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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 education (Sunday, 6/8/97)
Some good news about public education. Here's the story from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Recent retiree examines financial options (Sunday, 6/8/97)
Stan Hinden of the Washington Post looks for ways to use savings to boost retirement income. Also, Chet Currier reports that mutual funds are targeting women, Steven Ginsberg tells about the situation faced by many middle-aged persons who have been "downsized out," and William Claiborne writes that, with less than a month to go, California lacks consensus on welfare reform. Finally, Speaker Gingrich urges that a program affecting Nicaraguan immigrants be extended.

Performance reviews and raises not required in New York (Sunday, 6/8/97)
Carrie Mason-Draffen advises a correspondent who would like a performance evaluation and a raise. Also in Newsday today, the job of lifeguard is described, and Patricia Kitchen discusses the recent study showing that women in the work world don't fear technology as many believe. Also, Lynn Brenner advises a man who is wondering about his wife's 401(k) plan, and the New York Times' Hal Lancaster discusses Harvey Mackay's new book on networking.

Reality check on what determines pay levels (Sunday, 6/8/97)
In their Job Talk column this time, Dale Dauten & Mark Nelson explain the facts to a correspondent who wonders why others are making more.

Mid-course career corrections take some into the priesthood (Sunday, 6/8/97)
Some men are joinng the Catholic priesthood later than you might expect, and women? Well, not yet, but Peter Steinfels reports in today's New York Times that many Catholics would like more discussion of the issue.

General likely to withdraw his name from consideration (Sunday, 6/8/97)
The Air Force general who, until a storm of controversy over his admitted adultery hit, was the leading candidate for becoming the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is expected to withdraw his name.

Good spring for grads, but many are still nervous (Sunday, 6/8/97)
An army of freshly minted college grads mobilizes for work. They face a hot job market, but also a long period of paying off student loans. Laura Pedersen-Pietersen reports that there are financial concerns on the other end of the lifespan as well. She provides some thoughts on managing the financial affairs of aging parents.

What are employer obligations when it comes to religion in the workplace? (Sunday, 6/8/97)
No discrimination, for sure, but the devil's in the details, as they say.

Unemployment lowest in 24 years (Saturday, 6/7/97)
Unemployment was down last month, but job growth slowed, so Wall Street is pleased. Speaking of the U.S. Department of Labor's statistics, they're saying that the CPI overestimates inflation only slightly.

More strike deadlines at GM (Saturday, 6/7/97)
General Motors is facing the prospect of additional strikes. The UAW is threatening strikes at two Michigan plants, in addition to the one in Wisconsin reported yesterday.

Welfare plan for immigrants passes House Ways and Means subcommittee (Saturday, 6/7/97)
The Democrats aren't pleased, however. Here's Sue Kirchhoff's story from Reuters, which also reports that most working women include exercise as part of their daily routines.

Nike objects to "Doonesbury" sweatshop assertions (Saturday, 6/7/97)
Nike says Garry Trudeau's cartoon is wrong about work conditions at its factories in Vietnam.

Paper thinks Defense Secretary is handling sex cases "deftly" (Saturday, 6/7/97)
Here's today's editorial from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Incidentally, the New York Times' Eric Schmitt reports that a number of U.S. Senators probably wouldn't agree with the Strib's analysis, at least so far as an Air Force general's eligibility for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is concerned. For instance, Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota sees a double standard operating. Meanwhile, European military officers seem bewildered with it all, but, then, persons in other parts of the world frequently get the impression that the United States is some sort of asylum run by the inmates. We're entertaining, though.

Working more and enjoying it less? (Saturday, 6/7/97)
Here's a story from the new edition of Business Week on the lengthening work week.

More on what the revolt of the French electorate may mean (Saturday, 6/7/97)
Business Week examines whether the French election means a slowing of the process of integrating Europe more fully into the new world economy. Here's their editorial on the same issue. Meanwhile, in Sweden, Britain's Tony Blair tells socialists to abandon their tired dogma if they want to remain politically relevant.

India gaining on China in population (Saturday, 6/7/97)
India's population is approaching one billion, and, at present rates, would surpass China within 50 years. The country's population explosion threatens to overwhelm its economic efforts. China already has more than a billion people. To put things into perspective, total world population was less than one billion through all of world history until approximately 1840. During the past 150 years, the world has accumulated five times as many people as it took all of history until 1840 to accumulate.

Growing conflict at UPS over part-time workers (Saturday, 6/7/97)
United Parcel Service could be faced with a strike if doesn't produce more full-time jobs.

Fraud case touches Teamsters (Saturday, 6/7/97)
Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times reports on charges of mail fraud against a campaign worker in the last Teamsters presidential election. Also, Robert Pear reports on a government panel's criticism of the new immigration law.

Irish election today (Friday, 6/6/97)
Right-center opposition is expected to win. If that happens, here's what it may mean for Ireland's movement into the EU and other things. Meanwhile, E. J. Dionne Jr. of the Washington Post offers some more thoughts about the outcome in the recent French election, and Charles Krauthammer examines implications of the recent election in Canada. In all cases, fundamental economic changes at century's end seem tied in with fairly important political changes. In Canada, changes on the horizon may be the biggest of all, given the growing divisions. Will the country break up during our lifetime? Will the western provinces, where most of the people live within a few miles of the American border, eventually become part of the United States? We don't know either.

Joblessless up last week; monthly data coming (Friday, 6/6/97)
Here's the Reuters story about last week's U.S. Department of Labor employment statistics. The numbers are the highest in a month or so, says the Chicago Tribune. Investors and a lot of other people want to see the figures for all of last month, and those come out sometime today. Incidentally, speaking of things relating to the U.S. Department of Labor, Chris Stetkiewicz says a report is coming from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the plan for fixing the Consumer Price Index. Expect it to be a gradual process over several years. The CPI is the principal measure of inflation in the United States, and some have claimed that it has been overestimating the real inflation rate for years, which impacts on government entitlements that have escalators tied to inflation. Finding a reason to reduce the rate of increase in these payments is part of the current effort to balance the federal budget.

Another GM strike may be imminent (Friday, 6/6/97)
The UAW sets a strike deadline at a plant in Wisconsin.

Workers surfing on company time, study says (Friday, 6/6/97)
Employees with access to the Internet waste one to two hours per week "playing" on-line, according to Communications Week. So, quit reading this, and get to work. Wait, we don't mean it.

Summer jobs and the Internet (Friday, 6/6/97)
Michelle Rafter says you may find the Internet helpful in finding your summer job, and she provides some suggested links.

More on the debate about coed military training (Friday, 6/6/97)
Military leaders are defending their policies, but one influential Senator isn't convinced. In other sex-and-the-military news, the Army's top enlisted soldier wants to retire, and a gubernatorial candidate admits adultery and resigns from the National Guard. Also, Philip Shenon of the New York Times says that Defense Secretary Cohen is facing criticism for his support of the top candidate for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Jonathan Landay of the Christian Science Monitor says it's heating up the debate over double standards. However, an opinion piece in the Washington Post today argues that things aren't as unbalanced and inconsistent as they appear. R. W. Apple of the New York Times says that President Clinton and Secretary Cohen feel that they're in a bind over the sex issue in the military.

Incidentally, the president may be concerned, in part, because, during a time when he could use a little good PR, Americans with moderately good memories may recall a television appearance during his first campaign when he all but acknowledged his own unfaithfulness, and he's Commander in Chief of the American armed forces. Thomas Ricks of the Wall Street Journal says the military has been dealing with all the sex scandals in a "chaotic" manner. Finally, with all the talk about morality and the military, nationally syndicated columnist William Raspberry says he has a confession: he doesn't get it.

More workplace violence (Friday, 6/6/97)
Murders and a suicide at a California plastics company.

Government argument over early retirement benefits (Friday, 6/6/97)
Denmark's Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten reports that the Social Liberal Party and its coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party, disagree about early retirement benefits. The Danish Prime Minister, who is a member of the latter party, does not want government policy changed.

Unemployment down in Spain (Friday, 6/6/97)
Spanish Prime Minister Aznar says that unemployment in his country decreased by 50,000 people in May, according to El Pais.

State pensions to be cut in Belgium (Friday, 6/6/97)
The Belgian government intends to change the formula on which public service pensions are based, resulting in a small cut in payments. Also in Belgium, 500 journalists demonstrated in Brussels for higher pay and other demands. Talks with employers have broken down, and a 24-hour strike is scheduled for June 13.

Clinton administration changes direction on affirmative action case (Friday, 6/6/97)
The case involves a suit against a New Jersey school board for laying off a white teacher. Here's the story from the Washington Post and the New York Times.

German unions agree to wage cuts (Friday, 6/6/97)
Matt Marshall and Brandon Mitchener write in today's Wall Street Journal write that it's a sign of the times. Organized labor's power is eroding in Germany.

Tenure issue settled at Minnesota (Friday, 6/6/97)
For a time some months ago, it appeared that tenure might be abolished entirely at the University of Minnesota, and the story was watched with great interest by many persons at universities throughout the United States. However, it's turned out to be less revolutionary than it might have been, and here's the end of that story from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Medicare budget plan approved in the House (Thursday, 6/5/97)
The House of Representatives Ways and Means health subcommittee unanimously approved a plan to cut Medicare spending by $115 billion over five years. Both Democrats and Republicans supported the measure. Also in Congress, deadlock over "flextime" or "comp time." Here's that story from Reuters and the Washington Post. Also, Democrats vow to fight on the aid to legal immigrants issue, as well as on applying the minimum wage to workfare. From the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, President Clinton signed the Individuals with Disabilities Act into law.

Yet another military sex story (Thursday, 6/5/97)
U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen may not hold an affair 14 years ago against a general. General Joseph Ralston may get the job of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff anyway. The U.S. military, as one of America's principal institutions, continues to reflect extremes and contradictions in society generally. At the moment, vulgarity, exploitation, and brutality on sexual issues are coexisting with a "new Puritanism." As part of our continuing search for intelligent life on earth, we'll keep you informed.

Blair and the EU may be headed for conflict (Thursday, 6/5/97)
The United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has vowed to work more closely with Europe than the Major government seemed able to do, but the European Union has made plans to require companies to reinstate workers who are laid off without being consulted. Blair favors increased labor market flexibility as a way to cut unemployment and provide employment security. He has said that he won't support measures that would burden British companies further. London's Daily Telegraph has the story this morning.

Union protest in Turkey (Thursday, 6/5/97)
Dunya reports that unions representing 6 million people in Turkey will demonstrate tomorrow in a work stoppage. They're claiming that the Turkish government has "violated the legal and secular foundations" of the Turkish state. They're also concerned about inflation and the eroding standard of living in the country.

Swedes working more (Thursday, 6/5/97)
According to Svenska Dagbladet, Swedes have been working an increasing number of hours since 1993, as the Swedish workforce has gotten smaller. Unemployment remains high, but those who are employed have been working an average of two to three weeks of overtime.

Left turn overall? (Thursday, 6/5/97)
Peter Grier of the Christian Science Monitor provides an analysis of the recent French election results and the question of whether a broader shift to the political left is going on.

Jobs for teenagers in D.C. (Thursday, 6/5/97)
Teenagers in the District of Columbia are demonstrating their urge to work this summer, so somebody has to come up with more jobs. Here's the story from today's Washington Post.

A reporter looks at Reich's book (Thursday, 6/5/97)
Jonathan Rauch of the Washington Post examines former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich's book, and Reich gets a chance to respond.

Resistance to privatizing Japanese postal service (Thursday, 6/5/97)
The Japanese Posts and Telecommunications Ministry is opposed to privatizing the postal system in that country, according to the Japan Times. Also in the Times today, why taxi fares are twice as high as in most industrial countries.

More protests from flight attendants may be coming (Thursday, 6/5/97)
Flight attendants at United Airlines may renew their protests, including various strike actions. Negotiations between the union and the airline are scheduled to resume on Sunday, according to today's Chicago Tribune.

Good news about your free time (Thursday, 6/5/97)
Michael Raphael reports in Newsday on the new Robinson and Godbey book that claims we have more free time than we thought, but not in large blocks.

Layoffs at U.S. Bancorp (Thursday, 6/5/97)
U.S. Bancorp is being acquired by First Bank System. The deal hasn't been finalized yet, but the layoffs are already beginning, according to Dee DePass in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.

New deals brewing in Washington, maybe (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Congressional Republicans are still wrestling with President Clinton over preserving aid for disabled legal immigrants and minimum wage in workfare programs. Also, Sue Kirchhoff of Reuters reports that a Medicare reduction plan may gain bipartisan approval in a House subcommittee today, and that Republicans have retreated from their broad medical savings account plan under pressure from the Administration. The Washigton Post's Judith Havemann offers some perspective on what's going on, including the Republican plan for increasing the choices available to seniors, including encouragement for many to join HMOs. Eric Pianin and Clay Chandler also report on the deal that's brewing to reduce Medicare spending.

Uemployment benefits not to be restricted in Switzerland (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Tages-Anzeiger reports that the Swiss government has rejected calls to change the country's unemployment insurance system so that benefits would be reduced. Instead, the government intends to take up these issues later when it considers social insurance in general. Swiss unemployment is at near record levels.

No epidemic, Cohen says (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Casual browsers of the news during recent months might be forgiven for suspecting that something other than a few isolated incidents is going on in the American military, but the Secretary of Defense says there's not an epidemic of sex problems in military work settings. Incidentally, here's today's story along those lines, again from Aberdeen.

Large South African trade union removes officials (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
According to South Africa's Business Day, the Food and Allied Workers' Union has suspended or removed from office eleven officials over the past two months in relation to disputes about misappropriation of funds and other issues.

The diminishing influence of class in the U.S., and it cuts both ways (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
People seem to be more on their own in the United States now, with less depending on the social status of their parents, according to David Francis of the Christian Science Monitor. Also in the Monitor today, America's national laboratories are recovering and attracting top brains again, and role changes in Mexico put girls in mortal danger.

Your turn, Chancellor Kohl (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Daniel Whiteneck offers some perspective on how the results of Sunday's runoff election in France are being felt across the border in Germany, and what it all means for the further integration of Europe. Incidentally, anyone who expected all this to be easy should look at the last thousand years or so of European history. Speaking of Germany, Alan Cowell of the New York Times tells how changes in the German welfare state are splitting the generations. Also, if you're still thinking about history, recall that the idea of the European welfare state started in Bismarck's Germany in the 1880's.

Bank company plans layoffs (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Three-hundred jobs will go at Signet Banking Corporation. Here's the story from Michelle Singletary of the Washington Post.

Lott wants vote on comp time (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott would like to see employees able to choose time off in lieu of overtime pay, and wants a vote on the bill. Democrats oppose it, and say that can block it. They say it really gives employers more choices, not employees.

What does the French election have in common with crime in the U.S.? (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Jobs, perhaps. Here's today's editorial from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Finishing college in nearly record time (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Some grads have taken longer than others. Mary Tabor tells about a new graduate that set out on her college path in 1931. Speaking of education, William Honan reports on a new book coming out today that finds problems relating to education and African Americans, and Richard Stevenson says that President Clinton wants to make some changes in the tax breaks affecting college students.

Economic goals set in Mexico (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
Julia Preston reports from Mexico City about the government's plans for the Mexican economy. Incidentally, a political campaign is underway in that country.

More readily available answers to your OSHA questions (Wednesday, 6/4/97)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, has gone on-line with answers to your questions so that you won't have to dig through piles of government manuals. Here's the story from today's New York Times, and here's OSHA's web site.

Liberals hold on in Canada (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Their majority is slimmer, though, following much concern about austerity and jobs. Here's the story from Reuters, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.

Socialist Jospin forms new government in France (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
President Jacques Chirac is forced to ask his arch-rival Lionel Jospin to form a new government in France following an election that may go down in history as one of the more interesting political miscalculations on record. The American government says its relations with France won't change. Gail Russell Chaddock of the Christian Science Monitor says that the events in France are putting a new spin on chances for the development of a "new Europe," but Anne Swardson of the Washington Post says that events in Germany are also putting things in doubt. Alan Cowell of the New York Times reports that the German Chancellor is denying that the French election results will derail the drive to a European common currency on schedule, but there seems to be a growing sense of crisis in that country. From Australia, Max Walsh writes in the Sydney Morning Herald that Europe still believes that the European Monetary Union and the Euro will fly, and even the Australian economy will be affected by what happens on the other side of the world. It's a new global economy, after all. Gail Russell Chaddock takes a look at the new French leader who didn't expect to be in his present position, and Charles Trueheart says he's had ups and downs throughout his career. The Washington Post says that France has turned left because of the highest unemployment rate among industrial countries, but today's Christian Science Monitor asks, "What's left?" Finally, Jim Hoagland discusses the "revenge of the French electorate," and Thomas Kamm and Douglas Lavin write in today's Wall Street Journal that they see a trend in the French election, suggesting that an emphasis on labor issues could slow or redirect the current move toward altering the welfare states of Europe.

CityBusiness magazine writes about us (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
CityBusiness has editions in 35 cities. Here's Drew Desilver's story about us.

Job cuts at Boston Chicken (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
It was a hot IPO, but now 23 percent of the workforce will be looking for other jobs.

Medicare vote coming up in the House (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Here's Sue Kirchhoff's story from Reuters. Eric Pianin of the Washington Post says that House Republicans want Medicare savings accounts, and Christopher Georges writes in today's Wall Street Journal that the new plan will squeeze providers.

Here's today's "sex and the military" story (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Now, the commanding general at Aberdeen Proving Ground is retiring under pressure, and at a lower rank.

SBA to help small businesses with their pensions (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Reuters and the Washington Post report.

Risk of miscarriage increased by overwork (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Too many hours at the office can increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester, according to a report published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

More on Blair's pledge to help the UK's poorest (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Help will be in the form of work, not welfare, the new Labour PM says in today's London Times.

Civil servants strike in Austria (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Civil servants in Austria's Finance and Customs Ministries were on strike until noon today in Austria, according to Kurier. The 12-hour strike was intended to protest the selling off of some state assets.

When is an "activity" not very active? (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Guess what the leading leisure time activity is in the United States. If a channel changer zapper is permanently grafted to your hand, you may already know. Also, the changing workplace is changing vacations too, even eliminating them, and this means a boost for the economy. Thanks for doing your part. Finally in the Christian Science Monitor today, Isabelle de Pommereau reports that a woman has made it to the top in the Rotary Club.

On prison labor in China, and in Florida (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Paul Blustein reports for today's Washington Post. Also in the Post today, mixed economic reports for last month, suggesting ripples, not waves or tides, a Supreme Court ruling affects pensions and surviving spouses of second marriages, and the General Accounting Office says agencies are having difficulty measuring success. In fact, some of the government's work is so secret, even they don't know what they're doing.

Surging economy not surging for everybody (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Christina Duff writes in today's Wall Street Journal that many black men and blue collar workers are being bypassed.

Software industry now third largest in manufacturing (Tuesday, 6/3/97)
Pay is twice the average too, according to an industry study.

Big win for the Left in France (Monday, 6/2/97)
France's direction, as well as the future of the European common currency, have been thrown into doubt by the results of Sunday's runoff election in France. Socialist Lionel Jospin will form a new government in which the Left and Right will share power. The New York Times' Craig Whitney says French voters want jobs, not more austerity, and discusses what it means to have a president and prime minister from different parties. Roger Cohen analyses Chirac's big gamble that went sour, and Anne Swardson of the Washington Post says that France's preference for a strong, activist government isn't anything new. In fact, it goes back to Louis XIV. Speaking of elections that a lot of people are watching, voters go to the polls today in Canada, and Anthony DePalma says both the country and voters are changing. One thing that Canada and France have in common is a concern with jobs, jobs, jobs.

Blair pledges to help the "forgotten people" (Monday, 6/2/97)
The UK's new Prime Minister intends to try to help the people who are trapped on state benefits with no hope of training or work, according to The Independent in London today. Also, The Express reports that ticket sales have plunged in Britain's national lottery in response to disclosures of big pay increases for lottery officials. According to previous reports, some increases were as high as 90 percent, despite declining ticket sales for sometime.

Swiss union wants two tunnels (Monday, 6/2/97)
Switzerland's Construction and Industry trade union says the country should have two Alpine tunnels under the Neat railway project, rather than one. A principal reason is that two would create between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs, according to Neue Zuercher Zeitung.

Pope calls for help for Poland's poor (Monday, 6/2/97)
Pope John Paul described the sad state of many of Poland's "orphans" of the new prosperity following the fall of communism in that country. Many were caught in the transition and have bleak prospects, he says. Also from Reuters this morning, Wall Street and others await economic statistics for May which will probably show a slight slowing of growth, and a new survey shows that minority-owned businesses find it hard to obtain contracts because of an "old boy" network in corporate America.

Pilots wait to see how KLM's management will navigate (Monday, 6/2/97)
Het Financieele Dagblad reports that the pilots union at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines NV says it will give the new management three months to show a clear direction, but it's not going to be a honeymoon.

Rising tide is raising small ships (Monday, 6/2/97)
Ron Scherer of the Christian Science Monitor reports on how well the "small economies" are doing, even ones given up for dead not long ago.

High municipality spending on unemployment (Monday, 6/2/97)
Svenska Dagbladet reports that unemployment benefits are costing Swedish municipalities US$1.29 billion a year.

The sad state of the once proud Red Army (Monday, 6/2/97)
Russia's army has a morale problem, and that may be the least of its problems, according to Peter Ford of the Christian Science Monitor. As evidence of growing despair on the part of many still serving, Reuters reports this morning that a soldier has killed ten others and himself in Abkhazia.

More worry about the boomers (Monday, 6/2/97)
Mark Trumbull thinks that many boomers are going to be bust when they retire. Guy Halverson says new grads should not follow in their parents' footsteps, at least with respect to saving. Also in the Christian Science Monitor today, and Jonathan Decker tells about how Washington, D. C.'s Howard University has become a "hot pick" among top students looking for excellence in higher education.

The tough job of moving people from the welfare rolls to government payrolls (Monday, 6/2/97)
James King of the Washington Post says one reason President Clinton will have a hard time is that government payrolls are shrinking.

Are Georgia's scholarships fair? (Monday, 6/2/97)
Anybody can qualify, and that may be the problem, according to Greg Jaffe in today's Wall Street Journal. The state picks up the cost of tuition, whatever your income. If Bill Gates moved to Georgia, he could get free tuition.

Business that encourage volunteerism (Monday, 6/2/97)
Casey Bukro of the Chicago Tribune says that employers face a dilemma. Also in the Trib today, OSHA is putting work-related rules on the Internet, a survey finds that people work more when the boss is around, and another survey finds that high school seniors may be redefining the "American dream."

Local governments to hire more foreigners in Japan (Monday, 6/2/97)
Here's the story from today's Asahi Shimbun.

Vet claims double standards in the military (Monday, 6/2/97)
Linda Morey is a veteran, and she writes this time for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Also, M.D. Stolte says it's a good time for a reexamination of government pensions in Minnesota.

How to get fired (Monday, 6/2/97)
Newsday's Carl Quintanilla says misconduct makes it easier in many companies. Also, Nancy Ruhling writes about how an experienced businessman is helping entrepreneurs. Speaking of entrepreneurs, the new edition of Business Week says that a hot job market is cooling many people's entrepreneurial urges. By the way, the current edition also has a big cover story on Hong Kong's future, now that we're less than a month from the handover.

We review Workforce 2020 (Sunday, 6/1/97)
The long-awaited sequel to the Hudson Institute's highly influential book of ten years ago, Workforce 2000, has been published, and it's called Workforce 2020. Laurence Shatkin of the Educational Testing Service presents one of the first reviews on our Reviews page.

Too close to call in France (Sunday, 6/1/97)
The runoff election being held in France will determine whether the center-right government will continue, or whether there will be a sharp left turn, but it's still too early to tell, according to Joseph Fitchett of the International Herald Tribune, continental Europe's leading English-language newspaper published in Paris. Craig Whitney of the New York Times says that the election has far-reaching implications, and Marlise Simons says that one of Chirac's problems is the apathy of the young.

Hong Kong part of China a month from today (Sunday, 6/1/97)
Seth Faison writes that Hong Kong's imminent return to China is a source of pride. Also in Asia, ASEAN decides to admit Cambodia, Laos, and, despite opposition, Burma. Also, today's Korea Herald reports that many South Korean business oppose equal treatment for foreign workers.

Many Americans affected by capital gains tax (Sunday, 6/1/97)
A new study finds that capital gains taxes aren't just a concern of the wealthy property owner. About three-quarters of U.S. families would be directly affected by a capital gains tax cut.

Clinton urged to support flex time (Sunday, 6/1/97)
Republicans in Congress would like employers to be able to offer time off in lieu of overtime pay, but the Clinton administration, so far, has been opposed. Some would like the President to change his mind. On the other side of the world, the Japan Times reports that some would like to see flex time for clerical officials. However, as you will see, the term "flex time" does not have a universal definition.

More help for African refugees (Sunday, 6/1/97)
The U.S. is contributing another $12.5 million.

Sue if it suits you, but be sure you're in the right state (Sunday, 6/1/97)
Some states are passing special laws to help members of HMOs sue, says nationally syndicated columnist Jane Bryant Quinn.

The growing importance of internships (Sunday, 6/1/97)
Steven Ginsberg of the Washington Post tells why internships are becoming increasingly critical, both for workers and employers, while Newsday's Patricia Kitchen tells how to make them really worthwhile. Ms. Kitchen also discusses the hot job market and why it's a good time for first-time job seekers, and Steven Ginsberg says it can also be a good time to trade security for a fresh start. This New York Times story also reports on a job market that is "on a roll." Also from Newsday, Tom Incantalupo tells about the drive for more managed care in New York, Lisa Doll describes landscaping occupations in her "Job Hunt" column, and Henry Gilgoff, in his "It's your money" column tells why some businesses are finding it's a good idea to be the babysitter for a while. Speaking of children, Peter Kilborn of the New York Times says that a childcare plan may make welfare reform work.

What are you doing, Senator Wellstone? (Sunday, 6/1/97)
Tom Hamburger writes in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune that Senator Wellstone's purposes don't seem to be as clear-cut as Robert Kennedy's were years ago in another "poverty tour." Also in the Strib today, the New York Times' Louis Uchitelle reports that a tight job market is raising wages, and these raises are dribbling down to low-wage workers, and Dale Dauten & Mark Nelson advise a correspondent to be "very greedy."

Reforms hurting in Argentina (Sunday, 6/1/97)
Something called "economic reform" is going on in a lot of places, and while it doesn't always mean the same things, it usually means attempts to adjust to the new realities of the new world economy. Adjustment isn't always painless, and many are yelling "ouch" in Argentina, according to Calvin Sims of the New York Times. Also in the Times today, Clyde Farnsworth reports on the health care crisis faced by Australia's aboriginal peoples, Barbara Buchholz says you may not find it easy to get your free airline ticket, even if you've earned it, and California's Governor Pete Wilson is feeling better about things now that the California economy is booming. Incidentally, one of the reasons the American economy is booming is that California is booming, because California helps determine economic conditions for the rest of the country. To put things into perspective, if California were a country, it would have the seventh largest national economy in the world, as opposed to South Korea, say, which has the 15th and is a major world-class industrial powerhouse.

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