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April 1999

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Record unemployment in Japan (Friday, 4/30/99)
Unemployment in Japan has risen to 4.8 percent. Here's more from Hirotaka Tanaka of the Japan Times. Joblessness is also up in Israel, where it has reached 8.7%, according to the latest figures, but the Jeruselum Post says that latest increase is regarded as relatively modest and is not viewed with alarm. Again, unemployment numbers across different countries cannot be compared directly, because there is no standard way of defining "unemployment." While Japan's numbers are much smaller than those most European countries are used to, for instance, a 4.8 rate represents a severe condition, given Japan's definitional criteria.

First quarter growth exceeds expectations (Friday, 4/30/99)
The great American economic engine shows no signs of slowing. Martin Crutsinger reports in the Los Angeles Times that the American economy grew at an annual rate of 4.5 percent during the first three months of 1999, which was considerably more than most experts expected.

Strikes subside, but South Korean unions prepare for May Day (Friday, 4/30/99)
May Day rallies are planned across South Korea, according to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. Meanwhile, Peru's president claims that a national strike there has fizzled, but it's a different story in Nicaragua where transportation workers are on strike and President Aleman has called out police and the military to restore order.

Why some people get exasperated when trying to deal with Russia (Friday, 4/30/99)
The Russian economy and political system are in peril, and, while the rest of the world has a sober stake in Russia's success, no one has been entirely sure how to help that country pull out of its economic morass and also establish genuinely viable and stable democratic institutions. Billions of dollars in assistance some months ago disappeared almost immediately, and Russia has defaulted on loans. Moreover, now its finance minister says it will be at least a decade before they will be able to make regular loan payments on time. Meanwhile, the IMF's managing director seems bewildered by criticism from Russia's economic minister which made no mention of a new loan agreement just reached with the International Monetary Fund. Stay tuned.

Employer must pay the cost of infertility treatments (Friday, 4/30/99)
The denial of insurance coverage for the treatments was in violation of federal laws, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Job Analysis and Personality Research (Friday, 4/30/99)
On its Job Analysis and Personality Research site, Virginia Tech describes its research and presents resources on issues having to do with job analysis and classification, as well as personality research, primarily as it relates to employment.

Small worker pay increases during first quarter (Thursday, 4/29/99)
Worker pay and benefits did increase during the first quarter of 1999, but at the smallest rate on record, according to new Labor Department data. One implication: inflation still isn't an immediate threat in the otherwise strong American economy. In fact, it isn't even on the horizon. Job growth remains strong too, according to the latest week's figures, as reported by Nancy Waitz.

New loan deal for Russia (Thursday, 4/29/99)
The last time the International Monetary Fund sent Russia a big loan, the money seemed to disappear down a black hole. That's just one of the things that has made the IMF very cautious this time. Russia seems to be a very bad loan risk at this point, but the world can't afford not to help the country climb out of its economic canyon. After long negotiations, the IMF has agreed in principle to loan Russia another $4.5 billion, but as David Sanger of the New York Times reports, they're not going to send cash.

Bankruptcy reform bill takes a big step on its way through Congress (Thursday, 4/29/99)
If it becomes law, it will be harder for Americans to walk away from their debts.

What is the scope of the Americans With Disabilities Act? (Thursday, 4/29/99)
The Supreme Court is wrestling with the question of what constitutes disability, and the implications of their decision are likely to be far-reaching.

Negotiators at Northwest optimistic for a change (Thursday, 4/29/99)
Chances for a new contract between Northwest Airlines and its flight attendants seem a bit better. Tom Hamburger reports from Washington, D. C. for the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

South Korea's labor minister says things are looking better, but... (Thursday, 4/29/99)
...don't expect immediate job growth, but do expect more labor unrest.

Going...going...they're on their way (Thursday, 4/29/99)
A 16-member tech team has put its services up for auction on eBay. Honest.

Unhappy former Intel employee ordered to stop sending bulk email (Thursday, 4/29/99)
A court has ordered Ken Hamidi to stop sending angry email to his former coworkers, while many wonder about the First Amendment implications. Here's more on that case from Greg Miller of the Los Angeles Times.

D.C. region bucks national trend on technical education (Thursday, 4/29/99)
Exasperated technology executives have been point out that, despite the shortage of technically-trained people and the terrific jobs that go begging, fewer students have been going into technical fields recently. Not so in the general Washington, D.C. area, according to this report from Peter Behr.

A means test for Medicare? (Thursday, 4/29/99)
Billionaire Ross Perot has pointed out that it doesn't seem reasonable for people like him to get the same entitlements during old age as people who have no other resources at all. Presidential candidate Bill Bradley agrees, and says that one way of helping to fix the Medicare program so that it won't go broke is to use a means test.

What very poor nations really need (Thursday, 4/29/99)
Washington Post editorial writers explain why they think that a debt relief program a while back didn't work very well.

Pension funds coming up short in Japan (Thursday, 4/29/99)
Because of a slumping economy and sluggish investment environment, more than two-thirds of Japan's corporate pension funds are running short on reserves. Here's the story from today's Japan Times.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: International Development Program (Thursday, 4/29/99)
If you'd like to work in international development and need some academic preparation, you may be interested to know that M.A. and Ph.D. degrees can be earned in the field in American University's International Development Program in Washington, D. C.

Congressional Democrats think higher minimum wage has a chance this year (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
Vicki Allen reports that Democrats in Congress try every year, but this may be the year that success comes. Even Republicans who don't like the idea recognize that there is support for it this time.

National Autonomous University of Mexico students strike over fees (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
There may or may not be any free lunch, but, in an increasing number of places, there's no longer free higher education. Mexican university students are having to begin digging into their own pockets, and they're objecting. Officials of the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City are hoping to begin face-to-face talks with striking students. University operations have been brought mostly to a halt by the strike.

Bradley has ideas for universal health coverage (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
As an alternative to Al Gore, former Senator Bill Bradley's presidential candidate chances are looking slightly better, and he wants to see the problem of healthcare put back on the agenda. Recently, attention in Washington has shifted away from health care in general to Medicare and Social Security, both of which are expected to run out of money fairly early in the next century unless they're fixed. Now, Republican leaders have been saying that Social Security reform isn't going to happen before the next election, but Ways and Means Chairman Bill Archer is pushing ahead on a Republican plan that would create personal retirement accounts for every working American

California African-American Business Summit '99 (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
James Flanigan of the Los Angeles Times reports on what the publisher of Turning Point and others are trying to do to increase the number of black entrepreneurs.

Some perspectives on Asia's improving circumstances (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
The current international edition of Business Week contains a cover story that looks at the glimmerings of an Asian economic recovery and sees mixed indicators. In a related story, experts in the IMF have failed to agree on how to an Asian-style financial mess can be prevented or managed effectively.

The difference a word makes (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
Employers tend to like "contractors" more than "employees" because of the greater costs associated with the latter. American Express Financial Advisors likes to call their 10,000 financial planners "independent contractors," but a lawsuit claims that these people are really "employees."

The top 500 women-owned businesses (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
Working Woman has published its second-annual list of top 500 businesses own by women, and notes their growing economic significance.

The American innovation advantage may be slipping a bit (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
As former Intel CEO Andy Grove remarked on Charlie Rose's television show the other night, the United States will be entering the new century with tremendous economic and technological momentum, but he wasn't willing to predict whether the 21st century will be an "American century," because "a century is a very long time." Here's Dave Beal's article about a new Council on Competitiveness report suggesting that America may be losing its edge in innovation, which can have grave implications for the future. Still, for the moment, at least, things are still looking very good. Alice Ann Love reports that per capita income was up significantly last year, while Donna Murphy Weston says this, plus a strong job market, have boosted consumer confidence, which should mean additional fuel for the American economy.

A look at benefits for working Americans (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
USA Today offers a snapshot of the overall benefit picture in the U.S., and finds that nearly 85% of Americans are insured through their employer or that of their spouse, and that 90% of workers get medical coverage, 55% dental.

Preparing for that big interview (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
Good preparation is essential, because employers may not be as desperate as you think. Shelley Donald Coolidge reports for the Christian Science Monitor, which also contains a story by Lynde McCormick, Business Editor of the Monitor, who says that a hot job market means that average graduates are in demand like never before.

Top teaching hospitals in a financial bind (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
Money is short at some of the major hospitals which help train American doctors, and this has led to major layoffs, budget cuts, and more. It's a national crisis that hasn't reached the front pages yet. Here's more from Leslie Miller, who reports from Boston.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Syllabits (Wednesday, 4/28/99)
Syllabits is an interesting mixture of course materials from business and economics fields. Both undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Venezuelan president gets additional economic powers (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
A new law allows President Chavez to take greater charge of economic reforms as voters support his plan for a new Constitution.

Subway workers end strike in South Korea (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
In general, tensions seem to be subsiding between labor unions and the South Korean government, but additional unions are scheduling protests. The government's restructuring plan is unpopular because of the rate at which it is putting people out of work.

The special problems of the older unemployed in Canada (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
Many people who thought they had jobs for the duration have been laid off, and many are finding it difficult to get into new positions. In fact, the Toronto Star sees age discrimination operating. Also in Canada, Eric Beauchesne of the Ottawa Citizen writes that federal researchers aren't finding a serious skills shortage in the country.

G7 relieved, but not satisfied (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
Representatives of the world's largest industrial nations have been meeting in Washington, D.C. and have acknowledged with pleasure that conditions in the global economy have improved. Still, they want Japan and Europe to do more to stimulate growth. The G7 nations continue to worry about Russia, although that country's finance minister expects a new loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund soon.

Gore to Republicans: "Oh, yeah?" (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Lott blamed President Clinton for not leading on Social Security reform, but Vice-President Gore says he had it all wrong. It's really the Republicans' fault, says the VP. Editorial writers at the Washington Post offer some perspective on the finger-pointing contest.

Nocturnal asthma's effect on working parents (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
Asthmatic children often have difficulty sleeping, and this not only interferes with their school work, but also makes it more difficult for parents at work, according to new research.

A plan for eliminating the "parent penalty" (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
Ruth Padawer of the Bergen Record reports that the majority of states offer no legal protection for workers who suffer discrimination because of their family obligations. The Clinton administration would like to change that.

Church organization wants 5,000 volunteers to help families in welfare-to-work transition (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
Jean Hopfensperger reports that the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches wants to help 1,500 families successfully move from welfare to work. Meanwhile, Christy Oglesby of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on how Georgia's policies are helping or not helping people make the transition in that state.

Fewer white male laborers means opportunity for others (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
In a tight labor market, some women are finding that they are being recruited for well-paying, traditionally male-dominated jobs. Here's more from Connie Skipitares of the San Jose Mercury News.

Japan's changing work culture (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
The Tokyo Manager's Union defies Japanese tradition by teaching individual empowerment and encouraging laid-off managers to engage in confrontation.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Organization of American States (Tuesday, 4/27/99)
The Organization of American States was established in 1948, but its history goes back much further, and, in fact, fulfills Simon Bolivar original vision in the early 19th century. The OAS is now the world's oldest regional association and includes all of the independent states in the Western Hemisphere. Its concerns are not limited to the economics of the region, although these issues are of major interest, particularly in the new global economy.

Union actions continue in South Korea, but no telephone strike (Monday, 4/26/99)
A planned strike by telephone workers has been called off, but conflict continues between organized labor in South Korea and the government. Labor leaders say the government's program for restructuring the country's economy is throwing too many people out of work too fast.

Who's working in Washington, D. C.? (Monday, 4/26/99)
Now, now, now, no wisecracks, please. Actually, perhaps we should phrase it differently. Who are Washington, D.C.'s workers? A new survey finds that, as a group, they tend to be upscale, and there are 2.3 million of them.

Thanks a Lott, Senator (Monday, 4/26/99)
The Senator Majority Leader says that Social Security reform isn't going to happen this year, but he says it's because of President Clinton.

Top IRS official takes over Houston office (Monday, 4/26/99)
Stephen Barr of the Washington Post reports on the aftermath of a whistle-blower's 1997 testimony in Congress.

Recruiting via volunteerism (Monday, 4/26/99)
The Boston Globe's Diane Lewis tells how corporate volunteerism helps with PR as well as in attracting and holding the kinds of workers who are needed.

Harvard economist wins John Bates Clark Medal (Monday, 4/26/99)
Louis Uchitelle of the New York Times reports on the latest recipient of a major prize given to economists under forty, in this case, an immigrant from Russia.

May the facts go with you (Monday, 4/26/99)
Sally Pipes writes in the San Francisco Business Journal that she thinks President Clinton's views on the gender gap in wages aren't entirely consistent with the facts, while Karen Kerrigan of the Cincinati Business Courier has more from a new report from researchers Diana Furchtgott-Roth and Christine Stolba and whether government should step in as "the equalizer."

Mandatory arbitration in decline (Monday, 4/26/99)
Diana Kunde of the Dallas Morning News reports on the fading popularity of mandatory arbitration in settling harassment and discrimination cases.

Fewer students seeking hi-tech degrees (Monday, 4/26/99)
The hi-tech job market is very hot, with a growing shortage of technically-trained people. Nonetheless, according to the American Electronics Association, fewer students are earning degrees in technical fields. Shelley Donald Coolidge of the Christian Science Monitor reports on a trend that may be both cause and consequence of this situation. Some non-technical graduates are starting at high salaries in technical fields, even if they've majored in something else entirely.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Quicken Small Business Tax Guide (Monday, 4/26/99)
If you own and operate a small business, a leading financial software firm may be of help. Here's the Quicken Small Business Tax Guide.

Violence in South Korea (Sunday, 4/25/99)
Riot police have been attacked by protesting workers, as the conflict between South Korean labor unions and the government escalates.

Recruiter receives big jury award (Sunday, 4/25/99)
Recruiter Jeff Abraham claims that Hyundai Semiconductor America fired him after he refused to respond to pressure to avoid recruiting minorities and women. The company has been ordered to pay him $10 million, but an appeal is in the works.

The importance of clear boundaries at work (Sunday, 4/25/99)
Kirstin Downey Grimsley responds to a correspondent's sad story about a worker who crossed the line from professional to personal, and it isn't what you may think.

Win-win relationships involving homework that isn't done at home (Sunday, 4/25/99)
Business students and employers are benefiting from each other. The Washington Post's Amy Joyce explains.

Japanese women try to catch up with women in other countries (Sunday, 4/25/99)
Fewer Japanese women are in positions of power than in many other countries. Here's that story from today's Japan Times.

Why so many people just can't wait to turn 70 (Sunday, 4/25/99)
After 70, you can earn as much as you like without having to give back any of your Social Security benefits. Speaking of the later years, nationally syndicated columnist Jane Bryant Quinn tells about efforts to bring retirement plans up to date for the new economy in which many workers will change jobs frequently. One thing that many people agree is needed is retirement plan portability. Who says you can't take it with you?

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: USA Today Retirement Guide (Sunday, 4/25/99)
The big national American newspaper offers help in planning your retirement and will also point you in the direction of additional resources. Here's the USA Today Retirement Guide.

Agreement at United Airlines (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Representatives of the big airline and its ticket counter and reservation agents have made a deal. In other labor news, workers at Minnesota Brewing are set to strike just past midnight tonight.

G7 officials to meet in Washington Monday (Saturday, 4/24/99)
No one seems to be bursting with new ideas, but representatives of the world's largest industrial nations will get together again to see if they can come up with a way to increase stability and growth in the global economy.

Now, China will try to persuade the Europeans (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Whether or not China finally achieves membership in the World Trade Organization will depend quite a lot on the United States, but the European Union will have a major say as well. Representatives of the EU are arriving in Beijing for talks.

The latest food emergency in North Korea (Saturday, 4/24/99)
The world's most regimented society is also one of the hungriest. A failed economic system managed by a pathologically incompetent government has conspired with natural disasters to produce famine and the threat of even greater famine. The UN's World Food Program needs $260 million to help feed 8 million children and elderly people in North Korea before they starve to death.

Clinton hasn't given up on Social Security reform and doesn't want Congress to do so either (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Bill Clinton may be a lame-duck president, weakened by scandal and preoccupied with war, but he has not given up on one of a few things that could still salvage his position in American history: Social Security reform. Bipartisan momentum has been lost in the Congress, even though the Speaker of the House is insisting that the issue is still alive. Others are saying privately that, if it comes, it will come only after the next election, and that means someone else will be president.

Doctors call for a 28th amendment (Saturday, 4/24/99)
It would make health care a Constitutional right in the United States.

Where that CEO pay comes from (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Stock options have gotten to be increasingly important, but the correlation between the pay of top executives and job performance is far from perfect.

Self-help and support for young entrepreneurs (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Columnist Jane Applegate tells about the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization, which may have been partly inspired by the Young Presidents' Club of years past, but, then, maybe not.

A conversation with Vernon Ruttan (Saturday, 4/24/99)
If you're an economist, you're probably familiar with the Ruttan-Hayami theory, which tells how resources, technology, institutions and culture interact. Among other things, Professor Ruttan believes that economics has things to learn from the other social sciences.

School has gotten to be a dangerous place, but so has the American workplace (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Homicides in the workplace more than doubled between 1986 and 1998 in the United States.

Why casual dress can be a problem (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Here are results from a new survey on workplace dress codes, relaxed and otherwise.

What employers are looking for (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Nationally syndicated columnist Carol Kleiman says that, among other things, employers are looking for workers with a positive attitude. They don't like to import unhappiness, perhaps thinking that they can produce all they need on the premises.

At ease! Permanently (Saturday, 4/24/99)
When it's time to take off that military uniform and enter civilian work life, you might find a little advice and help to be useful. Columnist Amy Lindgren says that the transition doesn't have to be as hard as many persons make it. Here are some specific suggestions.

A bit more on Take Our Daughters to Work Day (Saturday, 4/24/99)
Last Thursday, children all over American followed their parents to work to see what it's like. Gilbert Chan of the Sacramento Bee tells what it was like in one major California community. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Jean Hopfensperger writes about a program that helps children from lower-income families not be left out.

Students declare victory at Chapel Hill (Saturday, 4/24/99)
As we've reported, college and university students across the United States have been working to insure that clothing sold on the campuses is not produced in sweatshops. One major East Coast university has eached agreement with its students, so they've called off their protest.

Migrants not pretty enough (Saturday, 4/24/99)
The Chinese government is getting ready for a 50th anniversary celebration, but the beautification preparations aren't necessarily people-friendly.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: CNET Jobs Page (Saturday, 4/24/99)
CNET: The Computer Network was one of the first specialized organizations to leverage information across multiple venues, much as Bloomberg and some others have done. CNET's web site and television productions focus on computing and the computer industry, and the web site has a Tech Jobs page.

No progress in talks, according to Xinhua (Friday, 4/23/99)
U.S. and Chinese officials have been negotiating again with the expectation that China will eventually win membership in the World Trade Organization. The official Chinese news agency says no additional progress has been made. Xinhua is an instrument of the Chinese government, so you can be sure that its writers will report accurately exactly what the Chinese government wants them to report.

Teachers strike in Seattle (Friday, 4/23/99)
Teachers across Washington state have been striking for a day, and now 4,000 of them in Seattle have joined in to protest what they regard as inadequate pay raises during the past several years.

Saskatchewan nurses are back at work, but maybe not for long (Friday, 4/23/99)
The nurses were out on strike for ten days and are threatening to go out again because of stalled contract talks.

Coca-Cola is hit with a class-action discrimination suit (Friday, 4/23/99)
The suit alleges that the big soft drink company has systematically paid its black employees thousands less, on the average, than its white employees.

Teamsters demonstrate at Northwest's annual meeting in New York (Friday, 4/23/99)
Northwest Airlines flight attendants want a contract, and the union that represents them has been trying to turn up the heat on the company.

Saipan garment factory reaches agreement with Labor Department (Friday, 4/23/99)
Micronesian Garment Manufacturing Inc. will pay Chinese immigrant workers in Saipan a million dollars in back wages.

Brazil: back from the brink (Friday, 4/23/99)
Brazil's economy is looking a lot better now than several months ago. Here's the story from Larry Rohter of the New York Times. However, Katherine Ellison reports from Rio de Janeiro for the Miami Herald on the job cost of achieving greater efficiency.

Unemployment is high in Japan now, but... (Friday, 4/23/99)
Japanese officials expect demographic trends to result in worker shortages later and is recommending that the country accept more foreign workers.

The latest on Social Security in the Congress (Friday, 4/23/99)
The U.S. Senate has rejected a Republican-backed bill, while Republicans in the House have given up on achieving fundamental Social Security reform before the next election.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: HR Magazine (Friday, 4/23/99)
HR Magazine is published by the Society for Human Resource Management. The table of contents from their current edition is available on their web site, as well as the text of selected articles. Also, you are free to browse their archives.

Strikes spread in South Korea despite good unemployment news (Thursday, 4/22/99)
Yeom Yoon-jeong reports from Seoul that unemployment in South Korea diminished some in March, but a major union federation continues to exert pressure on the government to slow the pace of corporate restructuring and large-scale layoffs.

China and U.S. talking about WTO membership again (Thursday, 4/22/99)
China wants membership in the World Trade Organization, and, in general, U.S. officials seem to think that it would be a good thing. They seemed close to a deal the last time they talked. Negotiations have resumed. Here's more from Paul Eckert in Beijing. Meanwhile, American and Japanese officials are preparing for an economic summit, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Rubin feels that the global financial system should be fixed a little bit at a time, rather than attempting a fix in one swell foop.

Take Our Daughters To Work Day (Thursday, 4/22/99)
Jon Tevlin of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says that all those girls who are following parents to work today may or may not get the true picture. He passes on some advice from women who know well the ways of the daily work world. Also in the Strib today, a major food store chain is trying to reduce employee theft in a way that is quite controversial.

The secretarial revolution in Silicon Valley (Thursday, 4/22/99)
Martha Mendoza reports on how the role of secretary has changed in America's hi-tech corridor. Leslie Eaton of the New York Times tells about the big jump in computer-related employment in the Big City, but these data don't make New York different from a lot of other places. Incidentally, Silicon Valley doesn't have all of the hi-tech innovation either. Karen Arenson tells about a business incubator at a community college.

Why Americans are changing jobs so frequently (Thursday, 4/22/99)
Business Wire has the results from a brand new national survey.

First-time claims down in latest week (Thursday, 4/22/99)
Here's the latest from the United States Department of Labor.

White collar sweatshops? (Thursday, 4/22/99)
During the Middle Ages, large numbers of people believed that hell is located in the center of the earth, but many telemarketers think they had it all wrong. Hell may be where they're working. Columnist Amy Gage tells about what might be a finalist for worst job in the new economy. Speaking of sweatshops of the better known kind, Nancy Cleeland of the Los Angeles Times reports that college students across the country are trying to do their part by insisting that clothing sold in campus stores is produced by workers who work under reasonable conditions.

HHS calls CHIP a success (Thursday, 4/22/99)
A million children now have health coverage who didn't have it a year ago. The US Department of Health and Human Services says that the Children's Health Insurance Program has reached its 1998 target. In other health-related news, several Democratic Senators are offering a plan for the coverage of prescription medications under the Medicare program, and University of California research finds that physicians are influenced by managed care incentives to reduce services, although the effects are relatively small. .

Effects of company-sponsored stress-management programs (Thursday, 4/22/99)
Company-sponsored stress-management programs can help prevent work-related health problems, according to researchers at Stanford University.

The new cold war (Thursday, 4/22/99)
Nationally syndicated columnist Jane Bryant Quinn says that Generation X is prepared to do battle over Social Security.

Minnesota employers may soon be able to speak a little more freely (Thursday, 4/22/99)
When employers are asked to provide employee references, many would like to say what they mean and mean what they say, but are afraid of being sued. A bill in the Minnesota legislature could help them be more direct and breath easier.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: SANE: the South African New Economics Foundation (Thursday, 4/22/99)
SANE is a private foundation made up of individuals and organizations concerned with building a new economy in South Africa that takes into account social and ecological consequences.

More join in strikes in South Korea (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
The South Korean government's move to restructure corporations is resulting in widespread layoffs. The current round of strikes aims at slowing the restructuring process.

Violent protest in Brazil (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
A dozen policemen and four farmers have been injured in a land reform protest in Brazil.

Transit strike ends in Toronto (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
A tentative agreement has been reached that has sent striking subway and bus workers back to their jobs after being out for two days.

Clinton outlines plan for helping world's economies cure their financial ills (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
Even though the U.S. economy continues to be strong and problems seem to be easing in many troubled areas of the world, President Clinton says this is not a time for complacency. Meanwhile, a new report calls for a revitalization of Japan's small business sector as the key to ending that country's worst recession since the Second World War. Here's more from the Japan Times, which also contains an article by Deborah Weitsman on the Washington, D. C. seminar dealing with the connection between Japan's economic recovery and its relationship with the United States. Also, despite its own economic troubles, Japan's economy remains the world's second largest and has decided to cancel outstanding debts from 41 of the world's poorer nations.

Tech worker shortage worsens, industry says (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
There aren't nearly enough technically-skilled people to serve the hi-tech industry's needs, and industry leaders want high schools and colleges to do more to help.

Insurance company deadlines for filing disability claims can be relaxed, says the high court (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
The Supreme Court has upheld an appellate decision involving a man who filed for disability benefits after the deadline. Here's the story from the Los Angeles Times.

War in the Balkans: the economic fallout in Europe (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
Bruce Stanley reports that the military conflict in the Balkans is affecting several European economies, and is also affecting the new European common currency.

How stressful is your job? (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
A USA Today survey finds about one in three American workers indicating that their jobs are "low stress."

Leakage at the IRS (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
Columnist Robert Reno says that he has identified the REAL scandal at the Internal Revenue Service. It's all that uncollected money.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: A List of Events in U.S. Labor History (Wednesday, 4/21/99)
Allen Lutins has compiled a list of key events in the history of organized labor in the United States.

More bias allegations at the Ag Department (Tuesday, 4/20/99)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reached a discrimination settlement with African American farmers. Now, as Michael Fletcher of the Washington Post reports, many people working within the agency itself are claiming that it is riddled with bias and harassment. It's not the only federal agency under fire, however. Alice Ann Love reports on claims by a number of male employees of the Social Security Administration that there is routine discrimination in the SSA workplace.

Additional evidence of the declining status of "credentials" in the new economy (Tuesday, 4/20/99)
Overall, the new economy is less credentials-oriented and more performance-oriented than the old, and this attitude may be spreading to public education as well. Jay Mathews has been testing the political climate across America and finds that a movement already seems to be underway.

A look at Universal Savings Accounts (Tuesday, 4/20/99)
E. J. Dionne writes about how President Clinton's Universal Savings Accounts might affect the retirement preparation of middle- and lower-income Americans. Get ready for a lot of political rhetoric, though.

Success, yes, but it's a fairly long story (Tuesday, 4/20/99)
Wisconsin's governor likes to the tell the story of Michelle Crawford as an example of how welfare-to-work is working, and she's also told her own story. But, as Jason DeParle reports, her story is longer, more complicated, and more filled with difficulty than you may have been led to believe, and it hasn't ended yet.

Is there really an "empiricist vs. theorist" dichotomy in economics? (Tuesday, 4/20/99)
Louis Uchitelle of the New York Times tells about Alan Krueger's rapid ascent to the top of the "empiricist movement" in economics. However, before muttering about all those unrealistic, ivory tower theorists, it's probably best to recall that the word "theory" is one of the most misunderstood in the English language.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Alan Greenspan (Tuesday, 4/20/99)
Don't you just hate it when someone asks you about some detail of Alan Greenspan's life and you don't know the answer? Or, perhaps you'd like to show of the fact that you know that the Federal Reserve Chairman attended the Juilliard School of Music. In any event, here's Dr. Greenspan's official biography from the Fed's Board of Governor's site, and here's even more about the man whom some regard as the most influential person in the world.

IMF's World Economic Outlook to be released tomorrow (Monday, 4/19/99)
If you're wondering how things are going in the global economy, the International Monetary Fund is about to tell you what it thinks. It is expected that a mixed forecast will be released tomorrow, but it may be a somewhat prettier picture than we've been used to, as crisis conditions seem to be easing in many regions.

Why Clinton didn't make a deal with China (Monday, 4/19/99)
China had made concessions in its effort to win membership in the World Trade Organization, but President Clinton's advisers had urged that he push for additional ones. One of these advisors was Secretary Rubin. Helene Cooper tells the story in today's Wall Street Journal.

A half-million young Australians are on the outside looking in (Monday, 4/19/99)
Stephen Long of the Australian Financial Review writes about a new report from the Dusseldorp Skills Forum telling about the large number of young people "marginalised" in the Australian labour market. Also in Australia today, Australian Meat Holdings shuts down its Aberdeen operation and throws 400 people out of work.

Dueling universities (Monday, 4/19/99)
Harvard and Yale hold competing labor conferences. Here's more from Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times.

Wage pressures at the local grocery store (Monday, 4/19/99)
Frank Swoboda and Stephanie Stoughton report that several conditions are conspiring to push wages up for persons who work at Washington, D.C.-area grocers. One of these, of course, is an overall tight labor market.

What to do if workers aren't turning in their time cards (Monday, 4/19/99)
A correspondent is advised that withholding paychecks is not an option under California law. Also in the Los Angeles Times today, columnist Amy Joyce reports that an increasing number of workers in the new economy are prefering other benefits to more money when it's time for a raise. Finally, David Lamb attempts to provide some perspective on controversies involving impoverished people who work for Nike in Vietnam.

Having Medicare available doesn't mean that people will necessarily use it (Monday, 4/19/99)
Many elderly people are doing what a lot of younger people also do. They're neglecting preventative checkups.

Student loan defaulters had better run and hide (Monday, 4/19/99)
Edward Walsh reports that the federal government is going after people who have defaulted on their student loans, and lawsuits are way up.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Techies.com (Monday, 4/19/99)
Techies.com specialized in helping to get workers with professional information technology skills together with employers who need them. One of the site's principal features is that it is localized, allowing searches for IT jobs and people within a number of major cities.

The contrast between America's economy and everybody else's may be diminishing (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Asia, Western Europe, Russia, and Latin America have had major problems over the past two years or so, but there are signs of life nearly everywhere. Here's more from a Washington Post story coming to you via today's Minneapolis Star Tribune. Meanwhile, even though the U.S. economy continues to be strong, the Federal Reserve feels greatly challenged by the task of guiding it further, given such low unemployment levels. Why is a good thing a possible bad thing? It can set off a round of something we have heard little about for quite a long time: inflation. Still, conditions continue to be awfully good, according to John Cunniff.

Many in Hong Kong have different worries than they expected (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Keith Richburg writes from Hong Kong that many persons in the former British colony are worrying more about economic problems now than political ones, despite the fact that the world's largest totalitarian state is in charge. Mark Landler reports on the political impact of a new global economy in Malaysia, and it isn't a pretty picture that he paints for us.

Why do so many Americans lack access to health care? (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Yes, tens of millions of Americans do not have health insurance, but that's only part of the story, according to a report from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Their study focused on the large number of Hispanics and young people who do not have access to health care. The new economy is filled with cross-currents and contradictions. At the same time that large numbers of people lack health care in the United States, hospitals are having to compete for patients. Milt Freudenheim of the New York Times writes that a growing number of hospitals are offering private rooms in order to fill those beds. Meanwhile, in the UK, as Sarah Lyall reports, many sick people spend a lot of their time in waiting rooms or on waiting lists.

The vulnerability of teenage girls in the workplace (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Sexual harassment is a major problem for female workers of all ages, but teenage girls are particularly vulnerable and poorly prepared to deal with it, writes columnist Amy Joyce.

A strike may be brewing at the world's largest news service (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Reuters workers in the United States may be preparing to strike, according to spokespersons at the Newspaper Guild of New York.

What does it mean to be "disabled?" (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Some cases are very clear, of course, but where is the legal line drawn in the American workplace? The Supreme Court has taken up the question.

How fear of litigation is making employers less inclined to hire (Sunday, 4/18/99)
The possibility of discrimination suits is making many employers very skittish and reluctant to hire people they think could mean trouble later.

Columnist advises a nervous newcomer (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Getting up to speed takes a little time, and all reasonable people understand this, columnist Michelle Cottle tells a worried correspondent.

Latest news from the front: the war on college costs (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Albert Crenshaw of the Washington Post writes about how parents in the District of Columbia have their eyes on a couple of plans by which college may become more affordable for their children.

If you haven't heard of "Hyperport" yet, you're almost surely going to hear a lot during the years directly ahead (Sunday, 4/18/99)
The world's largest shopping center, the Mall of America, continues to attract millions of visitors to the Twin Cities from all over the world. However, it's only part one of a two-part project. The second part is in preparation, and, when finished early in the next century, it will offer visitors an opportunity to explore the hi-tech revolution in all its aspects for work, education, and more. Get ready for Hyperport in Minnesota.

How do you prepare for a job interview if you've been down and out? (Sunday, 4/18/99)
You're in luck if you have the help of the folks from New York's Jobs Cooperative Program at Grand Street Settlement and Career Gear. Here's Alex Prud'homme's report.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: CommerceNet (Sunday, 4/18/99)
Those who are in any way interested in conducting business on the Internet are also likely to be interested in CommerceNet, an association of 500 companies and organizations from throughout the world that are building the global electronic marketplace.

Another sickout? (Saturday, 4/17/99)
This time, it's Alaska Airlines that's having to cancel a lot of its flights, and, instead of pilots, as was the case with American Airlines in February, it's ticket agents and baggage handlers.

Growing protectionism is irritating Chairman Greenspan (Saturday, 4/17/99)
The man who may be most responsible for America's unprecedented economic expansion sees a protectionist mood developing, and doesn't like it.

Despite a war now and then, military life can have its attractions (Saturday, 4/17/99)
Military recruiters have a tough job attracting quality people in a hot civilian economy, but, for some, military service can be a good career move, as well as a patriotic contribution.

Keeping up on workplace jargon (Saturday, 4/17/99)
The new economy is producing a new language. For instance, in case you've fallen behind, here's the difference between "face time" and "flex time." Be sure to take notes and be ready for a pop quiz.

Pennsylvania experiment for hard-to-employ about to begin (Saturday, 4/17/99)
Mensah Dean of the Philadelphia Daily News says that Pennsylvania's "Work Opportunities" crash course in job preparation is anything but a guaranteed success, so, stay tuned.

Good news about "mad cow disease" and agricultural workers (Saturday, 4/17/99)
New research finds that people who work with animals don't appear to be dying from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease at an increased rate.

Profit motive sickening health care system, Soros says (Saturday, 4/17/99)
Financier George Soros is putting some of his money behind an effort to slow the corrupting influence of money in medicine. Meanwhile, Steve Miles has some thoughts about what it will take to bring health care costs under control, and he doesn't believe that rationing will be the answer.

Clinton opposes "parent penalties" in the workplace (Saturday, 4/17/99)
President Clinton would like to see new legislation that would allow parents to sue employers if they are victims of discrimination on the job.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: EconLit (Saturday, 4/17/99)
If you need to do some reading in economics, the American Economic Association can help you find what you're interested in with EconLit.

Pilots union ordered to pay more than it has (Friday, 4/16/99)
The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, has been ordered to pay the airline $45.5 million in damages because of the "sickout" in February. As unsurprising as it may be, the pilots union says that it disagrees with the court's decision.

Investors pour money into Hong Kong market (Friday, 4/16/99)
Nearly two years ago, investors started pulling money out of the Asian markets, and that set off a financial firestorm throughout the region. Now, here's different news for a change: David Lawder reports that Hong Kong stocks are hotter than they've been in 17 months. Incidentally, how are things in Hong Kong now that the Chinese are running things again, rather than the British? Nora Boustany of the Washington Post writes that Hong Kong is still Hong Kong.

Dividend and jobs to be cut at Nissan (Friday, 4/16/99)
The big Japanese automaker plans to cut 5,000 jobs, according to this report from Tokyo by Edwina Gibbs.

Decision on unionization approaches at University of Minnesota (Friday, 4/16/99)
Large research universities tend to brag about the fact that they are large research universities in order to attract multitudes of undergraduates, but, then, turn over much of the responsibility for teaching these folks to relatively inexperienced graduate students who are very poorly paid and also preoccupied with their own studies and research. It makes for a peculiar mix, and one must wonder about the motivation of the various people involved and why there continue to be so many willing participants. Why don't the graduate assistants unionize in an effort to improve their pay and working conditions? Well, that may happen soon at the University of Minnesota. A vote is underway.

Farmers express concern about growing power of agribusiness corporations (Friday, 4/16/99)
Farmers intend to gather in the Twin Cities Sunday in order to oppose additional consolidation in the agribusiness industry and argue for new federal regulation.

Many British economists agree that the UK should sign on to the euro (Friday, 4/16/99)
The majority of professional economists in the UK think that their country should join their neighbors across the channel in the use of the European common currency within the next five years, according to a poll conducted by the Economist.

Girl Power teaches girls about math in many real-world contexts (Friday, 4/16/99)
Maria Elena Baca of the Minneapolis Star Tribune describes the YMCA sponsored program for getting girls interested in math and what a restaurant has to do with it.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Boston College Center for Corporate Community Relations (Friday, 4/16/99)
The Boston College Carroll School of Management doesn't believe that good business can occur in a vacuum or in a deteriorating environment. As a consequence, business should expect to contribute to the development and maintenance of good communities in which to live, work, and do business. The Boston College Center for Corporate Community Relations trains executives, among many other things.

Jobless claims up last week (Thursday, 4/15/99)
First-time jobless claims in the U.S. reached their highest level in three months, surprising many experts.

Judge approves settlement (Thursday, 4/15/99)
A $2 billion settlement between the U.S. Agriculture Department and African American farmers has been approved by a federal judge.

Job cuts at Mattel (Thursday, 4/15/99)
The big toy company will cut 3,000 jobs following first-quarter loss.

"Universal Savings Accounts" proposed by Clinton administration to help support retirement (Thursday, 4/15/99)
Clinton's plan would help lower income people prepare for retirement by providing tax credit incentives for saving.

"Living wage" plan approved for Los Angeles County (Thursday, 4/15/99)
Here's Nicholas Riccardi's Los Angeles Times story about a move that could boost similar movements around the country.

Better mental health coverage sought (Thursday, 4/15/99)
New bill would close loopholes in 1996 law and take an additional step toward parity for mental health coverage. Also, many people would like to see Medicare cover prescription medications, and a new study estimates that this coverage would increase the cost of Medicare by 7 to 13 percent over the next decade. Incidentally, speaking of health, who does a better job of forecasting it? According to research reported in the American Sociological Review, patients are more accurate than their doctors in predicting future health conditions.

Employer-sponsored backup child care (Thursday, 4/15/99)
Columnist Amy Gage reports that Dayton Hudson Corporation will be the first Twin Cities client of Children First, a company that is changing the nature of employer-sponsored child care.

How diverse are media workforces? (Thursday, 4/15/99)
Marla Matzer of the Los Angeles Daily News reports that women are starting to move into the top executive ranks, but progress seems to have stalled when it comes to minorities in newsrooms.

Iraqi economists would like to see part of their country's economy privatized (Thursday, 4/15/99)
U. N. sanctions have had a major effect on Iraq's economy, and some university economists think that it will take privatization to get things moving.

$100 billion isn't as much as you may think. Oh, well, yes, it probably is (Thursday, 4/15/99)
Despite the DOJ suit, Bill Gates has had a fairly good year. His net worth is approaching $100 billion. It seems only yesterday when it was estimated to be about $40 billion. How long will it be before he hits $200 billion? $500 billion, and do you care?

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Army Career and Alumni Program (Thursday, 4/15/99)
The Army Career and Alumni Program assists military personnel and their family members make a successful transition to civilian life and work. A variety of services are offered.

The Clinton administration agrees to try again in talks with China (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
President Clinton, perhaps because of advice from his political consultants, backed off from reaching agreement with China on issues relating to World Trade Organization membership, despite Chinese concessions, and some U.S. Senators seem greatly disappointed. The President has responded by agreeing to hold more meetings with Chinese officials this month. Here's more from Katharine Seelye of the New York Times.

Is the free fall over in Russia? (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
Neela Banerjee of the New York Times reports that an independent research group is seeing signs of economic stability in Russia. Meanwhile, in South Korea, President Kim Dae-jung believes that recovery is underway, but still needs some additional help from South Korean companies.

Another 4,000 jobs to go, following Tyco's acquisition of AMP (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
It's the latest round of cuts at AMP, which once employed 46,500 people.

Former AOL volunteers ask for DOL investigation (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
The use of volunteer labor at America Online may violate the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, according to the persons asking the U.S. Department of Labor to look into it.

Caring about and for people who lack health coverage (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
Karen Padley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes about hospitals that treat people who lack health coverage and where the money comes from during a period of skyrocketing costs.

When entrepreneurs get together (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
Jennifer Pendleton of the Los Angeles Times reports on a growing trend: entrepreneurs' clubs.

A Ford worker who gives and gives (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
He drives a forklift and gives away most of what he earns. A million dollars since 1994, in fact.

Record payments in Washington (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
The federal government spent more than a half trillion dollars on retirement and disability for the first time last year.

OSHA needs fixing, parents say (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
Senators were told by parents whose sons were killed on the job that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires some changes.

More and more economists become convinced: hi-tech may be producing productivity benefits after all (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
Despite huge investments in technology over many years, consequent increases in productivity haven't been easy to detect. Finally, even skeptical economists are undergoing a change of mind about technology in the new economy. Here are details from Steve Lohr of the New York Times.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: JustSell (Wednesday, 4/14/99)
There's a sign found on the walls of many businesses that says "Nothing happens around here until somebody sells something." True enough. Professional sales personnel play a key role in the economy in all product categories and at all levels. If you make your living selling, JustSell.com may be the resource you've been looking for.

European shipbuilder to quit building ships and will cut 25,000 jobs (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Kvaerner ASA's restructuring plan will cost 25,000 jobs in several European countries and the United States.

What's holding up the recovery of the Japanese economy? (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
The worst may be over, but, according to Japan's Economic Planning Agency, high unemployment is preventing the economy from gathering momentum. Here's the story from Tokyo's Asahi Shimbun.

Pilots' union in court (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
The recent "sickout" by American Airlines pilots could cost the union millions of dollars in fines.

The cost of restructuring the big inefficient state-run industrial sector in China (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Once upon a time, nearly all industrial workers worked for the Chinese government, and it hasn't been a success. Now, in order to bring the Chinese economy into the new global economy, the huge state-run companies need to be reformed or shut down. This means massive worker displacement. Chinese government officials expect that seven million of those workers will lose their jobs this year alone.

Skills shortage not just technical (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
There is a shortage of technical skills throughout the American economy, but, as Kirstin Downey Grimsley of the Washington Post reports, there is a shortage of basic skills as well. Maggie Jackson writes than many employers are having to provide the skills training themselves as they dip deeper into the available pool of labor.

Medicare recipients misled by HMOs, according to investigators (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
The General Accounting Office says that recipients are routinely misled about the nature and extent of benefits for which they are eligible. Here's more from Robert Pear of the New York Times.

Construction worker rescued from fire (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
A construction worker trapped in a raging fire at an Atlanta construction site has been rescued by a firefighter dangling from a helicopter.

Organized labor in the U.S. vs. Scandinavia (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Scientific American examines the relative success or lack of it of unions in the two regions.

Good job hunting for teenagers this summer (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Many teens won't have to settle for minimum wage in an economy that is short of workers.

Children's Health Insurance Program takes off slowly (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Only about 800,000 of the millions of eligible children have been enrolled during the program's first year, according to Judith Havemann's report.

Big increase in adoptions because of changes in foster care program (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Adoptions of foster children have increased about 40 percent over three years. Here's more from Barbara Vobejda of the Washington Post.

Can you say something nice about Social Security? (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Editorial writers at the Washington Post can. Despite all the controversy about its future viability, the American Social Security system is one of the country's big success stories, they claim.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: The W. Edwards Deming Institute (Tuesday, 4/13/99)
Here's an organization about "Mr. Quality" himself. It's difficult to exaggerate the impact of W. Edwards Deming on American business during the past decade or so. However, he is best-known for helping Japanese business leaders produce their country's post-war "economic miracle," particularly in the electronics and automotive industries. Deming's quality control methods helped Japan create the world's second-largest economy only a relatively few years after its crushing defeat in World War II. For much more, visit the W. Edwards Deming Institute.

Farm deal signed with China (Sunday, 4/11/99)
The meetings in Washington between President Clinton and Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji didn't resolve all questions relating to China's desire to join the World Trade Organization, but they did manage to reach agreement on some farm trade issues.

Japan's optimism gap (Sunday, 4/11/99)
The Japanese government would like people to believe that its economy is turning around, because that sort of attitude can be self-fulfilling when so much depends on consumer confidence and willingness to spend and invest. However, Sonni Efron of the Los Angeles Times says that, despite government PR efforts, there's quite a lot of public cynicism. Meanwhile, Tokyo's Japan Times reports that an increasing number of Japanese students are believing that part-time work can provide useful training for their economic future. Finally, here's Joseph Coleman's article from Tokyo on the high cost of corporate restructuring and downsizing for older Japanese workers. Mr. Coleman's article comes to you today via the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Clinton wants new regulations relating to welfare-to-work (Sunday, 4/11/99)
The President wants the federal government to do more to promote work and hold states accountable.

INS office expands hours for immigrants (Sunday, 4/11/99)
The Immigration and Naturalization Service is conducting a pilot program to help immigrants with paperwork. Also in the Minneapolis Star Tribune today, Dick Youngblood writes about a small company that deserves recognition in the area of employee benefits.

How things are going in one of the world's largest economies (Sunday, 4/11/99)
California's economy ranks high among the largest in the world, and it is a state, not a country. Don Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports that job growth continued in March.

China seeks help from Australia in setting up a social security system (Sunday, 4/11/99)
Huge numbers of people are being displaced as China restructures inefficient state-run industries. Rowan Callick writes from Hong Kong for the Australian Financial Review about advice that China has been getting from Australia's Federal Department of Family and Community Services.

More on the gender equity controversy (Sunday, 4/11/99)
Michelle Singletary of the Washington Post reports that not everyone is in agreement as to whether women earn less in the United States, given similar qualifications. Competing groups have gathered together statistics supporting their assertions. Meanwhile, Business Wire reports on a labor-management partnership in Indonesia to help workers learn about worker rights.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Ancient Economies (Sunday, 4/11/99)
A little historical perspective can be useful, and so can a lot. Here's a lot: Economist Morris Silver examines some controversial or unresolved issues relating to Ancient Economies.

U.S. officials optimistic that China will be in the WTO by the end of 1999 (Saturday, 4/10/99)
No deal was reached during meetings at the White House between President Clinton and Premier Zhu Rongji, but efforts will continue, writes Donna Smith. Mark Landler of the New York Times tells how China's participation in more open markets could deprive Hong Kong of its niche.

Clinton calls on Americans to sign a petition on patients' rights (Saturday, 4/10/99)
The President wants citizens to help overcome industry opposition to his plan for a "patients' bill of rights."

More on the shipyard strike at Newport News, Virginia (Saturday, 4/10/99)
Steven Greenhouse examines the motivation of strikers who are saying that it's mostly about economic justice.

Why Ford chose to limit its buyout offers (Saturday, 4/10/99)
John Gallahger of the Detroit Free Press writes that Ford Motor Company decided that it was a bad idea to offer buyouts to one and all when it decided to cut its payroll, and the strong job market was a reason. Speaking of Detroit, here's how recent events in America's old "rustbelt" look from the perspective of the other side of the earth. Stephen Dabrowski reports for Melbourne's The Age.

Finding what you aren't seeking (Saturday, 4/10/99)
Marvel Welch writes in the Lincoln Journal Star about what the gender gap means for a career. Here are some specific stories about wage discrimination.

How Brazil has backpedaled from an Asian-style recession, for now (Saturday, 4/10/99)
Most Latin American eyes have been on Brazil during recent months, because it has the region's largest economy and one of the largest in the world. Things have been looking much better recently, and the Washington Post explains.

Need a mentor, or how about a coach? (Saturday, 4/10/99)
Career columnist Amy Gage explains the difference.

A demographic expert looks at the new economy (Saturday, 4/10/99)
Why does the Upper Midwest have more of a labor shortage than many other regions of the country? Minnesota state demographer Tom Gillaspy has some thoughts on the subject. Also in today's St. Paul Pioneer Press, nationally syndicated columnist Carol Kleiman has some advice for a man who is experiencing burnout. Finally, Amy Lindgren suggests the possibility of a seasonal business for those wanting to test the entrepreneurial waters.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: The Gonyea Guide to Online Career and Employment Sites (Saturday, 4/10/99)
Jim Gonyea has been a pioneer in online career-related services with Help Wanted USA and major career sites on America Online as well as the Internet. In fact, his sites were among the first. Now, of course, there are many more, so here's the Gonyea Guide to Online Career and Employment Sites.

Strike at Bell Canada (Friday, 4/9/99)
Workers at Bell Canada walked off the job today. Pay levels and job security are the principal issues. Also in Canada, Andrea Hopkins reports from Ottawa that unemployment remained steady in March at 7.8 percent.

European Central Bank makes big cut (Friday, 4/9/99)
European interest rates have been cut to one of the lowest rates ever in an effort to stimulate sluggish European economies. The Bank of England also cut rates earlier in the day, but the European Central Bank's cut was much greater than expected.

WTO membership may be near for China (Friday, 4/9/99)
Paul Eckert writes that many in China may have reason to be ambivalent as American President Clinton and Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji announce that significant progress has been made, following a "lively dialogue." Adam Entous says that a fight is brewing in Congress over the issue, while Paul Blustein says that many American executives are still frustrated.

Working mothers' blood pressure stays up after work (Friday, 4/9/99)
Work-related stress can raise blood pressure, but, for men, it goes down once they leave work. Not so for working mothers, according to new research.

Some of today's job cuts (Friday, 4/9/99)
GT Interactive Software will lay off 650 workers, while Pentair will cut 700 jobs.

The uneven distribution of health care coverage (Friday, 4/9/99)
Tens of millions of Americans lack health care coverage, but, if you're Hispanic, you're more likely to be without it than if you're black or non-Hispanic white. The New York Times' Peter Kilborn has some details. Speaking of health-related issues, Washington Post editorial writers suggest you check the fine print in the managed care reform bills that are brewing up in Congress. In Texas, Jennifer Autrey and Sarah Lunday of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram write that a bill being considered in the Texas legislature would enable private physicians to bargain collectively when dealing with managed care companies.

Hot jobs vs. cold jobs (Friday, 4/9/99)
Nationally syndicated Chicago Tribune columnist Carol Kleiman has some information on what's hot and what's not so hot when it comes to available jobs out there in a boiling market.

401Komics (Friday, 4/9/99)
Wham! Bam! Now...follow the exciting adventures of retirement planning in the comics.

Among the effects of Social Security (Friday, 4/9/99)
A new study indicates that Social Security benefits keep about a third of America's elderly out of poverty and narrow the gender gap during old age.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: America's Career InfoNet (Friday, 4/9/99)
America's Career InfoNet provides information on trends, including information about individual states.

Decision on interest rates in Europe today (Thursday, 4/8/99)
The European Central Bank will decide today whether to lower interest rates in order to give biz investment a boost.

What makes people blow up at work? (Thursday, 4/8/99)
Rashida Dhooma of the Toronto Sun has some thoughts about "work rage" in the wake of Tuesday's tragedy in Ottawa.

Where the big wage gains are (Thursday, 4/8/99)
A new survey finds that median salaries for software engineers increased 7.5 percent in three months.

Special on executive pay (Thursday, 4/8/99)
Today's Wall Street Journal includes a special report on the pay of corporate executives. Lots of articles, all worth reading.

Tempted to become a "free agent?" Remember your health benefits (Thursday, 4/8/99)
Employers in the new economy are inclined to want a "just-in-time" workforce, so job security began declining some years ago. However, a very tight labor market has produced more worker mobility than many employers would prefer, as people sell their services to the highest bidder. One thing to consider, though, is where you're going to get health coverage. Also in the Detroit Free Press, Carol Teegardin tells about what its like to be a supervisor with such a rapid turnover of workers. Actually, despite a strong job market, not everyone is finding it easy to find the right job. Here's some advice if you're searching. Finally, Jennifer Bott reports on the increasing diversity of priorities among workers who are trying to gain more balance in their lives, including their work lives.

Singapore gets set to lead on retraining (Thursday, 4/8/99)
Singapore's government is planning an aggressive program of continuous training for the new economy, and it may be what many struggling Asian economies need to get out of their slump.

More efficiency for dealing with discrimination complaints (Thursday, 4/8/99)
The United States Department of Labor intends to streamline the process, according to Diane Stafford of the Kansas City Star. In San Antonio, workers rally to call attention to gender bias in worker pay.

Worker deaths not inevitable (Thursday, 4/8/99)
The commissioner of North Carolina's Department of Labor believes that all workplace deaths are avoidable, and he's intending to do all he can to prevent them.

Strike brewing in Minnesota (Thursday, 4/8/99)
A strike of bottlers and brewers at Minnesota Brewing may begin at midnight tomorrow.

First-time jobless claims up a bit last week, but still... (Thursday, 4/8/99)
Jobless claims in the U.S. have remained under 300,000 per week for ten weeks, and it's the first such stretch in a quarter century. Also, on the other side of the globe, Melbourne's The Age reports that ANZ Bank expects that Australia's unemployment rate could decline to 5 percent in the next few years if economic growth continues on its present course. Also, Paul Robinson and Andrea Carson report that the Maritime Union of Australia wants to reduce the number of "casual" (part-time) and contract workers on the docks. Companies in Australia and elsewhere find it advantageous to de-emphasis full-time employees.

Who's at greatest risk of an IRS audit? (Thursday, 4/8/99)
According to Curt Anderson, your risk is increased if you are self-employed or take big deductions.

Strike threatened in South Korea because of reforms (Thursday, 4/8/99)
The layoffs resulting from corporate restructuring in South Korea could result in a general strike as early as April 19, according to leaders of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Korean American Society of Entrepreneurs (Thursday, 4/8/99)
South Korea has been having serious problems with its economy during the past 20 months or so, but it's still come from the devastation of the Korean War to become one of the world's leading industrial economies in only about 45 years or so. Moreover, South Korea and the United States have had a close relationship for many years, in part because of their being allies during the Korean War, but also because many Korean-born persons are American citizens, given the large number of Korean children adopted by American families over many years. Everything considered, it's not surprising that there is a Korean American Society of Entrepreneurs.

An important meeting gets underway today in Moscow (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Representatives of the Russian government and the International Monetary Fund will be trying to work out a deal to prevent default on foreign debt.

Unemployment rate declines in Spain (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Unemployment fell a fraction of a percentage point in Spain from February to March. Incidentally, if you're wondering how anyone can consider an unemployment rate of 10.78 percent to be good news in Spain, while a 4.6 percent rate is a record in Japan and causing great disappointment and alarm there, it's all in the definitions of "unemployment." There is no consistent definition across countries. In Japan, for instance, you will not be counted among the unemployed unless you work less than one hour per month. The European numbers do represent a distressingly high level of joblessness, though.

Index of Leading Economic Indicators up again in February (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
The Conference Board report anticipates American economic strength during the latter part of the year.

Workplace violence in Canada (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
A former transit worker has killed himself and four other persons in Ottawa's main bus depot.

Clinton communicates plans for narrowing gender gap in pay (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
President Clinton will speak to an audience of working women and business leaders today, and many of them are the same persons.

AFL-CIO sees conflict of interest when corporate boards establish CEO pay (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Many top corporate leaders have been collecting huge amounts of money in exchange for their services during recent years, and it can be argued that if stockholders want to spend their money this way, it's up to them and none of anyone else's business. However, what if CEO A serves on the board of Corporation B and CEO B serves on the board of Corporation A, each having a say in what the other's salary and stock options will be? The Washington Post's Frank Swoboda reports that officials of the AFL-CIO see similar conflicts of interest helping to explain astronomical CEO pay levels. Who should care? Well, stockholders, for instance, because their money may not be used in quite the ways they're assuming.

If you think most college students are fairly radical, you may be a few years (or decades) behind (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Remember Alex P. Keaton? That was the part played by Michael J. Fox on the old 1980s TV sitcom. Alex's parents were aging '60s liberals, but he acted like a young William F. Buckley. It may not be too far from the truth for many current college freshmen, according to a new survey.

Americans may be generous, but they could be much more so, says new report (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
A report issued by San Francisco's Newtithing Group says Americans could give a lot more without sacrificing their lifestyles. Three times as much, in fact.

What to do about health care costs? (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Steve Miles says that America's health care costs are out of control, and a solution has to enable affordable health care for everybody. The U.S. does have the richest economy in history, after all.

Hot job opportunities for young animators (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Hollywood animation doesn't just mean cartoons anymore. As USA Today reports, some of the best opportunities in the world film capital are in animation, in part, because Hollywood is looking to hi-tech animation techniques for a broadening array of purposes in film and television production.

How to overcome rater bias in references (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Employers have gotten very nervous about lawsuits during recent years, so, when asked about former employees, almost never is heard a discouraging word. Like Garrison Keillor's home town folks, everybody seems to be above average. Lynne Curry writes from Anchorage on how to obtain a clearer view through the smoke screen.

Employees who want to work for themselves may have to give themselves a cut in pay in order to pull it off (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Paul Nowell reports that employees want to buy the North Carolina paper mill they've been working for, but some hard decisions lie ahead. Whether to accept a fifteen percent pay cut in order to make the deal work, for instance.

Lockout at Canam Steel Corporation (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Davud Dishneau reports in the Acron Beacon Journal on the labor conflict at Canam Steel's U.S. headquarters. It's a Canadian-owned company.

The biz cycle's impact on full-time workers in Australia (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
The Australian News Network's Ian Henderson writes that research indicates that employers are most likely to hire or fire full-time workers in order to make short-term adjustments. Some are expecting a downturn before long.

Detroit casinos turn to the Internet in search of workers (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
When many people think of gambling and the Internet, they think of making bets on the web. However, others are searching the web for workers to staff Detroit's new gaming industry, and with considerable success. Meanwhile, speaking of the Internet, as Stephanie Armour of USA Today writes, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of offensive email received in American workplaces.

Drug bust at DaimlerChrysler (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
Eleven DaimlerChrysler AG workers at the Warren, Michigan have been arrested.

Hizzonor thinks New York police could use some etiquette (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is disappointed that New York City police are not known for their politeness, and he thinks they should improve. A little training is in order. Ya got that, buster?

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: International Workplace Studies Program (Wednesday, 4/7/99)
The International Workplace Studies Program is located at Cornell University, but is supported by an international consortium of public and private sector organizations. Research is conducted into new ways of working in new workplaces, including studies of telecommuting, collaborative team environments, and many other topics.

Ship builder and union dig in (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
A long strike is expected at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.

Evolutionary revolution in Japan (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
Japan is restructuring its economy a bit at a time. Here's an analysis of what's happening day by day from Stephanie Strom of the New York Times. One company after another has been announcing changes that depart from the expectations that dominated during the country's postwar economic "miracle."

How is Brazil coping? (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
Fairly well, actually. Simon Romeo reports from Sao Paulo, Brazil on a greater degree of resilience than many expected of an economy in trouble.

Tight labor market fuels mobility (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
Many people show little reluctance to move on when a better offer calls. Ruby Bailey of the Detroit Free Press says there's a bidding war going on for the services of many skilled persons, and, for some, the best way to get a raise is to move on to a new job. Carol Teegardin reports that workers in the low-wage category are changing jobs more readily now too. In an economy where labor is short, demand for temporary workers is also very strong, but the temp agencies themselves are having their own problems finding and holding on to the right people. Here's more on that from Kerry Duff of the Business Journal of Phoenix.

Minnesota Zoo needs quick cash (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
Minnesota's showplace zoo says it will have to lay off 42 workers if it doesn't get a million dollars from the state...quick.

Point your favorite student toward this article (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
Bill Lubinger of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has some summer job hunting advice for high school and college students, but doesn't expect many of them read his article.

Is there age discrimination in info industries? (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
Are there trees in Maine? A columnist for Information Week gets a large volume of responses when he asks the question.

Hey, hey good lookin' (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
Ross Gittins writes in the Sydney Morning Herald on the relationships between physical appearance and income as examined by University of Texas and Michigan State University researchers in the United States. Pretty pays, apparently.

Why literacy matters (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
One of the principal factors making people vulnerable to welfare or incarnation is illiteracy, and it's something we must do something about, writes Phil Kirk of the Business Journal of Charlotte.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: The Career Builder Network (Tuesday, 4/6/99)
The Career Builder Network is a major site for bringing job seekers and employers together, with many of the largest companies listing openings. The company has received considerable press publicity in recent days because of its anticipated initial public offering.

Virginia steelworkers strike (Monday, 4/5/99)
About 9,000 workers strike at Newport News Shipbuilding.

More on the economic importance of hi-tech (Monday, 4/5/99)
The fact that many young Americans may have only a dim memory of the last recession has a lot to do with the growing role of high-technology in economic life, writes Elizabeth Lazarowitz. Similarly, while Japanese business leaders seem fairly pessimistic about Japan's immediate economic prospects, Mark Landler of the New York Times says that many leaders in Asia believe that the region's economy recovery will depend on the extent to which it can become a global hi-tech leader. The Washington Post's Peter Behr reports that most of the techies that will be laid off as a consequence of AOL's acquisition of Netscape shouldn't have to worry, and may have to run fast in order to avoid being trampled by employers wanting to capture them. Charles Piller of the Los Angeles Times reports that, while a shortage of technical workers led many Silicon Valley firms to lobby for an exception to the gov's visa regulations, it may have backfired. Mr. Piller explains why. Finally, as high-technology transforms our economic life, it may be altering other fundamental aspects of our social life as well. Omar Gallaga reports from Austin, Texas, for the Cox News Service on the increasing diversity of people on the Internet.

Amazon.com and Wal-Mart reach agreement (Monday, 4/5/99)
A major Internet company and a company that has used hi-tech to dominate American retailing have been having a dispute, but they've settled it.

Another example of the economic exploitation of children: young indentured servants (Monday, 4/5/99)
You may meet them in your front doorway. Here's Stacy Teicher's report on a new form of indentured servitude, and it's going on in the United States.

Canada cuts back on visas for dancers (Monday, 4/5/99)
Mark Heinzl reports in today's Wall Street Journal why Canada is experiencing a shortage of strippers.

The changing pattern of free service provided by professionals (Monday, 4/5/99)
When most doctors were independent practitioners, it was easier to set aside some time for persons who couldn't pay. Now, as Amy Goldstein reports, a lot of doctors are some HMO's employee, and their employer may not want them to allow the free use of facilities for pro bono work.

Evidence that the presidency has lost some prestige? (Monday, 4/5/99)
On average, according to a new poll, Americans think being a dishwasher is better than being President of the United States. Dave Murphy of the San Francisco Examiner shows how other occupations are ranked as well.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Bottom Up (Monday, 4/5/99)
If you're planning to try to start a hi-tech company, large or small, Bottom Up might be the online magazine for you.

What's new about the "new economy" and what keeps it cooking? (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Perhaps the question should be "what isn't new," but, as James Flanigan reports, hi-tech seems to be having a fundamental effect, making familiar old expectations obsolete. In the hi-tech sector itself, though, perspective may be on the decline because of the emphasis on stock options, according to Reed Abelson.

China's new heroes (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Wenzhou's entrepreneurs wouldn't have been featured in the old Maoist film, "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy," but they're leading the way now that China's economic, if not political attitudes, have changed. In a related story, Joe McDonald tells about a Shanghai entrepreneur who wants to get the world's largest country solidly on to the Internet through WebTV.

Even if you're not poor or an academic star, you may be eligible for a scholarship (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Kathy Kristof writes in the Los Angeles Times that other criteria can be important in helping you snag private scholarships. Speaking of higher education, although affirmative action is gone in California, there has been significant improvement in the number of minority undergraduate students.

What to do about employees with violent tendencies (Sunday, 4/4/99)
The Washington Post's Kirstin Downey Grimsley says that most employers are ill-equipped for dealing with the threat of workplace violence.

Unemployment in Japan may not have peaked (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Japan's unemployment rate has reached a record 4.6 percent, but a top government official says it may reach 5.2 percent before things begin getting better.

Criticism of U.S.-owned companies in Mexico and their attitude toward worker safety (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Mark Stevenson writes that the deaths of dozens of young women in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico has stirred resentment about employers not doing enough to insure the safety of their workers.

Child labor is bad unless somebody thinks it's okay (Sunday, 4/4/99)
The Washington Post's Frank Swoboda reports that a retreat from child labor prohibitions seems to be underway, as a bill advances through Congress with little apparent opposition. During the early days of the Industrial Revolution, children were put to work as early as possible in many communities. In the "potteries" in the English Midlands, for instance, life expectancy for many workers in dangerous and highly polluted settings was about 16. A fairly recent change of attitude about the nature and significance of childhood in many societies led to child labor laws, compulsory education, and other reforms. However, as we've been reporting for more than three years, the economic exploitation of children has become an increasingly prominent feature of the new global economy in many regions of the world, and it appears that the U.S. will not be an exception.

What it will take to succeed from now on in American agriculture (Sunday, 4/4/99)
The American agricultural sector is in rough shape at the moment, given low farm product prices and other major challenges. Does this mean that farming will disappear from the scene and that people will have to find an alternative to eating? Ah, well, probably not, so what will it take for farmers to succeed in a dramatically new world economy? Here are some thoughts on the subject from the perspective of Red Wing, Minnesota.

Another opinion on the have vs. have not gap (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Sylvia Nasar reports that economist Martin Feldstein questions some common assumptions about the implications of inequality in the U.S..

What if you don't have the money for Uncle Sam on April 15? (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Curt Anderson reports on how America's big tax collector's new kinder, gentler attitude may help if you're a little short when your tax bill comes due.

More on being funny at work (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Look who's laughing. Lawrence Van Gelder reports on the growing number of efforts to reduce excessive seriousness in the workplace.

Feedback from customers can be rude, crude, and sometimes lewd (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Timothy O'Brien writes in the New York Times about how unhappy customers and others are expressing themselves through the use of the Internet.

Many working Canadians would prefer to be stay-at-home moms (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Wendy Dudley of the Calgary Herald reports on the results of a recent survey conducted by the newspaper in conjunction with the University of Calgary and finds public opinion about evenly split on whether it's better for women to stay at home. Also in Canada, 2,000 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation technicians have ratified a new contract, meaning that CBC programming will get back to normal. However, Alexander Norris and Pual Cherry of the Montreal Gazette report that a strike has closed daycare centers across much of Quebec, and another strike may be coming.

More on the living wage issue (Sunday, 4/4/99)
Marcus Gleisser of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says that the general counsel for Jobs With Justice thinks there is quite a difference between the Dow Jones average and the "people's economy," which emphasizes whether there is food to put on the table.

Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Harvar