This article summarizes the accomplishments of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in implementing several of the Levitan Commission's recommendations to improve labor data and in conducting activities preparatory to the adoption of others. Examines changes in the Current Population Survey program, Current Employment Statistics surveys, and use of the…

Although improving economic conditions have reduced the number of poor in the last few years, those who fell below the poverty level in any given year in the 1980s have not come closer to their poverty threshold. (Author)

Explores changes in the distribution of the pretax wages and salaries of individuals between 1960 and 1980. Examines a series of possible explanations of increasing inequality, rejecting some as unimportant and finding others responsible for some parts of increases in inequality. (JOW)

Compares the methods used to measure the educational attainment of respondents to the Current Population Survey and the decennial census. Describes a way to reconcile old and new methods of determining highest grade completed. (JOW)

Discusses in detail the unemployment picture for 1982. (JOW)

The Bureau of Labour Statistics has combined data on sick leave and sickness and accident insurance. Results show that short-term disability benefits vary by length of service and between the private and public sectors. (Author)

An investigation of the comparability of union membership statistics in the United States and 11 foreign countries and concludes that international comparisons should be made with caution. Although figures published by each country are useful indicators of broad trends, they should not be used to compare levels of unionization. (Author)

Discusses productivity trends in manufacturing in 12 countries. Includes statistics on labor productivity, unit labor costs, output, employment and hours, and hourly compensation for 1982. (JOW)

Discusses job displacements and layoffs from 1983-87. Reports that, despite more layoffs in the service sector, the displacement picture has improved. (JOW)

This review of collective bargaining developments in key industries concludes that escalating health insurance premiums are likely to be a common thread in the fabric of this year's bargaining. (JOW)

As unemployment spread among workers age 16-24 years, the rate of increase was greatest for men in their twenties; teenagers, however, remained far more subject to unemployment than older youth. (Author)

Compares unemployment, employment, and related labor market statistics in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Introduces employment-to-population ratios by sex and discusses unemployment rates published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and…

Data from the Decennial Census reveal almost a third of all workers in 1965 transferred to a different occupation by 1970; changing occupations was twice as common as leaving the labor force. (Editor)

In 23 of the 24 metropolitan areas surveyed in June 1973, table waiters and waitresses in hotels and motels generally received lower wages than their assistants, though tips caused their total hourly earnings to be considerably higher. (Author/MW)