The U.S. economy is undergoing a transition that may rival the changes produced by the Industrial Revolution. The general directions are clear: an ever smaller share of the nation's work force is employed in the manufacturing sector; service sector industries are the source of most new jobs; and some "high tech" industries have had explosive…

Summaries are presented, by state, of labor standards legislation passed during 1984. Significant actions included laws concerning wages, child labor, school attendance, occupational safety and health, working hours, equal employment opportunity, worker privacy, labor relations, private employment agencies, employment and training, plant closings,…

This document is the first of a projected series of reports that explores a statewide solution to the problems of work force quality in Texas. This initial report describes the current status of the Texas work force and introduces the concept of the Human Investment System as a means to improve that status by making human investment and…

Discusses achievements of an expanding public sector in education, health, and income maintenance. Also discusses adverse consequences of developments in these areas as related to labor supply and demand and to savings and investment. Effects of government tax and spending policies on the distribution of income are also addressed. (JN)

Explores the effects on women of export processing, or the manufacture of exports in developing countries for sale overseas. Emphasizes that, in assessing export processing as a development strategy in Third World countries, its effects on the status of women must be considered to prevent their exploitation as a source of cheap labor. (Author/MJL)

This series of reports explores a statewide solution to the work force problems in Texas. The previous report, A Call to Action, described the current status of the Texas work force and introduced the concept of the Human Investment System as a means to improve that status by making human investment and people-serving programs and services in…

This report highlights the interconnectedness of welfare reform and broader strategies concerning the economy, education, and the conditions of work. Recommendations are presented for policies that would help working poor families avoid dependence on welfare. The report is divided into five chapters. Chapter I summarizes major findings and…

After the death of Chairman Mao in 1976, the educational and economic policies of the People's Republic of China changed dramatically. From 1966 to 1976, the central concern of the Cultural Revolution was the distribution of wealth and power. The primary educational goal of this period was to transform the attitudes and thinking of the Chinese…

Presents a graphic summary of employment and other economic projections for the year 2000. Topics include (1) the labor force and projected changes in its composition, (2) economic growth, (3) expected changes in the industrial structure of the economy, (4) occupational employment, and (5) the education-work relationship. (CH)

Applies international labor standards to results of the International Labour Office's special public works programs to discover whether program intentions have been met. Finds that while productive employment has been pursued, popular participation is not occurring and such issues as (1) forced labor, (2) child employment, and (3) inequality of…

Describes the evolution of government labor force development policy in Hong Kong, which has a developing market economy. Discusses the private sector's approach to training the labor force and covers salient features of the system that are likely to determine future orientations. (CH)

This report describes the status of New York's Puerto Rican community and calls for greater corporate, philanthropic, government and community support for change. A brief introduction argues that Puerto Ricans represent a vast resource and must be assisted in gaining their rightful access to the mainstream, for the benefit of all society. The need…

Discusses the role of training in Japanese economic development and how Japanese training practices may be transferred to other cultures. Describes practices of both small and large industries, including quality control circles, cross-training, training for maintenance, supervisory training, designer training, and interdepartmental collaboration.…

The author states that vocational education can join in partnerships with industry, labor, and government to contribute to economic development. Examples of current programs are included. The "joint venture" concept is explained and ideas for forming joint ventures are shared. (CH)

The Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce warns that the United States can remain competitive only if productivity increases because of a high-skill, high-performance work force. They propose a flexible matrix of learning opportunities to prepare students to be adaptable and productive on the job. (SK)