Examines major decisions in the United States, South Africa, and the European Court of Justice related to affirmative action in the workplace. Suggests explanations for differences among the conclusions reached and argues that more rigorous reasoning might enable courts to reach just and realistic decisions. (JOW)

Examines the implications for the Brazilian labor force of automation and flexible organizational techniques. Focuses on employment levels, changing skills profiles, and the capacity to meet new requirements. Identifies central characteristics of the new knowledge base required of workers and the implications for training. (JOW)

A study of safety training programs in 66 Canadian companies found that those who provided tailor-made training already offered better working conditions, greater management involvement in safety work, and more safety activities than those who used outside training sources. This suggests that safety regulations benefit good companies more than…

Describes child labor in the Philippines and two responses to the needs of child scavengers: the Drop In Center, which provided health, social, and employment services to children and their families, and SABANA, a sheltered learning place for child workers. (JOW)

Analyzes the situation of women workers in Czechoslovakia in terms of working conditions, difference in earnings compared to men, and attitudes toward work. Future developments, including massive unemployment of women, are outlined. (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.…

Examines four conceptual features of decent work essential to its achievement in a context of globalization: (1) an inclusive approach, (2) rights-based thinking, (3) placing work within a broad economic, political, and social context, and (4) extension of thinking from international to truly global. Contains 17 references. (JOW)

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)

Defines telework as online or offline electronic work performed at home or in central offices, customer sites, and satellite centers. Examines the nature, extent, and impact of telework on working conditions, work organization and explores the legal status of teleworkers, changing attitudes of employers and trade unions, and government…

The impact of information and communications technologies on jobs is not yet known and no outcome is inevitable. Technology-driven changes in organizational structures, employment relations, worker autonomy, and work organization will not automatically result in higher job quality. (Contains 92 references.) (SK)