Successful workplace literacy programs involve unions. Support for education and training has long been a part of organized labor's history. Current initiatives are an expansion of union interest and activity in this area. Many unions have negotiated significant financial resources for workplace education as a part of collective bargaining agreements. Unions and employers have realized that raising workers' basic skill levels can benefit the employer, the union, and the individual worker. Collective bargaining agreements provide financial support for workplace education while protecting the rights of individual workers. Although today's corporate climate calls for increased investments in worker education, too many employers are unwilling to invest in training of any kind. Employers are encouraged to: (1) commit the financial resources necessary to keep workers' skills current; (2) build on the existing knowledge and skills of their employees in planning workplace literacy programs; (3) involve workers and unions from the start as equal partners; and (4) integrate the educational process and the job content. Resources that can help companies and unions develop programs may be found in local school districts, state education departments, colleges and universities, nonprofit literacy groups, community-based organizations, for-profit organizations, private industry councils, and local and state libraries. (SK)