The authors discuss the moderate employment gains made in the United States during 1986. Topics covered include (1) civilian employment, (2) industry developments, (3) unemployment, and (4) cyclical comparisons. (CH)

Productivity trends indicate intercity trucking productivity increased an average 2.7 percent a year, a fairly uniform increased productivity rate but substantially lower as compared to air carrier, railroad, and pipeline transportation. Factors affecting productivity are gradual introduction of technological innovation, larger capacity trucks,…

Earnings inequality in the United States rose in the late 1960s, stabilized for the most part in the 1970s, and began to grow again in the 1980s. The recent increase arises from changes in labor demand and not from demographic characteristics of U.S. workers. (Author)

Manufacturing productivity slowed or declined in 1980 and unit labor costs accelerated, as output generally turned downward in the United States and 10 industrial nations; compensation was up in most countries but was offset by gains in consumer prices. (Author)

"Gross flow" data from the Current Population Survey help to identify the labor market movements that underlie changes in the monthly rates of male and female unemployment over the past two decades. (Author)

The authors discuss changes in the labor market during 1987, including a drop in the unemployment rate to 5.9 percent. Figures are broken down by industry and information is provided on hours of work and civilian employment. They also feature a comparison of employment figures from 1913 and 1987, with a breakdown of types of work. (CH)

First time series analysis of data from the Current Population Survey indicates that the number of discouraged workers rises as unemployment increases. (Editor)

Although wages and salaries have risen faster for nonunion workers than for union workers in recent years, three Bureau of Labor Statistics series suggest that the union edge persists. Estimates of its magnitude depend on the data analyzed. (Author)

John R. Commons has contributed in one way or another to pratically every piece of social and labor legislation that has been enacted in the twentieth century. He has made his mark on such diverse aspects of American labor as apprenticeship, vocational education, workers' compensation, and the administration of labor law. (Author/JOW)

In international comparisons it was found that manufacturing productivity growth slowed after 1973 and unit labor costs accelerated in most industrial countries including the United States. Aggregate hours rose only in the U.S. (CT)

Earnings inequality trends are sensitive to the earnings concept and sample of workers surveyed. Inequality increased for some groups of workers, but the combined effects of changes in demand, supply, and institutions did not generate higher wage inequality in the labor market as a whole. (JOW)

The significant historical developments of the cost of living wage adjustments are summarized. Since the concept of cost of living took effect in 1919, developments that are noted are: World War II, the GM contract 1948, the GM Contract 1950, and the impact of the agreements. (DS)

Burden of unemployment shifted from male household heads to female and teenage family members during the 1962-71 period. (MF)

The focus of the article is the sudden and pronounced employment plunge, which began in late 1974 and continued into the spring of 1975. Employment declines among men were generally larger and more pervasive than for women. (Author)