Using a random sample of 12,000 teachers in over 500 New York State school districts, this paper considers the effect of specific union-negotiated, employment-related job provisions on the job separations of individual teachers. Reductions in force and class-size limitations provisions reduce the probability of teacher resignations or dismissals.…

A study of employment practices in unionized workplaces received 1,579 responses indicating that organizations tend to cut employees without considering the long-term costs and implications. Smaller workplaces were less likely to have had reductions in the workforce. (JOW)

Organizations that downsize in a rational and orderly manner can increase productivity. School districts can initiate a cost-reduction and restructuring program with an analysis of the responsibilities of each employee followed by communicating with, and renewing the commitment of, remaining employees. (MLF)

Early in Spring 2001, in the midst of an economic downturn, employers were sometimes forced into rescinding job offers to graduating college students or delaying their start dates. In light of this trend, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Principles for Professional Conduct Committee has issued guidelines for employers on…

This document records the oral and written testimony of witnesses who testified at a hearing on a proposed amendment to the Federal Workforce Restructuring Act of 1993. The amendment would spell out how the federal work force is to be reduced in size and would provide cash incentives for early retirement as well as make retraining of existing…

A project was undertaken to evaluate existing models of early retirement incentive programs (ERIPs) and recommend an ERIP for New Jersey's Mercer County Community College (MCCC). The following categories of ERIPs were reviewed: state plans for New York and Minnesota; K-12 school districts plans at the Castro Valley Unified School District and 48…

Reallocation and reduction strategies being used by four-year colleges and universities were identified by the Project on Reallocation, which contacted 318 four-year institutions. The strengths and weaknesses of the reallocation and reduction strategies were also assessed. Telephone interviews were conducted with the chief academic officer or a…

While tenure has its disadvantages, far more would be lost than gained by reducing or abandoning the tenure system. Strategies are available to both safeguard against tenure abuse and increase institutional flexibility by reducing the proportion of tenured appointments, without endangering the traditional role of the institution. (Author/MSE)

This monograph provides empirical evidence of the effects of advance notice. Chapter 1 summarizes theoretical arguments for and against plant closing legislation and the evidence of the extent to which advance notice currently is provided to displaced workers in the United States. Chapter 2 presents a summary of prior empirical research on the…

With the prospect of fewer students and diminished tuition receipts, many universities will be unable to honor their contracts with tenured faculty. The author presents an ordered plan for dealing with faculty terminations at a time of "financial exigency." (Editor)

The author describes Japan's phased retirement system, consisting of the "step down" from a management or supervisory position (commonly in the mid-50s) and the mandatory transfer to a subsidiary company later. The system allows companies to promote younger workers. However, in a depressed industry, the system generally results in…

When reducing staff, college administrators should (1) base decisions on the department's role in advancing the institutional mission; (2) provide practical, humane support to those whose posts are eliminated; (3) assure that all staff hear the news quickly and appropriately; and (4) maintain prompt, candid, two-way communication with all…

Because an option for early retirement in Canadian Universities has created a need to know more about the vacancies early retirement creates and the potential to fill these vacancies, a survey of 15 representative universities was conducted. The sample included institutions of faculty numbering less than 100 to institutions of faculty numbering…

In January 1986, the Employment and Training Administration sponsored a special study designed to answer some of the questions about displaced workers. The principal findings of the survey included the following: a total of 10.8 million workers 20 years of age and over lost jobs because of plant closings or employment cut-backs over the January…