

AARP responds to Senate Finance Committee on Medicare (Thursday, 6/19/97)
The Senate Finance Committee would have affluent older people paying more for medical services, and the American Association of Retired Persons dosn't like it, in case you've been puzzled about what their attitude might be. Here's Robert Pear's New York Times story on the Senate committee's action.

University study says New York governor's welfare plan would increase poverty (Thursday, 6/19/97)
Raymond Hernandez of the New York Times reports on the Columbia University study. Governor Pataki's plan would greatly increase the number of people in "deep poverty," researchers say.

Talks on welfare reform start in Italy (Thursday, 6/19/97)
Italian union leaders had rejected the government's first proposals for reforming the country's welfare system. Talks are starting up again, though, according to La Repubblica.

Big mutual fund company to cut jobs (Thursday, 6/19/97)
Fidelity Investments will cut 200 to 250 employees. Here's the story from the New York Times.

EU leaders rewriting rules (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
Leaders of the European Union have been working on revised rules in Amsterdam, but without as much progress as they had hoped. Still, an updated version of the Maastricht Treaty has been worked out, and it may mean that the planned further economic integration of Europe will really happen on schedule. Stay tuned.

Another June graduate (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
Russian president Yeltsin has graduated to a greater role in G7, the exclusive club of the world's largest national economies meeting this week in Denver, Colorado with U.S. President Clinton hosting.

Database company job cuts in Europe (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
Informix Corporation is cutting 17% of its jobs in Europe. Layoffs and attrition will be used in combination.

Means testing coming to Medicare? (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
The more affluent would pay more for medical care under a change in Medicare rules passed by a U.S. Senate committee. Here's the story from Reuters and also from the Washington Post.

Clinton extends Title IX on its 25th anniversary (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
President Clinton says a law against sexual discrimination has greatly affected the U.S. since its passage 25 years ago. He's celebrating by extending it and strengthening enforcement.

Bank officers strike in India (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
India's Financial Express reports that officers of the State Bank of India are started an indefinite nationwide strike.

How military sex issues look from abroad (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
Many persons overseas are puzzled by all of the sex-related stories coming out of the American military. Here's an overview from today's Christian Science Monitor.

A welfare success story (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
The New York Times' Jason DeParle tells about an experiment that seems to be working, for the moment. Also in the Times today, a strawberry grower agrees to keep out of a union organizing effort, Senate Republicans reject a plan to extend Medicaid to millions of children, Clinton joins Congress to promote market economy development in Africa, and Louis Uchitelle examines similarities and differences between the current booming American economy and the "golden age" following World War II.

Rand Corporation concerned about possible narrowing of access to higher education (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
A new study finds that funding issues in American higher education could result in millions of persons not having access to higher education. We expect that, despite inherent limitations, much of higher ed will move on line, in part as a response to costs.

AFL-CIO ads take aim at Republicans on minimum wage issue (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
Frank Swoboda of the Washington Post reports on the huge labor federation's response to Republican efforts to deny workfare workers minimum wage.

Workers controlling inflation, writer says (Wednesday, 6/18/97)
Columnist Robert Reno says that American workers are uneasy, and their unease is keeping inflation down.

Compromise in Amsterdam (Tuesday, 6/17/97)
Germany and France seem satisfied with a deal made at the EU meeting in Amsterdam. It helps clear the way for the common currency. The Wall Street Journal has the story today, and here it is from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Also in the Journal, Michael Moss writes about the aging workforce and the greater likelihood of death for older workers when workplace injuries occur. Employers are reluctant to make special accommodations, however. Also, check out the Journal's story on the London Underground. The former Conservative government had been thinking of privatizing it. Now, the new Labour government has the same idea.

More on the upcoming G7 summit in the U.S. (Tuesday, 6/17/97)
Arshad Mohammed reports that the United States will use the G7 meeting in Denver later this week to talk up the thriving American economy. Also, there will be considerable talk about Russia's new role.

Pension talks break off in Austria (Tuesday, 6/17/97)
A major public sector trade union has broken off negotiations with government officials over reform of the state sector pension system. Wiener Zeitung and other Austrian papers have the story this morning.

Not much diversity on Wall Street, writer says (Tuesday, 6/17/97)
Here's Shelley Donald Coolidge's story. Also in the Christian Science Monitor today, a story about the subtlties of race in the office environment.

Like trying to help a trapped animal (Tuesday, 6/17/97)
Here's why it's hard to help North Korea with its food crisis.

Health care issues in Japan (Tuesday, 6/17/97)
Japan is trying to reform its health care system too, and there are complications, according to today's Japan Times.

Check your pension...now (Tuesday, 6/17/97)
An audit finds pension mistakes are common, but usually not deliberate.

Talk, talk, talk better than strike, strike, strike, Churchill might say (Monday, 6/16/97)
Apologies to the great man for the fractured version of his famous quote, but talks do continue at General Motors.

G7 says gee-whiz (Monday, 6/16/97)
Rich Miller reports that when President Clinton hosts the G7 summit in Denver, he may be asked how he's doing it. Does he know? And is it really Clinton that's doing it? At any rate, David Francis of the Christian Science Monitor says the American economy's envied surge gives no signs of being near its end.

And on another "global economic integration" front... (Monday, 6/16/97)
Leaders from 15 European nations are arriving in Amsterdam for talks about the various twists and turns on the road to a common currency, and a long struggle is expected. A common European language may help. In this case, at least in diplomatic circles, it's "vague-erese." Incidentally, some Europeans are sufficiently opposed to a common currency that they're willing to get themselves arrested in order to make their point. About 200 protesters were arrested in Amsterdam yesterday. France and Germany are key players in this drama. Gail Russell Chaddock writes about how two heads aren't always better than one, and Ruth Walker asks about whether political leaders are in danger of becoming irrelevant. The first of these stories has mostly to do with France and the second with Germany. Meanwhile, since the meeting is in Amsterdam, the New York Times' Marlise Simons examines the Dutch way of achieving prosperity, another sign that the stereotypical thinking isn't good enough. Finally, Fred Hiatt of the Washington Post discusses the more general issue of how increasing economic integration is going to help and who will be helped the most. Not necessarily all workers, he says, but is there an alternative?

New leaders in France say they should help Renault workers (Monday, 6/16/97)
Renault's factory near Brussels, Belgium is scheduled to close soon, and there has been a lot of conflict over what will happen to the plant's workers. The new Socialist-led government in France says they should help more, according to Le Soir. Also, Les Echos reports that the new government supports an increase in the minimum wage of more than 4%.

Unemployment up in Israel (Monday, 6/16/97)
Unemployment rose in May, but inflation declined, according to Yediot Achronot.

Paralegals doing better (Monday, 6/16/97)
Demand, status, and pay are on the increase for paralegals, according to this Washington Post story. Also in the Post this morning, training for job-related attitude adjustments. Along related lines, The Wall Street Journal's Hal Lancaster discusses the need for stress management and conflict resolution skills.

Big technology report (Monday, 6/16/97)
Today's Wall Street Journal contains a major report on technology. Many articles.

Adultery and military careers (Monday, 6/16/97)
The New York Times' Thomas Friedman says we should avoid destroying military careers, and he wonders why the president is AWOL on the issue. Well, maybe he isn't really wondering. Incidentally, Friedman is a regular on the PBS program, "Washington Week in Review." Among the interesting things he's said lately is that China doesn't want to kill the golden goose when it takes over Hong Kong in a couple of weeks, but maybe they don't understand what it eats. While Friedman's metaphors are often instructive, he also sometime gives the impression that he's talking to children.

Strikes averted at GM, for now (Sunday, 6/15/97)
It's a busy weekend at General Motors, as negotiators work to avert strikes at three locations.

A look at working fathers on Father's Day (Sunday, 6/15/97)
Working fathers are doing a pretty good job of balancing work and family, according to a recent survey, but face special demands.

Reflections on France's new direction (Sunday, 6/15/97)
The various new editions of Business Week are filled with work-related stories this time. For one thing, here's an analysis of France's approach to growth with less pain. Also, as another hint that the (new) conventional wisdom may not be totally adequate, how about Italy's state-run companies? They don't fit the stereotype. In fact, there's growing evidence of many kinds that the old stereotypical "liberal vs. conservative" dichotomy from the old politics and the old economy may be obsolete. Meanwhile, back in Europe, here's more on German Chancellor Kohl, who seems to be caught between a rock and a hard rock. On the other side of the Atlantic, a look a indicators of things to come, labor's shrinking share, and the decline in health care wages. Still, Europe might be envious of America's overall jobs situation, and President Clinton heads for the G7 summit with a lot to tell about the booming U.S. economy. Finally, more on Japan's efforts to get things going again, as well as some thoughts about the real viability of workfare in the United States.

How the euro is disuniting Europe (Sunday, 6/15/97)
Edmund Andrews of the New York Times says disunity, rather than unity, characterizes the relationships among European leaders as they head for a meeting in Amsterdam tomorrow.

Divisions remain on health care coverage for children (Sunday, 6/15/97)
Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate are getting closer to the Clinton administration on some issues, but they still differ on how to extend health care coverage to millions of uninsured American children.

On eggs, baskets, and retirement (Sunday, 6/15/97)
Nationally syndicated columnist Jane Bryant Quinn offers some advice about your 401(k). Also, here are revisions of a couple of guides to investment and retirement.

The Internet and job searching (Sunday, 6/15/97)
Colleges are making increasing use of the Internet to get their graduates in contact with employers. Also, you may find the web useful in locating just the right summer job.

Family-friendly bosses (Sunday, 6/15/97)
Here's Patricia Kitchen's report from Newsday. Also, here's some advice on nursing home costs and Medicaid.

Workers' rights under assault, says ICFTU (Saturday, 6/14/97)
Robert Evans reports that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions claims that workers throughout the world are losing out to the dynamics of the new world economy. China, Colombia, and Indonesia have the worst record in abusing workers' rights, they say, but the United States is also singled out.

Negotiators scrambling to prevent strikes at General Motors (Saturday, 6/14/97)
One strike deadline has been extended as others draw near. Strikes could shut down a major portion of GM's North American operations because of ripple effects.

Japan plans new economic reforms (Saturday, 6/14/97)
Many of the European economies are trying to "reform" their economies, in large part to qualify for the European common currency as a step forward in the greater degree of European integration many see as necessary in order for Europe to compete with North America and Asia in the revolutionary new world economy. Japan has announced reform plans as well. In their case, it's part of an effort to jump start the once mighty Japanese economy, which has been struggling lately.

Internet help for the business traveler (Saturday, 6/14/97)
Need information to help improve your business trips? Don't forget the world's newest, biggest information source: the Internet. Michael Conlon has some site-ations.

Some Republican plans to help balance the budget (Saturday, 6/14/97)
The Medicare eligibility age would be raised, if some Republicans get their way, and the elderly would pay more for home health care service. Also, President Clinton doesn't like the Republican tax plan, which he says would hurt poor people, and four committees vote to overturn some of the Administration's interpretations of the welfare reform law.

Overtime greatly on the increase in U.S. factories (Saturday, 6/14/97)
Quite a lot of people have much longer work weeks than used to be the case. Jay Hancock reports in this Baltimore Sun story.

Germany says no to France's public works idea (Saturday, 6/14/97)
Craig Whitney of the New York Times reports that German has rejected a French call for the inclusion of public works programs as part of the European common currency deal. France has one of the highest unemployment rates in the industrial world.

UAW and GM keep talking (Friday, 6/13/97)
Talks have gone on beyond the UAW's strike deadline in Milwaukee.

"Jobless recovery" may hit EU nations, OECD says (Friday, 6/13/97)
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development expects higher average growth across its member countries, but this may not mean comparable job growth in the European Union.

Greek government wants truce with unions in order to qualify for the common currency (Friday, 6/13/97)
The Greek government thinks its country may be able to qualify for the European common currency within two or three years after its introduction if it can negotiate a period of "social peace" with the country's trade unions in order to reduce the likelihood of work stoppages or unexpected cost increases, according to Imerisia.

No decision on injunction, so deportations can resume (Friday, 6/13/97)
The U.S. government is free to resume deportation of illegal immigrants following no court decision.

Job stress and anger related, according to study (Friday, 6/13/97)
A new study finds that women who are highly stressed at work also tend to carry a lot of anger and face increased risk of a variety of health problems. The findings are similar to those supporting the concept of the heart disease-prone "Type A personality" which was identified many years ago, but has focused mostly on men.

Switzerland runner up in health care costs (Friday, 6/13/97)
Tages-Anzeiger reports that Switzerland has the second-highest health care costs in the world. Who's number one? The United States, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Soft landing in Japan (Friday, 6/13/97)
Cameron Barr of the Christian Science Monitor tells how workers are cut at one Japanese company. Also in the Monitor today, Jerome Karabel says President Clinton should defend affirmative action.

Health care will cost Germans more July 1 (Friday, 6/13/97)
As part of the continuing effort to reduce the cost of its social safety net, German citizens will begin paying more for their own health care at the beginning of next month, according to Handelsblatt.

Big cost of caring for the elderly (Friday, 6/13/97)
Kirstin Downey Grimsley writes in the Washington Post about the huge cost to corporations of workers struggling to care for their elderly. Also in the Post today, Paul Nowell says IBM will start looking at job applicants' school grades.

French PM caught in the middle on minimum wage (Friday, 6/13/97)
Prime Minister Lionel Jospin had meetings yesterday with employers and union representatives, which pulled him in opposite directions over labor issues, including the minimum wage, according to Les Echos and other French papers this morning.

Job cuts at Electrolux (Friday, 6/13/97)
The Swedish company is cutting 12,000 jobs, according to today's New York Times.

G7 to become G8? (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Russia has been invited to become a junior member of the elite club of the world's leading industrial nations, but full membership is still in the future. The interest in Russia is based not so much on present reality as hope for the future, as well as the key role Russia will play, one way or another, in determining what happens in Europe and the rest of the world during the years ahead. Nearly everybody has a stake in Russia's future success. At the moment, Russia's economy is struggling to achieve full market status and prosperity, and, at the moment, many Russians are suffering economic hardship. At the same time, Russia's prenatal democratic political institutions are struggling to achieve greater maturity and stability. Incidentally, here's Michael Specter New York Times story about hard times in Russia. Tremendous stresses are aggravating an ailing health care system and contributing to a lot of premature mortality.

Under what conditions does capitalism NOT work? (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Most of the time capitalism works, if the conditions are right, but sometimes it doesn't, according to Harvard's Jeffrey Sachs. Here's Peter Passell's New York Times story.

Affirmative action gets a boost in South Africa (Thursday, 6/12/97)
South Africa's Business Day reports that an amendment to the public service law will allow government ministers to make appointments based on affirmative action criteria. The amendment is intended to bring policy in line with the constitution until a new public service law can be drawn up.

Another strike deadline for GM (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Storms are brewing and possible strikes are appearing on General Motors' horizon. Here's a new strike possibility, as the UAW attempts to preserve jobs in the huge auto company.

Child tax credit proposal defeated in the House (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Tabassum Zakaria reports on the House Ways and Means Committee defeat of Democratic proposals. Also in Congress, Robert Pear reports that Republicans are moving ahead to insure that welfare recipients will not be paid minimum wage, and the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee has adopted a proposal that would mean higher contributions toward their own retirement for government workers. In related news, Eric Black of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says that experts are beginning to see hope for the American Social Security system.

New French government has Portuguese support (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Portugal's Prime Minister Guterres supports France's efforts to gain higher priority for employment in the European Union, according to Diario de Noticias. Speaking of France, the new government will relax its restrictive immigration law, according to Marlise Simons of the New York Times.

German leadership in Europe tested (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Ruth Walker of the Christian Science Monitor explains why German Chancellor Kohl is trying to save European unity, including the common European currency.

Kid gloves for illegal immigrant kids (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Howard LaFranchi reports on the predicament of children who are in the United States illegally.

Conflict over French auto plant in Belgium continues (Thursday, 6/12/97)
De Financieel Economische Tijd reports that workers at Renault SA's Belgian plant are still trying to force the company to keep the plant open, despite plans to close it this summer. An independent expert has been brought in to review those plans, but workers aren't satisfied.

America as an underdeveloped country of 50 million (Thursday, 6/12/97)
More than 40 years ago, author Michael Harrington wrote of "the other America." There are two Americas now too. One is a wealthy, advanced country, while the other is an underdeveloped country with statistics similar to underdeveloped countries throughout the world. A new UN study says 50 million Americans live below the official poverty line. Here's John Goshko's story from today's Washington Post.

Resistance to Austrian government's reform plans (Thursday, 6/12/97)
According to Wiener Zeitung, Austrian civil servants and leaders of the opposition party are blasting government plans to reform the country's retirement system. Chancellor Klima wants to streamline the system, but critics say the changes would result in reduced pensions.

Israeli pharmaceutical firm may move jobs to the U.S. (Thursday, 6/12/97)
Teva is a large Israeli pharmaceutical company, and it says patent laws is Israel are too restrictive. As a consequence, the firm is considering moving part of its research and development activities to the United States, along with more than 100 jobs. Here's the story from today's Jerusalem Post.

Germany wants more EU attention given to unemployment (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports this morning that Germany wants a revision of the Maastricht Treaty to include an employment clause that would encourage more cooperation in dealing with Europe's high unemployment rates. Also, the paper reports that the government is indicating that it is unlikely that there will be further cuts to German employment programs in order to help reduce the nation's deficit. World attention has been focused on both Germany and France during recent weeks because of the key role both countries will have to play if European monetary union is to be achieved. This Christian Science Monitor story discusses the possibility of a split between the two countries and what that might mean for the overall effort. Along these lines, Gail Russell Chaddock writes about the current German attitude toward the new French government's move to redirect European unity. However, Marlise Simons of the New York Times says France is sending signals that it wants to be flexible in order to avoid a crisis over the Euro. David Francis says that France isn't the only country that seems to be losing enthusiasm for more belt-tightening in order to reduce deficits.

"KidCare" plan endorsed in the House (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
A plan to extend health coverage to millions of uninsured American children passed by bipartisan voice vote in a House subcommittee late yesterday. Another House committee voted to restore some benefits to immigrants. Here's Sue Kirchhoff's story.

Electricidade de Portugal workers urged to consider leaving voluntarily (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
Diario de Noticias reports that the EDP's management is saying that about 2,500 of the company's 15,000 workers will lose their jobs. Shares of the state-run utility will be sold to the public for the first time next Monday.

Layoffs at Intuit (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
The maker of popular financial management and tax preparation software is restructuring, and 10 percent of its work force will go. Sales have been sluggish.

Record bankruptcies (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
Bankruptcies in the U.S. were up sharply during the first quarter of the year, both individual and business.

Administration wants better audits to protect pensions (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
The Clinton administration thinks that American pensions need protecting, and they've sent proposed legislation to Congress that would increase pension security, they say. Also, Dina Temple-Raston of the Bloomberg News Service reports that officials are saying that most industrialized countries are facing a "time bomb" because they're not setting aside enough to cover pensions for large, aging populations. Incidentally, in Greece, Kathimerini reports that Prime Minister Simitis reaffirmed the Greek government's intention to begin changing that country's pension and social security system by the end of 1997. Among the problems with the present system is widespread fee evasion, according to reports.

More on sex and the military (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
Jonathan Landay reports that the Pentagon is initiating three reviews on issues relating to the relationship between men and women in the American military. A professor and former military officer expects, in the long-run, that the military will do a better job of integrating men and women than society as a whole has done. Sandy Grady writes in the St. Paul Pioneer Press asks if issues like adultery in the military would be important if we were at war and fighting for our lives. Incidentally, the American Marine Corps trains the sexes separately. Here's Dave Moniz' story.

Republicans still don't want sampling, but experts disagree (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
Republicans in Congress have been opposing a plan to integrate some sampling into the next U.S. Census, in part because of a concern with the political implications of how the count might come out, and, in part, because the general public, for the most part, is not familiar with statistical procedures. While it's widely assumed that trying to count everybody will be more accurate than taking statistically representative samples, experts say that isn't so. When a periodic full count of the American population was made a Constitutional requirement, there were only about four million people in the United States, and statistical sampling procedures hadn't been invented yet. The validity and utility of these procedures can be seen all around us. Nearly everything about modern life would not be possible without the use of statistics, including quality control in manufacturing, as well as most research across most of the sciences and technological fields, including modern medicine. But, of course, all the experts haven't been asked about the Census, only a sample. Actually, no one has taken a complete census of the politicians either. Also, if you don't trust sampling, be sure that you insist that they take all your blood for testing the next time you get a checkup.

The impact of downsizing on government employees (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
Union representation of government employees is down overall, but has increased among postal employees.

Swiss parliament rejects move to tighten redundancy laws (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
The lower house of the Swiss parliament voted against a measure that would have tightened laws regulating business closures and layoffs. The issue had been brought to the surface, in part, because of a large brewing company's plan to cut hundreds of jobs in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Geneva has the highest unemployment rate in the country.

Language teachers' union testifies in Tokyo (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
A labor commission in Tokyo is hearing complaints from a language teachers' union, according to the Japan Times.

No good news yet from North Korea (Wednesday, 6/11/97)
The New York Times' Barbara Crossette says a relief expert has just returned from North Korea and brings grim stories about hunger in that country.

Kohl plans to stay (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Rumors to the contrary, it appears that German Chancellor Helmut Kohl will not resign and that the ruling coalition will hold together, for now. Germany's deficits threaten the European common currency, which is supposed to replace a variety of local national currencies in 1999.

First, ponder what this will mean if it really happens: no more German mark, no more French franc, no more British pound--well, you get the idea. Such pondering also suggests why it may not happen, or, at least, as currently scheduled. Without Germany, it almost certainly will not happen on schedule, and that country's deficits are far from being under control. The Wall Street Journal's Cacilie Rohwedder, Matt Marshall, and Brian Coleman report today on why it's a crisis for both Kohl and the Euro.

However, events in France also bring the Euro into question. Le Figaro reports this morning on all of the difficulties facing France's new Prime Minister Jospin, not the least of which is the Socialists' defense of the French welfare state given what appears to be a fundamentally new set of circumstances for Europe within a new world information economy. Edmund Andres of the New York Times reports that the new French government wants to hold back on approving an agreement that has already been negotiated, which adds uncertainty to the Euro.

On his American television talk show last night, Charlie Rose interviewed several people about France, including a reporter who said that the new French resistance, in part, has to do with widespread concern, not only with globalization, but also with growing U.S. economic and cultural domination which are perceived as threats to the special French way of doing things in work and in living. This is not new, of course. Thirty years ago, Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber published a best-selling book called The American Challenge in which he described similar concerns, including the need to overcome "Eurosclerosis."

In the good news department, De Volkskrant says that the future president of the Dutch central bank expects that the cost of switching to the Euro would be earned back in two years in his country, and will result in annual savings of 2.3 billion guilders. Incidentally, here's why the Euro may already be obsolete by the time it's put in place. Meanwhile, if you're trying to get around in Europe, you might be having difficulties because of a truckers protest that's going on over a wide region today.

House panel approves big Medicare cuts (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
A plan that would save $115 billion in Medicare costs over five years won bipartisan passage yesterday. Also from Reuters today, labor leaders urge President Clinton to make labor rights a key part of international trade agreements, and the American Supreme Court will decide about same-sex harassment in the workplace. Here's that story from the Washington Post as well.

Greek education workers want more for extra work (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Kathimerini reports that workers in the Greek Education Ministry expect extra work because of the national university examinations this month, and want an extra one-time payment to cover it. Speaking of education, on the other side of Europe, Denmark's Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten reports that the country's elementary and secondary educational services are among the most costly in the world. However, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says that results are no better than in many other countries, and suggests that teacher pay be linked to results rather than to seniority.

Job hunting on the Internet (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Shelley Donald Coolidge of the Christian Science Monitor says an increasing number of job seekers are finding what they want on the Internet. She also says that if you get an interview, you may have only about four minutes to leave a good impression.

Compromise on comp time (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Senate Democrats and Republicans are trying to get together on controversial workplace issues. Stay tuned.

Competing at 23 cents an hour (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Not everybody is enthusiastic about prison industries, and we're not talking about the inmates. Companies that have to compete with a captive workforce in the glove industry say it's unfair in a variety of ways.

How states are competing for skilled workers (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Rebecca Blumenstein writes in today's Wall Street Journal about how competition is heating up among states in a tight labor market.

Some work might get harder in Japan (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Tokyo's Asahi Shimbun reports that some changes in labor laws could make for harsher work conditions in Japan.

Analysis of the new situation at GM (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Three new strikes are threatened as part of the UAW's effort to preserve jobs at General Motors. This story in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune looks at what's likely to happen and why. Also, here's Leonard Inskip's analysis of a new welfare-to-work partnership in Minnesota.

Swiss job training program should be restructured, lawmakers say (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Switzerland's job training program should provide more opportunities for young people, according to Swiss lawmakers. They say that 8,000 young people per year get no formal training. One Social Democrat parliamentarian says this amounts to "social dynamite" for the future. Tages-Anzeiger and other Swiss papers have the story today.

On reality vs. appearances in Peru (Tuesday, 6/10/97)
Peru's president shows off his country only selectively, according to many who are desperate for jobs.

Election decided in Ireland (Monday, 6/9/97)
Polls had indicated an opposition victory, but, during the long process of counting ballots, it became unclear, except that it was going to be close. Now, it turns out that the polls were correct. Prime Minister Bruton has been defeated by a narrow margin. The situation in Ireland in some ways mirrors that in the UK, in that the party largely credited with building prosperity has been turned out.

Republicans offer plan to provide health coverage to more American children (Monday, 6/9/97)
Here's the story from Reuters and the New York Times.

Israeli pharmaceutical company may export jobs (Monday, 6/9/97)
According to Ha'aretz this morning, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is concerned with rising employment costs in Israel and may move a major portion of its operations overseas as a consequence.

Ralston expected to withdraw; current Joint Chiefs chairman may stay on (Monday, 6/9/97)
It's all but certain that General Joseph Ralston will not become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Peter Grier of the Christian Science Monitor says infidelity is still a "career stopper," and Kelly Flinn charges that a "double standard" is in operation in the American military. Meg Greenfield of the Washington Post writes on "unsexing" the military. Incidentally, speaking of Kelly Flinn, who used to be a military pilot, Bradley Graham reports that many other young pilots are leaving the military by their own choice, and officials are trying to find a way to keep them from bailing out.

More on college by computer (Monday, 6/9/97)
Want to earn a college degree on-line? About 300 institutions are offering courses for credit now, according to Scott Baldauf of the Christian Science Monitor.

Pay raises for Swedish executives (Monday, 6/9/97)
Executives in companies listed on the Swedish stock exchange have experienced average pay raises of 45 percent during the past three years, according to Svenska Dagbladet.

New health care formula under development (Monday, 6/9/97)
The Washington Post's Stephen Barr says it would affect federal employees and retirees.

Dutch students vote on employers (Monday, 6/9/97)
According to students at a dozen Dutch universities, these are the most attractive employers: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Unilever, and the ING Group. Het Algemeen Dagblad has the story this morning.

Germany considering new austerity measures (Monday, 6/9/97)
Matt Marshall of the Wall Street Journal says budget problems and joblessness are on the rise in Germany. Also in today's Journal, a report on the improving unemployment picture in Canada.

Working Women's honorees announced (Monday, 6/9/97)
Working Mother magazine recognizes 25 men in its latest issue. Here's the story about "bosses who care" from Newsday.

Debate over guidelines on mental health in work settings (Monday, 6/9/97)
Jon Tevlin of the Star Tribune writes about the growing debate over new government guidelines determining the obligations of employers to employees with mental health problems. Also in the Strib today, Jack Uldrich says Social Security should be privatized soon,, and syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman discusses the time bind and a new book with that title.

Exodus from the public schools? (Monday, 6/9/97)
Stephanie Raethel of the Sydney Morning Herald reports on growing concern in Australia over the weakening of public education.

GM is trying to shrink its work force, and three more strikes may result (Monday, 6/9/97)
The UAW is getting ready to call strikes at three General Motors locations. The principal issue is the reduction of the GM work force by attrition.

Irish election appears very close (Sunday, 6/8/97)
Many observers expected that the opposition would win last Friday's Irish election, but, as they continue to count ballots, it looks like a squeaker. Indications are that neither major party will have a majority. So, more political uncertainty in Europe as the continent attempts a higher degree of economic integration.

Minnesota grads and employers endorse public e