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March 1999
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revolutionary new world economy |
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NewWork News Archives |
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March 1999
Links included were live and functioning at time of publication.
They may not necessarily remain so, and this is not under our control
IMF will send $4.9 billion to Brazil (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
International Monetary Fund officials seem pleased with Brazil's reform measures, and have authorized $4.9 billion in loans.
Dow retreats from 10,000 level (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
The Dow Jones industrial average fell back a bit Tuesday after closing above 10,000 for the first time in history the day before. Among other things, many investors decided to take some of their profits, but there also seems to be concern about a decline in corporate earnings. In the highly competitive new world economy, corporations are finding it more difficult to pass increased costs along to their customers, including the increased cost of labor resulting from a tight labor market in the U.S. With the American economy continuing its strength overall, though, Caren Bohan reports that the Federal Reserve decided yesterday to keep interest rates where they are. Incidentally, when did the Dow first close above 1,000? Answer: November 14, 1972. Where were you on that day?
Congressman Allen wants Medicare to cover prescriptions (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
For many of America's elderly, the cost of prescription medications each month can amount to one of the largest expenses and can take money from other necessities. Here's one member of Congress that would like to see that change. Meanwhile, in today's Wall Street Journal, Ellen Graham weighs the upside and downside of buying insurance for extended elder care. Also, here's more from the New York Times on the delay in Social Security and Medicare's insolvency that has resulted from a continuing strong American economy. How strong? The American GDP grew at an annual rate of 6 percent during the last quarter of 1998. However, the Secretary of Labor points out that there are many in the U.S. whom the current prosperity is leaving behind.
UAW president says his union must change as auto industry changes (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
Detroit is gearing up to manufacture cars in a totally new way, and this will have implications for the vast army of American auto workers. UAW delegates have been meeting in Detroit, and President Steve Yokich has been explaining the new realities to them.
Correspondent wants to use money from IRA, then return it (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
Columnist Eric Tyson explains the regulations as well as the difference between an IRA and a 401(k).
Unemployment up, spending down in the world's second-largest economy (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
Today's Nando Times reports on why we shouldn't expect a major turnaround of the Japanese economy soon.
OSHA wants new work safety rules (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
Judy Packer-Tursman writes from Washington for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that a new regulation requiring employers to provide and pay for protective gear in the workplace would not go into effect for at least a year.
Welfare-to-work movement related to children's illnesses (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
The children of mothers who move from welfare to the workforce are more likely to be ill, according to a new Harvard University study. These mothers are less likely to have paid leave or work flexibility to enable them to care for their children, according to the report.
Business women to help other women move from welfare to work (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
Ellen Birkett Morris reports for Business First of Louisville that a job bank is being set up by the Louisville chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing (Wednesday, 3/31/99)
Psychometrics, that is, psychological measurement, is a highly technical enterprise requiring a high level of technical expertise in the construction, use, and interpretation of measurement instruments, including standardized tests. The opportunities for misuse or misinterpretation, either deliberate or accidental, are numerous. FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing is concerned with these issues and is dedicated to the rational and fair use of standardized tests in both educational and work settings.
Record unemployment in Japan (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
The unemployment rate has reached its highest level ever at 4.6 percent. Here's the story from Tokyo's Asahi Shimbun. Such a rate would be welcomed and celebrated in some countries, including many in Europe, but, because there is no consistent definition of "unemployment" across national economies, the rates have different meanings in different places. In Japan, for instance, a tiny and essentially trivial amount of paid work during a given month results in being counted among the employed. Meanwhile, across the globe, the Jerusalem Post reports that forecasters at the Bank of Israel are expecting Israeli unemployment or remain steady at 8.6 percent.
D10K, and not a problem (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
You've worried about Y2K and wondered about D10K. Well, perhaps you should keep worrying but you can stop wondering, respectively. The Dow has closed above 10,000 yesterday for the first time in history. Richard Melville of Reuters has the story, and today's Wall Street Journal contains numerous articles both reporting and analyzing. Ralph Acampora, and analyst at Prudential Securities, compares the post-cold war market surge to the one that followed the Second World War. The Fed's latest Beige Book report finds continuing strength in the American economy.
Yeltsin recommits to reforms (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
Russian President Yeltsin, who has been ailing, made a major speech yesterday and reiterated his nation's commitment to economic and political reforms. Among those who remained to be convinced, at least until recent days, have been officials of the International Monetary Fund, but Prime Minister Primakov has announced that lengthy negotiations with the IMF have resulted in an agreement that will re-start IMF loans.
Cuts at Bank One Corporation (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
The company's total workforce will be reduced from 94,000 to 90,000 personnel. Meanwhile, the larger-than-expected job cuts at Wells Fargo surprise many people, and the company has been scrambling today to provide reassurance and an explanation.
Dallas' affirmative action program remains dead (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal to an earlier U.S. appeals court ruling.
The role of child care assistance in welfare reform (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
The mayor of Minneapolis, Sharon Sayles Belton, has some thoughts about the support system that is needed to enable people to stay off welfare and succeed in the work world.
Strong economy makes the inevitable seem less inevitable (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
The point at which Social Security and Medicare can be expected to go broke has been pushed back by an American economy that continues being stronger than most people expected. The good news for procrastinating politicians is that a solution can be put off a little while longer.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: MSN MoneyCentral (Tuesday, 3/30/99)
Now that the Dow has closed past 10,000, it's accurate to say that it has quadrupled since about the time of the Gulf War, and a lot of Americans have been drawn into the stock market during this period. During a much briefer period, the Internet has become a major source of information as well as a means through which many people do their trading. MSN MoneyCentral is one of many major financial sites on the web and should be of interest to investors of nearly all types.
Political upheaval in Paraguay (Monday, 3/29/99)
Stephen Brown reports from Asuncion, Paraguay on the new president's announced intentions in a country where 74 percent of the population lives below the poverty level.
Agreement in Israel ends four-day public sector strike (Monday, 3/29/99)
Hundreds of thousands of workers across the country will get a 4.8 percent pay raise.
This may be a bad week in your workplace because of "Melissa" (Monday, 3/29/99)
Most computer viruses are nuisances that can be controlled fairly easy, but this one may be different. Welcome to the information (and disinformation) age.
Two "swingers" explain themselves (Monday, 3/29/99)
The authors of this article cast the swing votes on the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare which resulted in the commission's not making a formal recommendation. Stuart H. Altman and Laura D'Andrea Tyson offer an explanation.
What's the problem with American teachers? Make that two problems (Monday, 3/29/99)
Nationally syndicated columnist William Raspberry says that there are two problems with teachers, one economic, the other having to do with inadequate training.
Not your father's university (Monday, 3/29/99)
Jones International University exists only in cyberspace and has been granted accreditation by North Central. A leading organization of university professors has registered its displeasure with the move. There's also more news relating to online higher ed, and Pamela Mendels of the New York Times has it. Expect arguments over a potential revolution in higher education to heat up over the months directly ahead.
No new pilots this year at JAS (Monday, 3/29/99)
Today's Japan Times explains Japan Air System's efforts to retrench and restructure in order to improve its circumstances in a sluggish Japanese economy.
Executive search firm moves online (Monday, 3/29/99)
Heidrick & Struggles is the latest major headhunter to hunt heads on the web.
UAW president announces his union's plans (Monday, 3/29/99)
Job security will be an issue of high priority when the United Auto Workers negotiates with American car companies this year.
Columnist asks men some questions (Monday, 3/29/99)
Amy Gage says her questions are more frequently asked of women, but she finds men have some interesting answers. Here's more about what working men have to say about balance in their lives.
Movement from welfare to work doesn't necessarily mean movement out of poverty (Monday, 3/29/99)
Here's Jean Hopfensperger's report on how the Minnesota's new welfare system is working, according to many persons close to the action.
Show biz and the Internet (Monday, 3/29/99)
Gary Chapman writes in the Los Angeles Times that entertainment firms are still generally bewildered by the Internet, but will have to get over it, if they want to survive.
Some help with interview questions (Monday, 3/29/99)
Marvin Walberg tells about what you may learn from interview advice being given to employers and about some of the key questions you may be asked.
Your tax dollars at work (Monday, 3/29/99)
U.S. government workers have been exposed to unsafe levels of beryllium for decades, according to an investigative report from the Toledo Blade.
New economy migratory patterns (Monday, 3/29/99)
Vast migrations are occurring over the earth's surface, and it's one of the key consequences of an increasingly global economy. Here's more from Ronald Bosrock in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Goodman plays computer Barbies and wonders at the implications (Monday, 3/29/99)
Nationally syndicated Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman studies a new computer game for girls and shares some thoughts about what it may mean for the next female generation's participation in the revolutionary new world economy. She quotes the American Association of University Women's survey showing that girls are still greatly underrepresented in technical school studies. Incidentally, what major organization provided the funding that enabled two-time Nobel Laureate Marie Curie to complete her research on radioactivity? If you said the AAUW, you're absolutely correct.
No interest rate changes expected at Fed meeting tomorrow (Monday, 3/29/99)
Beth Belton of USA Today reports that the national newspaper has gathered together a group of economists and asked about interest rates. No changes expected this week, but they disagree about what might be next. Meanwhile, other forecasters expect Atlanta to lead in job growth over the next quarter century. Check Newsweek's "Careers 2000," which was scheduled to be released today, for details.
Student activism resurrects on American campuses (Monday, 3/29/99)
American university campuses were hot beds of ferment thirty years ago, but, then, got a bit sleepy for a while. Now, activism is back, writes Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times. This time, labor is a key issue.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought (Monday, 3/29/99)
If you missed reading a few dozen economic classics when you were in college, don't despair. McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought puts many of them as near as your computer screen. A work in progress, this ambitious project intends to gather primary sources, commentaries, and books about the economists themselves to this central location.
Nationwide public sector workers' strike in third day in Israel (Sunday, 3/28/99)
The strike that has disrupted much of daily life in Israel has spread, and, as Aryeh Dean Cohen reports in the Jerusalem Post, union leaders are threatening to broaden it even more.
Billions set aside for Social Security, but now what? (Sunday, 3/28/99)
Joanne Kenen reports that the budgetary blueprint approved by Congress last week is only the first step in reforming the American Social Security system, and the hard part lies ahead.
China likely to join World Trade Organization, but not immediately (Sunday, 3/28/99)
China's premier is visiting Washington next month, but, according to the U. S. Commerce Secretary, a deal on China's entry in the WTO isn't likely before that time.
In case you've been thinking that America's peculiar institution wasn't really all that bad (Sunday, 3/28/99)
Millions of Americans had ancestors who were victims of the most hideous crime ever perpetrated in North America, and it lasted for centuries. Doreen Carvajal writes in today's New York Times about a number of recent books that should strip away any residual tendency to romanticize slavery.
What to say if you've worked for Marion Barry (Sunday, 3/28/99)
Kirstin Downey Grimsley advises a correspondent on how to handle a notorious person's name on your resume when you're looking for your next position.
The problem with pension conversions (Sunday, 3/28/99)
They can cost you money, that's the problem, and, as Albert Crenshaw reports, some in Congress want employers to make the consequences of changes clear to affected workers. Nationally syndicated columnist Jane Bryant Quinn suggests you also make a careful point-by-point comparison when you're considering a change in health insurance plans too. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times' Sharon Bernstein, Alissa Rubin, and Robert Rosenblatt see potential HMO disaster on the horizon, while James Flanigan wonders why it should be so hard to pay for healthcare in the United States. There are good ideas available that could work, he says.
How communities are affected when textile jobs move overseas (Sunday, 3/28/99)
The Washington Post's Sue Anne Pressley describes the effect of globalization on American mill towns, and what they're trying to do about it.
Former workers claim illnesses due to high levels of dioxin (Sunday, 3/28/99)
The Japan Times reports from Osaka that two former workers at an incineration plant have filed claims, but they may not be the last ones. Also from Japan, Takayuki Umemura of Tokyo's Asahi Shimbun tells about the major changes that will result from the new insurance program for the elderly.
Helping the poor join the new economy's workforce (Sunday, 3/28/99)
Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist Dick Youngblood tells what some companies have been doing. The Strib also reports today that Wells Fargo intends to cut 4,600 jobs.
Top 10 list for people with home-based businesses (Sunday, 3/28/99)
Nancy Michaels and Mark Magnacca have some suggestions for overcoming resistance when people assume that your home-based business isn't serious and can't handle the big jobs.
What the Internet means to entrepreneurs in the U.S. (Sunday, 3/28/99)
Entreneurism is hot on the web, and America seems to be a good place to cash in on one's creativity. Here's more from Joel Kotkin of the New York Times. The San Jose Mercury News reports that the Yankee Group predicts that about a third of American households will be online by the end of this year and about two-thirds by the end of 2003, given that PCs are available in the sub-$600 and even sub-$300 ranges.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Entrepreneur Test (Sunday, 3/28/99)
Here's a quick test to see if you're cut out for being an entrepreneur. Is it statistically reliable and valid? That is, should you pay any attention to the results? We have no idea, and those are important questions. It may get you to thinking, though.
Brazil undergoes a change in mood (Saturday, 3/27/99)
All of Latin America and much of the rest of the world has been watching to see if Brazil's economy would set off an Asian-style meltdown throughout the region. But, after a period of near-despair, things have gotten a lot better, and more Brazilian leaders seem euphoric than depressed.
More money made available for farm loans (Saturday, 3/27/99)
The United States Department of Agriculture will be able to lend an additional $330 million to farmers who need cash for spring planting. The USDA took the action yesterday.
Lockheed Martin may get a big order for fighter jets, but will still lay off workers (Saturday, 3/27/99)
More fighters may be sold to Israel. Layoffs are expected, though. Here's the story from Worth Wren of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which also reports that the UAW will focus on outsourcing as a top negotiating priority.
Asian problems begin to wash ashore in Vancouver (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Vancouver, British Columbia has been enjoying an economic boom lately, but, as Steven Pearlstein reports, it's beginning to soften, and the Asian crisis is part of the reason, but so are the city's own competitive weaknesses which haven't been particularly visible until now.
The Fed is expected to leave interest rates alone (Saturday, 3/27/99)
The Federal Reserve's policy-making committee meets next week, but interest rates are likely to remain unchanged, according to most observers.
California moves to counter Hollywood's competition (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Former and perhaps future movie actor but now Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura recently visited Hollywood in an effort to sell producers and the big studios on the idea of shooting more feature films in Minnesota. Other regions in the U.S. and also Canada have also attracted a lot of film work in recent years, and that means film industry jobs have been slipping away from California. However, James Bates of the Los Angeles Times reports that some state legislators are proposing tax breaks for Hollywood in order to keep jobs in California.
On being a child, employed full-time, and in danger (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman has released a major Labor Department study of child labor across 16 countries and the hazards faced by the young in their workplaces.
Don't become too dependent on contract workers, writer advises (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Emory Mulling has some advice for small business from the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Barbie and girls' visions of their possibilities (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Liz Leyden of the Washington Post tells about how Mattel and Girls Inc. are working together in an unexpected partnership to be sure Barbie sends the right messages to girls in the 21st century. Incidentally, how old is Barbie? If you said "40," you're entitled to the coveted NewWork News handshake award.
Cypress Semiconductor executive answers Jesse Jackson (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Things aren't so bleak for minorities in Silicon Valley as Jesse Jackson has alleged, according to T.J. Rodgers. Meanwhile, across the country, First Union joins in a partnership founded by Earl Graves of Black Enterprise to provide funds for investment in minority-owned businesses.
Working fathers juggle career and family (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Nationally syndicated Chicago Tribune columnist Carol Kleiman tells about James Levine Todd Pittinsky's new book, Working Fathers: New Strategies for Balancing Work and Family. Meanwhile, columnist Amy Lindgren offers some pointers on how to interview effectively so that you will leave with a job offer.
Temporary cuts at Hutchinson Technology (Saturday, 3/27/99)
Five-hundred-fifty production workers in Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin will be laid off, but will continue to receive benefits, and it is expected that they will be called back once the disk drive business strengthens.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: HomePath (Saturday, 3/27/99)
If you're trying to decide whether to buy your own home, if you're presently in the market, or if you're thinking of refinancing, here's help in all aspects of the decision-making and preparation process. HomePath comes to you from Fannie Mae.
Jobelss claims waaaay down in the United States (Friday, 3/26/99)
Dave Skidmore of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that, according to data from the United States Department of Labor, jobless claims are at a 25-year low. Today's Wall Street Journal says that economists expect a continued strong labor market.
Strike in Israel expected to get worse before it gets better (Friday, 3/26/99)
Things should be even worse on Sunday, according to Aryeh Dean Cohen of the Jerusalem Post. Mark Lavie reports in the Philadelphia Inquirer on how the nationwide strike has affected daily life in the country.
New law protects nursing home residents on Medicaid (Friday, 3/26/99)
People on Medicaid can no longer be evicted from nursing homes. President Clinton signed the bill into law yesterday.
Mitsubishi and United Auto Workers sued (Friday, 3/26/99)
African American workers allege discrimination at Mitsubishi's plant in Normal, Illinois.
Fort Worth plant closing to affect hundreds of workers (Friday, 3/26/99)
Halliburton Company will close its energy services plant in Fort Worth, Texas on July 31, which will result in the disappearance of 400 jobs at that location. Dan Piller of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the company expects to offer about 250 of the affected workers new jobs in Houston.
Gates encourages students to urge employers to get on the hi-tech bandwagon (Friday, 3/26/99)
Billionaire Bill isn't totally preoccupied with the trial that could result in the breakup of his company. The richest man in the world, who may also be the world's best-known college dropout, stopped by to speak to Georgetown University students in Washington, D. C. to discuss what the Next Big Things in hi-tech may be, and also how technology can make workers more productive. Incidentally, estimates are that Bill's net worth will hit $100 billion by the end of the year.
LESS flexible scheduling? (Friday, 3/26/99)
Frank Dutra of the San Jose Mercury News says that flexible scheduling may be on the way out in California, but it's a controversial issue for a variety of reasons.
Chavez inducted into Hall of Fame (Friday, 3/26/99)
California organizer Cesar Chavez has been inducted into the U.S. Department of Labor's Hall of Fame. Chavez organized the United Farm Workers and called attention to the needs and circumstances of migrant farm workers. Judy Lin's Los Angeles Times story comes to you via the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Florida study looks at how welfare-to-work folks are doing (Friday, 3/26/99)
New research indicates that, while most former welfare recipients prefer being part of the workforce, it hasn't been easy going for many of them. Here's more from the St. Petersburg Times.
In Lima, your cab driver may have credentials you won't believe (Friday, 3/26/99)
A lot of highly educated people are driving cabs now in Peru, and they blame the economic reform policies of President Alberto Fujimori, who would like to be re-elected.
Big hi-tech workforce meeting coming to Austin, Texas (Friday, 3/26/99)
It's the Second Annual National Information Technology Workforce Convocation sponsored by the Information Technology Association of America, and it's scheduled for April 12-13.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: MuseumLink's Museum of Museums (Friday, 3/26/99)
Don't work so hard. Take some time off. Visit a museum. Here's your pass.
Strike in Israel widens (Thursday, 3/25/99)
Public sector workers across Israel went on strike yesterday. Now, defense industry workers have joined them..
Nurses strike in Canada (Thursday, 3/25/99)
Approximately 4,500 nurses in Newfoundland walked out yesterday. Talks are continuing.
The Chancellor feels the pressure (Thursday, 3/25/99)
German business leaders are trying to turn up the heat on Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and are insisting on radical economic reforms to turn around what they see as a dangerous deterioration of Germany's huge economy. William Drozdiak has details in the International Herald Tribune, Europe's Paris-based English-language newspaper.
America West agreement will result in significant raises (Thursday, 3/25/99)
David Schwartz has some details from the deal reached between America West and its flight attendants after years of rancorous negotiations. The agreement means that a strike will be averted.
More on layoffs and reorganization at America Online (Thursday, 3/25/99)
The Washington Post's Shannon Henry reports that AOL intends to reorganize into four units following its acquisition of Netscape, and as many as 1,000 jobs will be cut as the two companies are brought together.
Why don't they retire? (Thursday, 3/25/99)
Some older workers can't afford to retire. Others need something meaningful to do. For whatever reason, a growing number of folks are staying on the job, and, in a tight labor market, they are needed. Here's more from Kirstin Downey Grimsley.
A major analysis of America's working poor (Thursday, 3/25/99)
The Boston Phoenix Harvard professor Katherine Newman's new book, No Shame in my Game: The Working Poor in the Inner City.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: The National Institute for Working Life (Thursday, 3/25/99)
The National Institute for Working Life comes to you from Sweden and deals with a wide assortment of work-related issues. A big European conference on work is coming up, and you'll find information about it on this site.
Hundreds of thousands strike in Israel (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
Public sector workers across the country have gone out on strike. The Histadrut trade unions federation has been demanding a 14 percent wage increase for its member workers to compensate for inflation. Here are more details from Aryeh Dean Cohen writing from Jerusalem for the Jeruselum Post.
EU leaders meet in Berlin to discuss new memberships (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
Leaders from 15 European Union nations are divided on how to prevent an increase in spending in relation to the acceptance of 12 new members in the organization. Germany's Chancellor Schroeder urges austerity.
Worker commits suicide at Bridgestone corporate headquarters (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
The reasons for the suicide are as yet unclear, but Sheryl WuDunn reports from Tokyo for the New York Times that the man was a former Bridgestone manager who objected to the restructuring of the company. He used the traditional Japanese hara-kiri method to kill himself. Here's more from today's Japan Times. Meanwhile, in Yekaterinburg, Russia, a worker has killed himself after not being paid for months.
China wants improvements in its pension system (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
The Chinese government wants firms to expedite required pension payments. Laid off and retired state workers are paid from the account that collects payments from employers. Also from Inside China Today, labor activist Han Dongfang has said in Hong Kong that millions of workers participated in hundreds of thousands of demonstrations last year over China's reform of its state sector. Huge numbers of people have been thrown out of work as China attempts to reduce the state sector's participation in its economy.
Health coverage diminishes at small companies (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
Marla Dickerson of the Los Angeles Times writes about declining health coverage in the American small business sector.
How economic considerations have altered the purpose of teaching assistantships (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
Teaching assistants have become a source of cheap labor at most major universities and carry a large part of the instructional load. At UCLA, they've decided to join a union, and the Los Angeles Times has some thoughts about it.
White employee wins discrimination suit (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
A federal jury has ruled against the city of Wilmington, Delaware. Here's more from Jim DeSouza of the Delaware Law Weekly.
What happens if you're a volunteer firefighter and you get hurt or killed on the job? (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
Dave Harmon reports in the Austin American-Statesman that many fire departments across Texas don't have pension plans to help affected firefighters or their families.
Layoff notices for Netscape workers (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
When companies are acquired or merge with other companies, some staff duplication is expected, which also leads to expectations of layoffs. The AOL acquisition of Netscape is no exception, and, as Monua Janah of the San Jose Mercury News reports, a meeting is being held today following which many Netscape employees will know where they stand.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: IOWA the Smart Career Move (Wednesday, 3/24/99)
Want to work in Iowa? For many in more populous regions, it might not first come to mind, but the state isn't what many expect. You might be surprised if you were to visit. In their effort to attract hi-tech workers to their state, the Iowa Human Resource Recruitment Consortium feels that they may have to communicate some of the facts about Iowa as a great place to live and work. Their web site can help you find a great position too.
Israel braces for big strike (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
A nationwide strike of public sector workers is set for tomorrow. Here's that story from the Jeruselum Post's Aryeh Dean Cohen. In the central U.S., Eric Torbenson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says that flight attendants at Northwest Airlines are getting increasingly frustrated and a possible strike is more on their minds.
German executives deliver blunt message to the chancellor (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
Germany's economy has gotten worse since Chancellor Schroeder took over, and Germany's business leaders are worried. They have sent a delegation to the Chancellor's office to make sure that he understands their concerns.
Hoffa IS the prez now (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
After a protracted and acrimonious struggle, James P. Hoffa has been sworn in as president of the historically troubled Teamsters. Meanwhile, leaders in other unions are urging the First Lady to run for the U.S. Senate.
Multiple causes of job "burnout" (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
Research conducted by Professor Christina Maslach of the University of California at Berkeley indicates that when burnout on the job occurs, it may not be from overwork. There can be other causes as well, she says.
Farmers visit Congress to ask for emergency aid (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
However, as Rob Hotakainen writes, Congress may be listening, but there is widespread resistance.
Breaking up can make you broke (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
Liz Pulliam and Joanna Raebel of the Los Angeles Times tells why getting divorced may cost you more than you expect and describes Victoria Collins' new book, Divorce & Money: How to Make the Best Financial Decisions During Divorce.
Sex discrimination at M.I.T. (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
The great university acknowledges in a new report that female professors have been suffering from persistent discrimination. Here's more from Carey Goldberg of the New York Times.
Not enough nurses, and it's more serious than before (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
There have been nursing shortages before, but the current one is worse, and Peter Kilborn explains why. If hospitals are in crisis, nursing homes seem to be too. Dave Umhoefer of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the severe staff shortages and what they mean for the immediate future.
Nice to feel wanted (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
If you're about to graduate from college, you're likely to find a receptive job market waiting for you off the campus and recruiters may be swarming all around you right now. Here's Francine Knowles' report from the Chicago Sun-Times. Incidentally, if you don't have quite the skills he think you should have for the job you want, give it a try anyway. In a tight labor market, employers are willing to settle for persons who are somewhat less prepared, in many cases, meaning that they may be willing to provide more training after you're hired than used to be the case. Finally, even though it's a hot economy and labor shortages are showing up all over the place, there are still layoffs too, and Ara Najarian of the Los Angeles Times has some advice for those who want to get back in the action. One of your principal obstacles may be yourself, if you're not careful, because, unlike new grads, not being wanted where you are can take some getting used to.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: wwwomen.com (Tuesday, 3/23/99)
If you want to find information of special interest to women, there is a search engine exactly for that purpose. It's wwwomen.com.
Hi-tech and show biz (Monday, 3/22/99)
Today's Wall Street Journal contains a major section on technology in the entertainment industry, where it is having a major impact on employment and the skills necessary for making it in Hollywood and elsewhere. Many articles, and, as usual, all worth reading.
European corruption scandal may have a major upside (Monday, 3/22/99)
It has been expected that the historic steps toward the greater economic integration of Europe would lead to greater political integration...slowly. But , as Anne Swardson reports, an increasing number of people are thinking, ironically, that the process of political integration may be hastened because of the corruption scandal and the mass resignation of the European Union's executive commission.
Managing knowledge in a knowledge economy (Monday, 3/22/99)
The information or knowledge component contributes a major portion of the value to goods and services in the new economy, and, when employees leave, much of a company's knowledge resource may leave with them. What to do? Gervaye Parent writes about the increasingly important concept of "knowledge management."
Why productivity is important (Monday, 3/22/99)
The American economy is still cooking, and the New York Times' Louis Uchitelle says that increased productivity is a major part of the reason.
Job cuts at CHS Electronics (Monday, 3/22/99)
CHS is a Miami-based distributor of microcomputers. It will close warehouse, restructure, and cut about 600 jobs, which amounts to about 10 percent of its workforce.
Long struggle ends with labor agreement at Townsend Culinary (Monday, 3/22/99)
Frank Swoboda of the Washington Post describes the latest events at a company that employs a large number of immigrants.
More on the Women in Balance contest (Monday, 3/22/99)
Proficiency in balancing and juggling isn't just for circus performers anymore. Working parents are finding these to be essential skills in order to avoid a personal and professional train wreck. The Washington Post's Amy Joyce tells about "Women in Balance: Recipes for Success" from QuickBooks, the accounting software company.
Why overtime pay isn't fair, according to many observers (Monday, 3/22/99)
Richard Konda of the San Jose Mercury News says that many workers aren't eligible for overtime pay, and it's not fair, he says.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: The Gen X Personal Finance Guide (Monday, 3/22/99)
If you're a member of Generation X, U.S. News has some financial guidance for you. It's the Gen X Personal Finance Guide.
Friedman reports that Thailand is on the mend (Sunday, 3/21/99)
New York Times writer Tom Friedman spends a lot of time on airplanes. Recently, he's returned to Thailand after 15 months and finds that things are much improved in the country where the Asian meldown started two years ago this next summer. Friedman is also a familiar figure on PBS' "Washington Week in Review."
Mr. Primakov goes to Washington (Sunday, 3/21/99)
The Russian prime minister is in search of IMF funds, but it will be a hard sell. Also in today's New York Times, a class-action suit has been filed saying that the retarded are having to wait too long for assistance. David Sanger says the U.S. is engaging in a selective application of trade rules in the global economy, and he says it's a dangerous thing to do. Michelle Cottle advises a correspondent about what she should say and not say at work about her messy divorce. David Cay Johnston says managers should be wary of "golden handcuff" deals that may not turn out the way they expect under current pension laws. Finally, one of the world's half-dozen greatest newspapers has a major section on retirement today containing many articles and features, all worth reading, plus much additional resource for persons who are thinking about their late years.
IG Farben sued by former Nazi slaves (Sunday, 3/21/99)
IG Farben manufactured the gas used to murder people by the millions in Nazi death camps.
Not all Netscape workers will move to AOL (Sunday, 3/21/99)
American Online has acquired Netscape Communications. We reported yesterday that AOL is trying to prevent through the use of various incentives an exodus of Netscape workers. However, AOL does plan to cut the excess, which they think is about 750 people on Netscape's payroll.
Plan to be on the job and standing at attention on New Year's Eve? (Sunday, 3/21/99)
Nervousness about Y2K is leading to the cancellation of vacations at the very end of 1999.
If you make a lot of money, perhaps it's time to hide from your boss (Sunday, 3/21/99)
The cost-cutters are targeting for elimination many high-income positions in a growing number of companies, according to a new survey from Challenger Gray & Christmas, meaning that many highly paid executive may go from high income to low income or no income for a while.
Forest Service bans oil paint in logging operations (Sunday, 3/21/99)
Workers had filed a suit alleging that paint used to mark trees is a health hazard.
Where is the "virtual workplace?" (Sunday, 3/21/99)
It can be anywhere virtual work is done by virtual workers paid in virtual currency. Actually, as Jon Tevlin of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports, workers are more enthusiastic about telecommuting than managers, but the idea is catching on overall.
Done taking care of your children? Time to start taking care of your parents (Sunday, 3/21/99)
America has redefined old age to some extent during recent years. For instance, a certain 69-year-old California resident named Clint is still one of the biggest movies stars in the world and one of Dreamland's most esteemed directors. Arguably the most influential man in the world, Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan, is deep into his seventies, as is CBS-TV's "60 Minutes" head Don Hewett, who is 81-year-old Mike Wallace's boss, incidentally. Still, while being in one's 60s , 70s, or even 80s no longer means having to adopt an elderly lifestyle for many people, these decades are a minefield when nearly anything can develop and does, at a fairly high rate. Warren Wolfe reports on why many people must get used to the idea of parents who are becoming increasingly frail and in need of support and assistance. The majority of old people do not end up in nursing homes, but, for those who do, there is increasing concern about staff shortages in an economy that is offering higher-paying alternatives to working people. Dave Umhoefer reports for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Working where you want to (Sunday, 3/21/99)
Columnist Any Joyce says that a hot job market can make many nice choices available, including location. Also in the Los Angeles Times, a correspondent is surprised to find little left after withholding and is told about the employer's legal responsibilities.
Drug bust at GM assembly plant (Sunday, 3/21/99)
Thirteen workers have been arrested at a General Motors plan in Georgia.
Now, in our right hand, the Top 10 list of security concerns (Sunday, 3/21/99)
What do managers responsible for workplace security worry about most? Workplace violence tops the list, according to a new Pinkerton survey. Here's that story from Max Jarman of the Arizona Republic.
Saturn found to have discriminated against worker who sustained injuries on the job (Sunday, 3/21/99)
Karin Miller's report on a federal jury's decision in Nashville comes to you from the Detroit Free Press. Also from Detroit, but from a competing paper, Los Angeles Times writer Nancy Rivera Brooks reports on the growing cost of absenteeism.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Local Job Sources (Sunday, 3/21/99)
The Internet Job Source was our NewWork News Web Tip on December 12 last year. However, now they've launched three local job source sites: The New York Job Source, The Chicago Job Source, and The Silicon Valley Job Source for the convenience of employers and job seekers in those areas.
Agreement at America West (Saturday, 3/20/99)
"Union action" has been averted, as flight attendants reach agreement with America West.
Clinton on Russia and the IMF (Saturday, 3/20/99)
Russia's economy continues to be in desperate condition and outside assistance is needed. However, many persons have been thinking that, without fundamental reforms, additional outside loans may amount to pouring money down a hole. President Clinton seems to agree. For success, IMF assistance will require a change in Russian laws at the same time.
Rubin may go, but, then again, he may not (Saturday, 3/20/99)
There are rumors that the United States Secretary of the Treasury would like to leave the Clinton Administration, but the President says he wants him to remain in office.
Jackson on appearances vs. reality in Silicon Valley (Saturday, 3/20/99)
The great American hi-tech corridor in California likes to think of itself as "colorblind" in its labor practices, but Jesse Jackson says the record speaks differently. We're commented recently about a similar circumstance in Hollywood to the south, where tolerance is widely regarded as a virtue, at the same time that the Hollywood culture appears to remain highly bigoted, at least when it comes to age and weight, probably discriminating on the basis of these characteristics whenever it can. A recent "60 Minutes" report on CBS-TV described how allowing yourself to get a bit older (over 30 may do it) can kill your career in Hollywood. This is not to say that Hollywood does not still discriminate on the basis of race or sex as well, however.
Thousands of fired workers will not get severance or benefits (Saturday, 3/20/99)
Fluor Corporation will be firing 5,000 workers over the next several months, and they've announced that, while some outplacement services will be provided, there will be no extra pay or extended health benefits. Labor experts think it may be a mistake. Also in the Los Angeles Times, Fred Alvarez reports that agricultural workers in Ventura County who have been affected by the December freeze will be eligible for federal assistance.
Netscape workers expected to go along to AOL (Saturday, 3/20/99)
AOL is completing its acquisition of Netscape, and no mass exodus of Netscape workers is expected. Incentives are being offered.
The difficulty of climbing the ladder when you're on the lowest rung (Saturday, 3/20/99)
Being a fast-food worker, however conscientious, may prejudice your future job prospects, particularly if you're isolated from the sort of network that helps other people get better jobs. Here's a piece from the Detroit Free Press about Katherine Newman's research on fast-food workers in New York City.
Who, besides workers, benefit from 401(k) plans? (Saturday, 3/20/99)
Albert Crenshaw of the Washington Post explains why Wall Street likes the 401(k).
Why it's difficult for economists to make accurate forecasts (Saturday, 3/20/99)
The headline on Edward Lotterman's article says that economic forecasting is a "subjective science," which is really an oxymoron suggesting a misunderstanding of the nature of science. While science and scientists can be as wrong as anybody else at any particular time, science is defined in terms of its methods, not its topics of study or its conclusions, and the entire point of these methods has been to overcome the subjectivity and "social construction" that have dominated through most of human history. It is because of the power of scientific methods that there has been such a huge knowledge explosion during the last fraction of an instant, historically speaking. Most of our genuine systematically verifiable knowledge of nature, including human nature, including economics, has come from only the last few years of a 40,000-year experience of homo sapiens sapiens on the earth. Why are economic forecasts so difficult? It's because of the enormous complexity of economic systems and the fact that scholars do not have access to sufficient information to allow more precision, not because they are being "subjective" about it. Still, Mr. Lotterman's article is very much worth reading.
A "family friendly" company for as long as workers can remember (Saturday, 3/20/99)
The St. Paul Companies have been offering many perks for years that workers at other companies are struggling to obtain. Also in the St. Paul Pioneer Press today, columnist Amy Lindgren discusses the value of simply "dropping in" to check on job possibilities. Also in the Pioneer Press, nationally syndicated Chicago Tribune columnist Carol Kleiman writes about being your own worst enemy on the job and also about the "mommy track."
Hoffa can be sworn in (Saturday, 3/20/99)
Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times says that a federal judge has cleared the way for James Hoffa to become president of the Teamsters 42 years after his father took on the same job.
Fourth-quarter data from Hong Kong (Saturday, 3/20/99)
At one time, Hong Kong's economy was so hot, it amazed nearly everybody. Now, though, it's one of the ailing Asian economies, and, as Mark Landler reports, it slipped even more during the last quarter of last year.
Keeping people safe for work (Saturday, 3/20/99)
Here are some suggestions from Business Wire on how employers can keep their workplaces safe. The same publication also reports that a new study finds that the cost of keeping workers healthy and productive is high
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: MentorNet (Saturday, 3/20/99)
Career research clearly indicates that having a mentor to help show you the ropes can be of invaluable assistance in promoting the development of your career. MentorNet helps women students in science or engineering pair up with professionals in the field.
It's official: the US has an "information economy" (Friday, 3/19/99)
The United States Department of Commerce officially recognizes some fundamental changes in the U.S. economy with a new system of categorization.
Big job cuts at First Union (Friday, 3/19/99)
America's sixth-largest bank intends to cut about 7 percent of its workforce, which amounts to about 6,000 jobs.
America West flight attendants may be about to take some altitude out of their company's operations (Friday, 3/19/99)
Unspecified "job action" may come as early as this weekend and could snarl many persons' travel plans in the western portion of the U.S. Representatives of both sides have been meeting with mediators in Washington.
Cautious optimism in Southeast Asia (Friday, 3/19/99)
Southeast Asian finance ministers have been attending an ASEAN meeting in Hanoi, and Dean Yates reports on how they're sizing up their region's short-term economic future.
Will today be the day? (Friday, 3/19/99)
The Dow has been fluttering around the 10,000 mark, but is yet to close above it. The fact that it's in that territory suggests investor confidence in the American economy, though. Incidentally, we haven't heard any more about whether there will be a D10K computer problem.
California's answer to the mandated abolition of affirmative action at the universities (Friday, 3/19/99)
The University of California seems to be moving closer to adoption of a controversial "4 percent solution."
Ideally, workings spouses should each be doing 45.8% of the housework (Friday, 3/19/99)
What happens to what's left over? Maybe just let it remain undone, says a researcher at Brown University.
Members of Congress want a raise (Friday, 3/19/99)
Now, now, now, watch your language. Juliet Eilperin of the Washington Post has the details of what would be a "cost-of-living" increase. But, hasn't inflation been nearly non-existent lately?
Attorneys abandon their law suits (Friday, 3/19/99)
Peter Waldman writes in today's Wall Street Journal that lawyers in the western part of the U.S. are dressing more casually, but not so on the east coast.
Judge rules against nurse anesthetists (Friday, 3/19/99)
They had filed a "whistleblower" suit against Allina Health System, but U.S. District Court Judge Ann Montgomery has dismissed it.
Why some want to bring men into the women's network discussions (Friday, 3/19/99)
St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Amy Gage says that, while many of the issues are the same, an increasing number of women are feeling that significant progress won't be made on women's issues in the workplace if efforts are carried out in a vacuum. Among the issues of concern is finding balance between work life and family life. Scott Shepard reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that this issue is the most important to many persons surveyed in new research conducted by professors from Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: The Federation of European Employers (Friday, 3/19/99)
National boundaries have been getting more permeable in the new economy, as an increasing amount of economic activity is carried on on a global basis. Trade unions have been organizing across international boundaries too, and now, so are employers. Here's the Federation of European Employers, the organisation for major employers in Europe.
Governmental deal reached in Ecuador (Thursday, 3/18/99)
Officials are hoping that an agreement between the government and the Congress will mark the beginning of the end of that country's severe financial crisis and violent protests. Elsewhere in Latin America, truck drivers in Columbia have agreed to end their nine-day-old strike, and Mexico's labor minister may leave his post to pursue leadership of the Institutional Revolutionary Party following resignations by two top officials.
Labor-management consensus on low pay increases (Thursday, 3/18/99)
Tokyo's Japan Times reports on agreements on pay increases that are a record. Record low, that is.
Good news on Australia's long-term unemployed (Thursday, 3/18/99)
There are fewer persons who have been out of work for a year or more. The long-term unemployment rate has hit its lowest level in 2 1/2 years, according to Tom Allard who writes from Canberra for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Fed report released yesterday (Thursday, 3/18/99)
The strong American economy is still cooking, but the Federal Reserve is concerned about growing wage pressures resulting from increased labor shortages.
Who does business over lunch and who doesn't (Thursday, 3/18/99)
In Europe, some executives prefer power lunches, some power breakfasts, and some just want to eat.
Why the Medicare commission failed (Thursday, 3/18/99)
Robert Pear of the New York Times provides some perspective and explains why we should not expect a quick fix of the American Medicare system.
The electrostatic discharge police (Thursday, 3/18/99)
Mike Mills of the Washington Post tells about people whose job it is to keep the hi-tech workplace free of special hazards. Also in the Post today, Bradley Graham reports that at least one U.S. Senator thinks that the military's recruitment problems can be relieved by adoption of an 18-month hitch, and Robert Samuelson explains why he is not a manager and never will be.
The cost of the American Airlines "sickout" (Thursday, 3/18/99)
Dan Reed of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says that American Airlines estimates that the cost of reduced operations last month from pilots calling in sick in large numbers will amount to somewhat more than $200 million.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Corporate Training University (Thursday, 3/18/99)
Corporations invest very heavily in training and many have large and ambitious "corporate university" programs. Corporate Training University is a place where you can learn more and where corporate training personnel share with each other.
Medicare Panel falls short of agreeing on a recommendation (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
After a long period of work, the bipartisan commission on Medicare failed to acquire the 11 votes needed for a formal recommendation on fixing the system that could be forwarded to the President and the Congress, suggesting that bipartisan agreement among policymakers may be equally difficult. President Clinton is not pleased with the commission's work, and says that he will go ahead and present his own plan. Nearly everybody agrees that something must be done, but there is little consensus on what it should be. This may be one of those cases in which leadership must come from the President if anything is to happen, and it remains to be seen whether Bill Clinton retains sufficient clout and credibility to bring Congressional Democrats and Republicans to agreement, given the events of past months. Nonetheless, given the stakes, even his most vociferous critics have reason to wish him success. Incidentally, while this may astonish you, we've got to report that Congressional Democrats and Republicans aren't in agreement on everything except Medicare. For instance, Frank Bruni tells about the divisions over what to do about taming managed care, as the public seems to want. See? We told you you'd be surprised.
Those waiting for apologies may have to wait a little longer (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
Anne Swardson of the Washington Post that all those former officials of the European Commission who resigned under fire because of an ethics scandal don't seem particularly remorseful. Roger Cohen writes in today's New York Times that the mess may lead to greater accountability.
More on Ecuador's desperate economic crisis (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
The Washington Post's Anthony Faiola reports from Quito that Ecuador's economy is near collapse. Given this in addition to Brazil's continuing uncertainty, is Latin America as a whole struggling? Not necessarily. Here's Julia Preston's report from Mexico City for the New York Times.
Sides at America West to meet with mediator (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
A federal mediator will meet in Washington with representatives of America West and its flight attendants in an effort to avert a strike. In Japan, Japan Airlines will cut 3,600 workers and also cut its management staff in half. The company has nearly $13 billion in debts that it is trying to do something about.
Mirror on the wall, who has the fastest-growing high-tech work force of all? (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
Answer: the state of Georgia, according to the mirror and Walter Jones of the Savannah Morning News.
If you're an older worker, there may be good times ahead (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
Marc Meltzer of the Philadelphia Daily News reports on projections from the U.S. Department of Labor that see an increasingly aging workforce and a greater dependence on older workers. Janet Adamy writes in the Detroit Free Press that Michigan employers are looking to older workers for the help they need and are coming away satisfied. Finally, here's Maureen West's Arizona Republic story about Clarence Wilcox, a civil engineer who owns and operates his own surveying firm and goes to work every day. That in itself might not be news, but the fact that he is 91 might be. We don't think Mr. Wilcox is the oldest full-time worker in the United States, though, although we may be wrong.
The nagging anxieties of Mr. Greenspan (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
Alan Greenspan, Chairman of the Federal reserve, spoke to the Independent Bankers Association in San Francisco yesterday, saying that the American economy is "stretched." He expressed particular concern about the troubled agricultural sector, and, as Michael Phillips writes in today's Wall Street Journal, Greenspan thinks that farmers will be helped to get through the present crisis by hi-tech. Meanwhile, Liz Fedor writes in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune that Minnesota's agriculture commissioner believes that American farmers will have to become more marketing-oriented, and not just spend all their time producing products.
Hong Kong unemployment hits 6 percent (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
Here's more from Inside China Today.
Yum. Money, money, money (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
A lot of welfare money has gone unspent recently, and Congress has its eyes on it.
Seventy-six Utah companies ordered to pay back wages (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
The 76 companies have violated labor laws, according to the Labor Department, and must pay $669,383 to 1,170 workers. Here's the story from Phil Sahm of the Salt Lake Tribune.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Committee for Economic Development (Wednesday, 3/17/99)
CED's chairman says the Committee for Economic Development is "committed to working for a more productive and competitive U.S. economy and to making economic opportunities available to all American." CED is an organization of top business and academic leaders, and was founded in 1942.
Mass resignation of the European Commission (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
Toleration of fraud and corruption has been alleged. Here are details from this important and startling story from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, USA Today, and the New York Times.
Medicare commission may be ready to give up (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
The commission is meeting for the last time tonight, and its chairman suspects that there will not be a majority vote, and if that doesn't happen, the commission will have no formal recommendations for fixing Medicare, despite a long period of work. Members may be hopelessly divided. Why didn't somebody say that this is s tough problem?
Fury builds in Ecuador over austerity program (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
President Jamil Mahuad of Ecuador seems to have gotten a lot less popular over a very brief period. Large numbers of people are very unhappy with the steep rise in fuel prices plus frozen bank accounts and other parts of President Mahuad program for dealing with his country's severe financial crisis.
Many Irish go home (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
For a hundred years or more, following the potato famine during the mid-19th century, the Irish have migrated to other places in great numbers in search of economic opportunity. Many came to North America. Now, with a very hot Irish economy, as USA Today reports, thousands are returning to their ancestral home.
Top higher ed institutions come on board to help monitor sweatshops (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
The White House has been behind the development of an association to help be sure that clothing sold under major brand names is not produced in sweatshops, and 17 major schools pledge their support. Here's the story from Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times. The Clinton Administration also wants more protection for "whistle blowers," as New York Times writer Robert Pear reports in the San Jose Mercury News.
African nations meet in Washington on economic development (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
Thomas Lippman of the Washington Post reports that the U.S. Department of State is hosting the conference of 50 African nations. On the agenda: economic and technological development. They want to find ways to enter the mainstream of the revolutionary new world information economy.
Tech workers to get smaller raises this year in Japan (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
The electronics industry is still a key part of the Japanese economy and, of course, occupies a central position in the new global economy. Still, with Japan's severe recession, wave increases this spring will be less than Japanese electronics workers are used to, according to the Japan Times. As reported here earlier, the final quarter of last year was worse than forecast for the Japanese economy. However, the Japanese Economic Planning Agency thinks things have nearly bottomed out and will start to get better soon. Here's more from Tokyo's Asahi Shimbun, which also reports that an advisory panel is recommending that the retirement age for government workers in Japan be raised to 65.
More cuts at Boeing (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
Audra Ang reports in the Forth Worth Star Telegram that Boeing will cut an additional 6,700 jobs in the commercial airplane division. That's in addition to what they had intended, and it's because things are getting, according to company spokespersons. Also in the Star Telegram, Dan Reed writes that the union that led the sickout at American Airlines in February is challenging another acquisition by an affiliate of American.
Another island of trouble in a sea of American prosperity (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
Jane Brissett of the Duluth News-Tribune reports that the iron range in northeastern Minnesota expects some hard times ahead. Some of the reasons originate far from Minnesota. Incidentally, this region's mines provided a major part of the iron ore required during the great period of industrialization in the United States that began to reach high levels in the late 19th century.
What's behind the slight closing of the gender gap in wages? (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
Nationally syndicated Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman says a lot of has to do with falling men's wages, rather than increased women's wages, and there's still a long way to go to close the gap entirely. Incidentally, Ms. Goodman's newspaper has some editorial thoughts about German Chancellor Schroeder and the recent resignation under pressure of former Finance Minister Lafontaine.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Independent Means (Tuesday, 3/16/99)
For centuries, women have been far more likely to be economically dependent on men than the other way around. Better, many now think, if women can have their own financial resources, which, among other things, will allow them to enter into relationships with men on a more equal basis and for more of the right reasons. Independent Means is intended to help women under 20 chart their course toward financial independence.
Big French bank to be privatized (Monday, 3/15/99)
Today's Nando Times reports that the French government has authorized the privatization of the Credit Lyonnais bank. Also, Nando reports that prosperity for many in the United States has led to a surge in demand for "household managers."
D.C. region's economy strong in January (Monday, 3/15/99)
Peter Behr has news about the latest numbers in today's Washington Post.
Reports says harassment of gays is on the increase in the American military (Monday, 3/15/99)
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network says that a "climate of fear" has been created in many military units due to an increase in the number of incidents. Here's the story from Steven Lee Myers of the New York Times.
AFL-CIO to focus on growing inequality in a booming American economy (Monday, 3/15/99)
Judy Ancel writes in the Kansas City Business Journal that the big labor confederation will be giving more attention to the right to organize.
For some professionals, retirement simply means changing jobs (Monday, 3/15/99)
Here's a retired Illinois physician who works six days per week.
How are women doing in the new economy? (Monday, 3/15/99)
Better in the United States, in many ways, but not so good in Australia, according to Gabrielle Costa who writes for Melbourne's The Age. Fundamental changes in the workplace are hurting women, she says. Similarly, large-scale layoffs in China are hitting women there particularly hard, according to Inside China Today.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Corporate Report Card (Monday, 3/15/99)
Here's the Council on Corporate Priorities' Corporate Report Card representing how well the Council thinks companies deal with environmental issues and treat employees. Included is a list of the CEP's list of Honor Roll companies. Can you guess which ones are on their list?
Now, Lafontaine talks (Sunday, 3/14/99)
For several days, the former German finance minister had nothing to say following the resolution of his conflict with Chancellor Schroeder through Lafontaine's resignation. Now, he's offering explanations, and some criticisms. Erik Kirschbaum of Reuters reports that officials are saying that the departure of Lafontaine will result in a shift of priorities for the German government. Geoff Kitney writes for Australia's Sydney Morning Herald, providing some perspective on the changes in Germany, and how many fear that the break between Schroeder and Lafontaine may reduce the likelihood that reforms will really occur in order to bring the German economy out of its slump. Europe depends on Germany, much as Asia depends on Japan, and both of these key economies are in trouble at the moment. Finally, Carol Williams of the Los Angeles Times reports that Schroeder also will be the first German politician to be both Chancellor and head of his party since 1974.
Coping with a boss from hell (Sunday, 3/14/99)
A boss is sooooooo bad that Washington Post columnist Kirstin Downey Grimsley has heard from several people about the same guy. Another columnist for the Washington Post shares working women's winning contest entries.
Medication cost is a key Medicare issue (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Many older people, in particular, have medication bills each month that can be hard to believe. Amy Goldstein reports that the cost of prescription drugs and what, if anything, Medicare reformers should try to do about them is the key issue dividing members of the commission that intends to provide advice to policemakers. Speaking of policemakers and the elderly, a U.S. Senator offers an opinion on the relative merits of Social Security, more or less as it is, and individual retirement plans, and he favors the latter.
Another of the "miraculous" Asian economies has an unemployment problem (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Over recent decades, Singapore has become a most remarkable modern city-state with a vigorous economy that has been the envy of many other nations throughout the region, as well as the rest of the world. Now, however, like other successful Asian economies, Singapore is suffering its biggest jobs problem in a decade. In stark contrast, Kristin Goff and Eric Beauchesne report in the Ottawa Citizen write about a hot job market in the Ottawa region.
A $50,000 job, more or less (Sunday, 3/14/99)
The same job will produce different levels of pay in different parts of the country. Here's news from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune about a new national salary survey. Incidentally, what determines WHEN you get paid? Both the law and your employer, sez the Los Angeles Times.
Now, here's an unusual job (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Would you like to watch TV commercials for a living? Cheryl Smith does just that.
Will Monica Lewinsky be employable? (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Once Monica has disappeared entirely from the front page and she's depleted her book and TV earnings paying her legal bills, she will have to find something to do. Who will want to hire her? Lots of people, probably, if she has the right qualifications. Max Jarman of the Arizona Republic reports on a new survey of human resource executives and finds that few would be reluctant to hire her simply because of, well, you know. We don't know whether the same executives were asked whether they'd be willing to hire a particular man named Bill.
Intel accused of brain raid by Motorola (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Motorola says that Intel has been hiring its employees in order to gain access to intellectual property they take with them in their heads, and Motorola is seeking an injunction in order to stop it, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Pain in a hot economy (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Overall, Americans are experiencing an almost unprecedented period of prosperity, but it isn't so for all Americans. Louis Uchitelle of the New York Times tells how a tight labor market is affecting small retailers, and Rosland Briggs of the Philadelphia Inquirer tells low the layoffs that are still occurring in a churning new economy in which nearly everything is going on someplace are hitting some people hard. CNN's Eileen O'Connor writes about escalating workplace stress levels, and James Clarity writes from Dublin for the New York Times about the high suicide rate among young males in a hot Irish economy where a lot of things are changing, including the relative roles of women and men. Young people are having a hard time in New York too, particularly the young immigrants. Here's that story from Somini Sengupta of the New York Times.
How's hi-tech influencing office politics? (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Here's a report from U.S. News.
Income inequality in the companies vs. the unions (Sunday, 3/14/99)
Steven Greenhouse examines the salaries collected by some union leaders and compares them to rhetoric about corporate income inequality. Back in the corporation, a manager is concerned about cash awards that are out of balance. Michelle Cottle offers her advice.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Bplans.com (Sunday, 3/14/99)
To succeed with your own business, you must have a plan, and particularly if you hope to persuade investors to risk their money on your ideas. Bplans.com is The Business Planning Resource Center with advice, a Bplan wizard, and sample business plans to help you develop your own.
Another downer for Japan (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Huge spending on the part of the Japanese government certainly hasn't turned things around yet. The Japanese economy got smaller by 0.8 percent during the last quarter of 1998, a good deal more than was expected. This shrinkage will certainly be felt by the Japanese people, and nations throughout the Asian region have been hoping for much better news, because their economies are limited in how much they can recover by what happens in Japan. Japan's economy is the second-largest in the world and is more than twice as large as all of the other Asian economies put together, and many of these depend on the Japanese market and Japanese investment.
Death from overwork in Japan (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Yuri Kageyama reports from Tokyo that a judge has ruled that a man's suicide was caused from overwork. The Japanese government has been ordered to provide compensation to his family. The case could set a precedent for thousands of others.
Lafontaine has nothing to say (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Germany's former finance minister wants reporters to leave him alone following his recent resignation from the Schroeder government. The Chancellor, on the other hand, sees Lafontaine's departure as representing elimination of the principal obstacle to his adopting the pro-business policies that he hopes will energize the huge but presently sleepy German economy. At risk of oversimplification, it can be said that Schroeder shares in common with the UK's Blair and America's Clinton a fairly conservative economic attitude that has not been typical of their traditionally somewhat left-of-center parties, meaning they're all part of a new breed of "social democrat," small "s," small "d." Okay, so it's not a risk. That IS an oversimplification.
California's unemployment at its lowest level since 1990 (Saturday, 3/13/99)
The enormous California economy seems to have recovered from its doldrums a few years ago, but it's giving off mixed signals, according to Don Lee of the Los Angeles Times.
Russian Prime Minister acknowledges importance of IMF assistance (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Prime Minister Primakov vows that his country will work free of dependence on outside loans, but needs them for the time-being.
If you don't like Ecuador's economic package, raise your hand (Saturday, 3/13/99)
A lot of hands have been raised already, it appears. Actually, many of them are fists. Both business leaders and unions are highly critical of President Mahuad's emergency measures. If you'd like a bit of background and perspective on what is going on in Ecuador and why, here's an explanation from Larry Rohter of the New York Times.
Chevron Chemical will move its headquarters and cut 300 jobs (Saturday, 3/13/99)
The subsidiary of Chevron Corporation will move its head offices from San Ramon, California to Houston, Texas and will support 300 fewer jobs once the dust settles.
Wanna build something? (Saturday, 3/13/99)
You may easily get your chance in a very tight construction industry labor market. Here's that story from Chicago for the New York Times. Meanwhile, some people who used to build cars, plus a lot of other people, attended a job fair in Detroit seeking casino employment, according to Becky Yerak of the Detroit News.
Here's a new twist on globalization (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Now, unions are beginning to globalize. Marguerite Nugent reports Unions representing workers at Goodyear are forming a network to address health and safety concerns over the company's global operations. Stay tuned to see if this establishes a precedent that other unions will follow in relation to multinational companies.
Additional insight into PTSD among disaster workers (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Research published in the current edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that disaster workers are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder if they identify with the disaster victims.
How to make governors unhappy if you're a Senator (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Just vote in favor of the new welfare plan that's brewing in the Senate. That should do it. Judith Havemann of the Washington Post tells why governors across the U.S. are so angry. Hint: it's about welfare reform. Jean Hopfensperger reports on one state's movement to reform its own welfare system, again, in order to make it easier for many parents to get some education, among other things.
The latest on labor negotiations at Northwest Airlines (Saturday, 3/13/99)
The nation's fourth-largest airline, headquartered in the Twin Cities, is continuing negotiations with its flight attendants. They've mostly been talking about non-economic issues lately. Talks over pay and other central concerns will come a bit later.
How to prepare if you sense layoff coming (Saturday, 3/13/99)
Here's some step-by-step advice for the possibly-to-be-terminated from today's St. Paul Pioneer Press, and nationally syndicated Chicago Tribune columnist Carol Kleiman offers tips for the person intending to leave voluntarily and on what to say about it. Also, Amy Lindgren comes to the rescue if you need help with your basic job-seeker vocabulary. Finally, in the Pioneer Press today, Chris Farrell is nervous about proposed changes in Social Security, thinking that the risks are too great.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: National Business Employment Weekly (Saturday, 3/13/99)
The National Business Employment Weekly is a print publication and a major source of career information and job listings published by Dow Jones & Company. Their web site offers much of interest, including the table of contents from the current edition of the magazine, numerous sample articles, and so on. However, the NBEW will be of most interest to managerial and professional people in the corporate world. Incidentally, what other major publication comes from Dow Jones & Company. If you said the Wall Street Journal, you are entitled to the coveted NewWork News handshake award.
Political shift in Germany pleases European markets (Friday, 3/12/99)
The contest between German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his Finance Minister is over, and Schroeder has won. With the resignation of Leftist Oskar Lafontaine, Schroeder gains control of the SPD and solidifies his grip on the German government. Edmund Andrews of the New York Times reports that European markets are pleased that Schroeder will now be able to follow his plan for revitalizing the German economy, which is Europe's largest and also the third-largest in the world. Also, Mr. Andrews reports on the tentative agreement to reduce European farm subsidies. Considerably to the east, Russian Prime Minister Primakov is coming under increasing criticism for not dealing effectively with his country's monumental economic mess.
More military resistance to anthrax vaccinations (Friday, 3/12/99)
Yesterday, we reported that an Airman had been discharged "less than honorably" for refusing to undergo vaccination to help prevent becoming infected with anthrax, the deadly disease that reportedly is part of Saddam Hussein's biological weapons program. This time, 23 sailors from an American aircraft carrier have refused the shots, but have received somewhat less severe punishment than the Airman.
More on the crisis in Ecuador (Friday, 3/12/99)
Saul Hudson has details on President Jamil Mahuad's austerity measures.
Big computer wholesaler to cut jobs (Friday, 3/12/99)
Ingram Micro will cut 1,400 jobs. Meanwhile, in France, Alcatel, the big telecommunications equipment company, plans to cut nearly ten times as many jobs.
Is democracy good for a country's economics? (Friday, 3/12/99)
Stephen Rosenfeld of the Washington Post has some thoughts about the economic uses and benefits of democracy which the developing world may want to consider.
The latest on college tuition (Friday, 3/12/99)
Inflation has been almost non-existent across the American economy lately in general, but Tristan Mabry reports in today's Wall Street Journal that this has not been the case with college tuition, which is still on the increase. Some call it "gouging."
Texas may enable collective bargaining for private physicians (Friday, 3/12/99)
Two bills have been filed in the Texas legislature in Austin that would allow private physicians to bargain collectively with managed-care companies. Jennifer Autrey and Sarah Lunday have the story from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Australian job picture following the Olympics (Friday, 3/12/99)
Ardyn Bernoth of the Sydney Morning Herald reports on a goal of 200,000 new jobs for NSW during the next four years.
How things are going now at the downtown Milwaukee post office (Friday, 3/12/99)
The postal system has been in the news a lot during recent years, and the shootings at the downtown Milwaukee post office about a year ago was evidence that something may have been very wrong in that particular work setting. Georgia Pabst writes in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that, despite efforts over the past year, a survey indicates that workers still don't like the way things are in that particular workplace.
New office equipment enables people with disabilities to use their abilities (Friday, 3/12/99)
Maggie Jackson tells about an office copier that you can talk to, among other things. Her story comes to you via the Akron Beacon Journal.
"Livable wage" may be required in L.A. County (Friday, 3/12/99)
Los Angeles County's Board of Supervisors are considering a new law that would require contractors to pay a "livable wage" in order to do business with the County. Also in the Los Angeles Times, K. Connie Kang reports on an effort to form a mediation panel to help with disputes between Koreatown restaurant owners and their employees.
Not everybody knows the rules, columnist says (Friday, 3/12/99)
In her St. Paul Pioneer Press column this time, Amy Gage discusses the "new workforce" and the need for "soft skills" training.
AFL-CIO accumulates big war chest for 2000 campaign (Friday, 3/12/99)
The big American labor federation expects to play a significant role in the next political campaign and has $40 million ready to help in that effort.
The meaning of increased productivity (Friday, 3/12/99)
The greatest productivity increase in six years in the United States is good news for a variety of reasons, even though it can be at least partially a consequence of job reductions in the short-run. In the long-run, a nation's overall standard of living depends on its productivity, and, as Dave Skidmore reports in the Chicago Sun-Times, tells about the pay increases that have accompanied recent productivity increases.
Promoting greater workforce diversity in Silicon Valley (Friday, 3/12/99)
Jacob Ward writes for CNN about "shareholder activism" in pursuit of greater diversity in major American hi-tech companies.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Careers from BeyondComputing (Friday, 3/12/99)
BeyondComputing is a magazine for business and technology executives. Here's a list of articles from the magazine's Careers section.
German unemployment falls, according to Bundesbank (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Unemployment in Germany during February was the lowest in over two years. Here's the story from the Paris-based International Herald Tribune.
Troops still in the streets in Ecuador (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Tough economic times followed by tough austerity measures are followed by a violent general strike. Ecuador's President Mahuad has called out the military to maintain order and to keep essential services going. Here's the story from Saul Hudson of Reuters and Anthony Faiola of the Washington Post.
Justices testify in Congress (Thursday, 3/11/99)
The Supreme Court must look to Congress for operational funds, but the fact that minorities have been so significantly under-represented among Court law clerks is getting the most attention this time, and the most questions from members of the House.
Wheat prices up; farmers encouraged...somewhat (Thursday, 3/11/99)
American farmers easily produce more food than Americans can consume, so they very much depend on exports, which have been down lately. However, some see indications that exports are about to improve, and this brought about a rise in the price of wheat, causing some farmers to suspect that they may not be driven out of business quite as quickly as they thought. Also, assistance is coming from the federal government, but, as Janelle Carter reports, the American Ag Secretary says that it will take until June to get the checks out. That won't please farmers who are strapped to find the cash for putting in a crop this spring, and it's not pleasing some in Congress either.
Apparently far from consensus, Medicare commission expects to vote soon (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Washington government officials are looking to the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare for help in deciding what to do about the program. Problem is, what they hear may depend on which members of the commission they talk to. Rumors are that there are significant differences of opinion, but a vote is expected next week, nonetheless. As often happens in American political life, the result may be some sort of average of fairly coherent points of view, but the result itself may or may not be coherent as a consequence.
No shot, no job, bad record (Thursday, 3/11/99)
A member of the American Air Force refused to be vaccinated against anthrax and was abruptly discharged under "less than honorable conditions" yesterday. Here's Steven Myers' report. Also in the New York Times today, government action may be boosting the public mood, which may finally boost the Japanese economy, according to Sheryl WuDunn, but Michael Weinstein isn't impressed, saying that government action may be "too little, too late." (We hate cliches. We avoid them like the plague.)
If you need more hi-tech employees, you may also need Kathi Jones (Thursday, 3/11/99)
According to forecasters, the hi-tech skills supply-demand gap probably won't begin to narrow for at least ten years, if then. There simply aren't enough workers available who possess the sophisticated technical skills required by an information economy. The Seattle Times reports on the lengths to which recruiters are going in order to identify and capture tech folks for their clients. Workers are in short supply over much of the economy, and, as this Los Angeles Times story via the Salt Lake Tribune reports, employers have been getting less selective, although some things will still make them turn you away at the front door. Not a criminal record, necessarily, but other things. Finally, Sherwood Ross of Builder Online writes from Sturgis, S. D. that enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can subsitute for work experience in today's tight labor market, so don't aim too low.
Which occupations are the best of the best? (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Peter Behr of the Washington Post says a lot of people like being web managers. Maybe as recently as when your shoes were manufactured, most people would not have understood what on earth "web manager" referred to. Welcome to the rapidly evolving new information economy. Incidentally, among the defining characteristics of the new economy are the increased skill levels required and the increasing pay gap between the highly skilled and poorly skilled or unskilled. However, pay varies as a function of other factors as well. Bob Fernandez of the Philadelphia Inquirer says people in the suburbs around the City of Brotherly Love make more than in the city itself, while Tammy Joyner of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes about surveys showing significant variations in pay levels throughout the Southeastern region.
What Americans are thinking (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Today's Wall Street Journal contains a special report on "American Opinion" on a variety of topics. Many articles, all worth reading.
What do the jobless figures really mean? (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Tom Allard and Michael Millett of the Sydney Morning Herald report on the best unemployment numbers in New South Wales in a decade, but Stephen Long, writing for the Australian Financial Review says that, despite good numbers, many employers see economic fragility in Australia.
Good news and bad news, or maybe just bad news and more bad news (Thursday, 3/11/99)
The life of a California garment worker is hard, but there are fewer of them, because garment industry jobs have been exported or turned over to technology at a furious rate. Nancy Cleeland of the Los Angeles Times reports that many immigrants have been depending on these jobs, but will now have to find something else.
Some are having a religious experience over Y2K (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Jessica Guynn of the Contra Costa Times writes about growing concern over "millennium fever" in the workplace as well as concern about potential legal issues.
Abolition of minimum wage called for in New Zealand (Thursday, 3/11/99)
Some believe it would help lower a very high unemployment rate. Here's that story from The Press. Incidentally, vivian Hutchinson tells us that The Jobs Letter's web site has been updated, and his report is absolutely accurate. As usual, it contains a lot of helpful information, many articles, and so on. We've cited stories from The Jobs Letter a number of times over the past three years or more, and its web site was our NewWork News Web Tip on May 2, 1998.
Today's NewWork News Web Tip: Statistics that Matter (Thursday, 3/11/99)
The Jobs Letter is a noted and influential New Zealand publication which is available by subscription within the country and distributed to various academic and news organizations, including NewWork News over other areas of the globe. Statistics that Matter offers employment and unemployment data in New Zealand and comes to you from the publishers of the newsletter.
State of emergency in Ecuador (Wednesday, 3/10/99)
If you've been thinking that Brazil is the only Latin American country with an economic crisis, here's evidence to the contrary. Gustavo Oviedo reports from Quito, Ecuador that that country's government has declared a state of emergency and has called out the military to maintain basic services in the face of a general strike today and tomorrow in opposition to Ecuador's austerity policies. In Finland, workers at Pohjola Oyj, that country's second-largest insurance company, may strike following the announcement that the company will pay a bonus dividend at the same time that jobs are being cut. Taloussanomat has the story. Finally, a strike has been averted at Lockheed Martin in Georgia, as an agreement is reached just hours before a strike was to have started.
International engineering firm to cut jobs (Wednesday, 3/10/99)
Fluor Corporation, which does engineering and construction work over much of the globe, will cut 5,000 jobs.
Doctor, vaccinate thyself (Wednesday, 3/10/99)
The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that only a minority of health care workers get flu shots, even though those who do are less likely to miss work.
Laborers International Union head cleared of alleged Mafia connection (Wednesday, 3/10/99)
Arthur A. Coia, a major Democratic Party contributor, is fined for an improper business investment, but cleared of being under the control of the Mafia. Here's that story from John Mintz of the Washington Post and Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times.
Is somewhat less really more? (Wednesday, 3/10/99)
During recent years, as many companies have been "downsizing" and reducing the number of permanent employees, survivors have found their workloads increasing. Sue Shellenbarger writes in today's Wall Street Journal that higher productivity may be a consequence of "saner workloads."
Expanded work-for-the-dole program will include middle-aged persons (Wednesday, 3/10/99)
Tom Allard reports for the Sydney Morning Herald on a program for which only unemployed youth were eligible. The work-for-the-dole program is being expanded to include older persons. Included in the program are training and job search assistance. Also from Australia, Ardyn Bernoth says that a major health organization will begin doing criminal background checks on everybody who will be working with patients.
Grants will support local job vac