In the 1980s, the falling incomes and climbing poverty rates characterizing young workers in rural America were closely linked to rapidly changing national and international economic systems. Findings of a recent Senate Budget Committee study indicate that between 1979 and 1987 the share of young workers (ages 16-34) with low-wage jobs increased…

This bulletin examines the labor market experience of youth in the United States and eight other industrial countries from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. The analysis focuses upon unemployment, the most visible and measurable form of labor underutilization. The report highlights the size of the youth unemployment problem and discusses some of…

CALIFORNIA FARM LABOR PROBLEMS INCLUDE LIMITED WORK OPPORTUNITY, LOW EARNINGS, LITTLE ECONOMIC SECURITY, POOR HEALTH, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION, AND UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS. REPRESENTATIVES OF ORGANIZED LABOR RECOMMEND ESTABLISHING A STATE MINIMUM WAGE LAW TO COVER ALL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, AND ALSO EXTENDING FEDERAL STATUS TO…

This report proposes several distinct--yet interrelated--policy opportunities that can move more Texans into the middle class. These proposals blend greater state-level investments with common sense policy changes to increase economic well-being for working Texans. While Texas policy makers have recognized the connection between workforce…

This student training module on worker benefits is one of the general work information modules developed for Pre-Apprenticeship Phase 1 Training. Rather than relating to a specific trade, this module is designed to impart to the student general knowledge of worker benefits needed by all workers and can be used in all the trade module series. This…

This booklet on Ontario (Canada) apprenticeship programs describes regulated and non-regulated trades in the following four categories: (1) construction, (2) industrial, (3) motive power, and (4) service. The introductory section covers what apprenticeship is, educational requirements, credits for academic and skill achievements, finding an…

THE FEASIBILITY AND METHODS OF USING MOBILE FACILITIES IN UPGRADING THE WORK SKILLS OF RURAL LOW INCOME WAGE EARNERS ARE EXPLORED. SUCH MOBILE FACILITIES WOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARD 3 SPECIFIC GROUPS OF PEOPLE--SMALL ACREAGE FARMERS WHO PRODUCED ONLY A MINIMAL INCOME, THE RURAL LOW-INCOME NEGRO POPULATION, AND YOUNG RURAL SCHOOL DROPOUTS WITH LITTLE…

This booklet, which is designed to clarify facts regarding the minimum wage's impact on marketplace economics, contains a total of 31 questions and answers pertaining to the following topics: relationship between minimum wages and poverty; impacts of changes in the minimum wage on welfare reform; and possible effects of changes in the minimum wage…

Vermont's Welfare Restructuring Project (WRP), which was implemented in 1994-2001, required that single-parent welfare recipients who could not find wage-paying jobs after receiving cash assistance for 30 months accept work in subsidized, minimum-wage community service employment (CSE) positions to satisfy their work requirement and improve their…

The Washington State welfare reform program WorkFirst is designed to move individuals from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) into the workforce. A critical question facing the program is how to assist participants in sustaining and advancing their employment. Three studies of those who exited the program measured multiple outcomes…

The issue of subminimum wages for full-time students who are working part-time is discussed in this publication of the National Student Association. It is suggested that large corporations and institutions of higher education are benefiting from these low wages, while students trying to finance their education during a time of growing inflation…

Seven studies dealing with adjustment to technological change which were done by independent experts are presented. "Programs in Aid of the Poor," by Sar A. Levitan assesses the state of social insurance, public assistance, the poverty program and other assistance to the poor and compares them to current proposals as the negative income…

The purpose of this instructional "pac" is to provide individuals with the skills and information needed when seeking employment. The curriculum, designed for ten sessions, is intended to be taught by volunteers from the local community, business, industry and the civil service. Different activities are used in the class sessions and include…

SPECIALIZATION IN THE CROPS BEST ADAPTED TO THE LOCAL AREA IS SEEN AS A HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF AGRICULTURE, BUT BY CREATING THE NEED FOR LARGE NUMBERS OF WORKERS FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME, IT CAUSES UNEMPLOYMENT AND MIGRATION. A SURVEY OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WORKERS IN STANISLAUS COUNTY, CALIFORNIA IN 1962-63 REVEALS--(1) THEIR EARNINGS ARE…

The prospective place of the aging worker in the employment environment of the 21st century is examined. The following are among the specific topics discussed: (1) the real world of work and retirement; (2) the changing employment environment; (3) the restructuring of business in the United States; (4) globalization and the economy; (5) downsizing…