Most workers who begin their careers in minimum-wage jobs eventually gain more experience and move on to higher paying jobs. However, more than 8% of workers spend at least half of their first 10 working years in minimum wage jobs. Those more likely to have minimum wage careers are less educated, minorities, women with young children, and those…

Analysis of data reveals a surplus of university graduates and a movement of many of them into high-school-level jobs. Only university graduates with literacy skills commensurate with their education have received rising wages. (Author/JOW)

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth indicate that most young men and women are promoted in their jobs on the basis of performance. Although a gender gap in the rate of promotion does exist, the gap was smaller in 1996 than in 1990. (Author)

Japan's employment model has been that of "lifetime employment," especially for male college-educated workers. Under such a system, an individual becomes employed by a firm upon graduation and remains in its employ until retirement. (Author/SSH)

The authors describe the concept of "pay-for-knowledge" compensation plans and report results from a survey of 20 personnel directors in pay-for-knowledge plants. Results indicate that companies using this system have generally found it workable and feel it would be a mistake to revert to traditional compensation plans. (CH)

The paper assesses the role of paid educational leave in various industry employment and training policies. All education was vocational, mostly for job-promotion training. Programs in the health care industry and in the U.S. Postal Service are summarized. (MF)

Results of a census-sample study (model appended) of earnings differentials between men and women in three types of employment (government, private, and self-employment) indicate a need for policies to: (1) alter practices of financial institutions and suppliers toward self-employed women and (2) insure job-advancement for others. (Author/AJ)