Focuses on various public sector job creation programs in eight industrialized countries. Each is examined from the following perspectives: objectives and target groups; sponsors and projects; participants; organization; time limits, training and wages; effects of these programs; and policy implications. (CT)

As background to a series of articles on the effects of disarmament on employment, the author assesses the present importance of armaments industries in the world economy, including the number of people directly or indirectly employed in military equipment production and services. He also discusses employment problems posed by disarmament.…

Unless unions can gain a greater role in decision making on the content of work, they risk losing members to management-controlled participation schemes. (JOW)

The author analyzes the economics of weapons production in respect to the industries and occupations that are most dependent on defense conrating and discusses the problems that different groups of defense industry employees encounter in transferring to the civil sector. (Author/CT)

Argues that full employment must be acceptable on both social and economic grounds. Examines profound changes in industrialized economies since the 1970s and the diversity of employment contracts. Suggests that difficult policy decisions surround full employment. (SK)

Examines the advantages and disadvantages of partial retirement--the transitional period between full-time employment and complete retirement--including easing the transition, labor market effects, and financial implications for social security systems and employers. Reviews partial retirement policies in eight countries and concludes that there…

Examines the attitudes of the public authorities in various countries concerning child-care services for working parents and the different systems of care in operation in industrial and developing nations. (Author/CT)

Differences in the approach to and nature of collective bargaining practices in industrialized countries are examined, along with recent trends and developments. While inflation and other problems may change the character of negotiation agreements, the institution of collective bargaining has demonstrated adaptability. (MF)

Over the past 15 years, traditional concepts of working conditions and of work have been challenged in industrialized nations. The improvement of working conditions has become a basic issue, affected by the economic situation, technological advances, social climate, labor relations, and individual behavior. (Author/SK)

Describes and compares the law applicable to sexual harassment at work in 23 industrialized countries. Shows how different legal approaches have been adopted to combat sexual harassment in the countries surveyed and how this diversity reflects differences of legal traditions and of attitudes toward the legal classification of sexual harassment.…

Presents some of the benefits and drawbacks of part-time work and describes measures taken to make the most of the former and counteract the latter, taking care to distinguish the individual and national levels. Discusses definitions and methodology, the difficulties involved in making international comparisons, and the relationship between…

An international comparison of job satisfaction levels strongly suggests that the idea of job satisfaction as a gauge of well-being at the workplace should be rejected, but that workers' reactions to aspects of their jobs may be meaningful. The article presents data from national surveys of managers, workers, and trade unions to explain this…

Rapid technological change is widely regarded as a primary cause of unemployment, especially in depressions. This article summarizes the diverse interpretations given to the notion of technological unemployment, critically examining the assumptions underlying those views. (Author/SSH)

Examines changes in economic conditions and policy that have influenced special employment programs. Reviews and assesses public works programs, job creation, subsidized schemes, self-employment, and welfare-oriented programs. Discusses two critical issues: targeting and program duration. (SK)

The relationship between production systems, work organization, and skills has become a policy consideration in many industrialized countries seeking to improve competitiveness without reducing wage standards. Decision makers should weigh the costs of making these changes. (JOW)