Thursday, May 24, 2007

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[IWS] NO MESSAGES until 7 June 2007

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

NO MESSAGES will be sent until 7 June 2007.
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] RFF: EPA & NANOTECHNOLOGY: Oversight for the 21st Century [23 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Resources for the Future (RFF)

EPA and Nanotechnology: Oversight for the 21st Century [23 May 2007]
http://www.nanotechproject.org/file_download/197
[full-text, 76 pages]

Press Release
RFF Scholar Considers EPA Oversight for Nanotechnology [23 May 2007]
http://www.rff.org/rff/News/Releases/2007Releases/Scholar-Considers-EPA-Oversight-For-Nanotechnology.cfm

Contact: Janet Hodur, RFF Public Affairs Manager, 202-328-5019

(WASHINGTON, May 23, 2007)

A new report by < http://www.rff.org/rff/Davies.cfm> J. Clarence (Terry) Davies, < http://www.nanotechproject.org/124> EPA and Nanotechnology: Oversight for the 21st Century, examines the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) role in nanotechnology oversight. According to EPA, nanotechnology has evolved from a futuristic idea to a current issue that needs to be addressed.

In the report, Davies considers various oversight tools for dealing with nanotechnology and proposes a number of action steps for government, industry, and other stakeholders.

According to Davies, the nanotechnology revolution provides an opportunity to institute new kinds of regulation and to create an oversight system for nanotechnology that will be more effective but less intrusive than existing forms of regulation. This approach will require fewer resources from both the public and private sectors. Nanotechnology can also be a catalyst for the revitalization of EPA.


Davies' report spells out more than 25 steps that should be taken to improve the oversight of nanotechnology. Among the recommendations made are the following:
EPA should launch its proposed voluntary program to collect nanotechnology risk information and should begin immediately to revise the Toxic Substances Control Act to better deal with nanotechnology. EPA and industry should create a joint research institute to conduct scientific research on nanotechnology effects. EPA should set up and lead an interagency regulatory coordinating group for nanotechnology oversight. Congress should establish a temporary committee in each house to consider options for a nanotechnology oversight mechanism. Congress should provide an additional $50 million each year for research on the health and environmental effects of nanotechnology products and processes. Congress should remove constraints that limit EPA's ability to require that companies collect and share necessary data and other information the agency needs to oversee nanotechnology.


Davies is a senior fellow at RFF and senior advisor to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. Davies also wrote the report, < http://www.rff.org/rff/News/Features/Developments-in-Nanotechnology.cfm > Managing the Effects of Nanotechnology, released in January 2006 by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. More information, including the report, can be found at < http://www.nanotechproject.org/124> .

****
(Thanks to Shirl Kennedy at Docuticker.com for tip).

______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] EEOC: NEW GUIDANCE [CAREGIVING] WORK/FAMILY BALANCE & BEST PRACTICES [23 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

EEOC

ENFORCEMENT GUIDANCE: UNLAWFUL DISPARATE TREATMENT OF WORKERS WITH CAREGIVING RESPONSIBILITIES [23 May 2007]
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/caregiving.html


Questions and Answers about EEOC's Enforcement Guidance
on
Unlawful Disparate Treatment of Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_caregiving.html


Press Release
EEOC ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE ON WORK/FAMILY BALANCE AND PROMOTES EMPLOYER BEST PRACTICES [23 May 2007]
Commission Hears from Broad Range of Expert Panelists at Public Meeting
http://www.eeoc.gov/press/5-23-07.html

WASHINGTON ­ The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today held a public meeting focusing on employer best practices to achieve work/family balance, and issued a guidance document on how agency-enforced laws apply to workers with caregiving responsibilities.

The new guidance is being issued by the EEOC as a proactive measure to address an emerging discrimination issue in the 21st century workplace. The document, Unlawful Disparate Treatment of Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities, provides examples under which discrimination against a working parent or other caregiver may constitute unlawful disparate treatment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The guidance notes that changing workplace demographics, including women's increased participation in the labor force, have created the potential for greater discrimination against working parents and others with caregiving responsibilities, such as eldercare ­ all of which may vary by gender, race or ethnicity.

"With this new guidance, the Commission is clarifying how the federal EEO laws apply to employees who struggle to balance work and family," said agency Vice Chair Leslie E. Silverman. "Fortunately, many employers have recognized employees' need to balance work and family, and have responded in very positive and creative ways."

The guidance, available online at < http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/caregiving.html> along with a < http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_caregiving.html> question and answer fact sheet, states: "This document is not intended to create a new protected category but rather to illustrate circumstances in which stereotyping or other forms of disparate treatment may violate Title VII or the prohibition under the ADA against discrimination based on a worker's association with an individual with a disability."

A wide range of circumstances are highlighted in the guidance, including: sex-based stereotyping and subjective decision making regarding working mothers; assumptions about pregnant workers; discrimination against working fathers and women of color; stereotyping based on association with an individual with a disability; and hostile work environments affecting caregivers. The guidance is intended to assist employers, employees, and EEOC staff alike.

Commissioner Stuart J. Ishimaru said, "This guidance recognizes the connection between parenthood, especially motherhood, and employment discrimination. An employer may violate Title VII when it takes actions or limits opportunities for employees because of beliefs that the employer has about mothers and caretakers that are linked to sex."

In addition to issuance of the guidance, the Commission heard from a wide range of expert panelists at the meeting who discussed best practices by employers to balance family-friendly workplaces with legitimate business needs.

Vice Chair Silverman said she was glad to learn more about the positive steps that many employers are taking to address work/life balance issues. "I'm very happy that we can showcase the many ways in which progressive employers go above and beyond the requirements of the law and make it possible for employees to successfully balance the demands of the workplace with their family responsibilities."

Donna Klein, president and founder of Corporate Voices for Working Families, discussed a series of reports issued by her organization on job flexibility for lower-wage workers and highlighted several Fortune 500 companies that have implemented best practices in this area.

"As companies realize the financial benefits of focusing on the needs of lower-wage workers, more and more companies are making the effort and reaping the long-term reward of work/life policies and programs," Klein said. The benefits to employers, she said, include boosting productivity, reducing staff turnover, increasing employee commitment to the organization, and reducing absenteeism due to child care and other issues.

Dr. Anika Warren, research director of Catalyst, Inc., spoke of the unique challenges faced by women of color in achieving a work/family balance. She highlighted her organization's research, workforce statistics, and literature in making the "business case" for work/life programs focusing on women of color ­ including African Americans, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans/Alaskan Natives.

Pointing out that "women of color are the fastest growing segment of the workforce," Warren said employers should consider that "tapping into diverse talent, such as women of color, through effective and inclusive organization policies and practices is a competitive advantage that attracts, retains and advances employees while also facilitating the business success of the organization."

Horacio D. Rozanski, vice president and chief personnel officer of global consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, said "by necessity or choice" many women often "take off-ramps and side routes from the traditional career path and have a hard time maintaining continuous, cumulative lockstep employment ­ which is a necessary condition for success within the confines of the linear white male competitive model."

Rozanski, a member of the Hidden Brain Drain Task Force, which is comprised of 35 international corporations representing more than 2.5 million employees in 152 countries, said: "The current model of work is at a turning point. With jobs and careers becoming more extreme by the minute, rethinking the old model has huge potential to burnish companies' competitive edge and restore hope and greater productivity to women's lives."

A complete list of panelists, along with their bios and prepared testimony, is available on the EEOC's web site at < http://www.eeoc.gov/abouteeoc/meetings/5-23-07/index.html>

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the agency is available online at < http://www.eeoc.gov>
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] BLS: PRELIMINARY MULTIFACTOR PRODUCTIVITY TRENDS, 2006 [24 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________


PRELIMINARY MULTIFACTOR PRODUCTIVITY TRENDS, 2006 [24 May 2007]
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/prod3.nr0.htm
or
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/prod3.pdf
[full-text, 6 pages]
and
Supplemental Files Table of Contents
http://www.bls.gov/web/prod3.supp.toc.htm


Private Business Sector and Private Nonfarm Business Sector

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor reported
today the change in preliminary multifactor productivity in 2006 for the
private business and private nonfarm business sectors.  The estimated annual
rate of multifactor productivity change from 2005 to 2006 was:

                                               2005-06
Private business sector                          1.1
Private nonfarm business sector                  1.0

The estimates of multifactor productivity in the private business and in the
private nonfarm business sectors for 2006 both show the slowest annual rates
of growth since 2001.  The 2005-06 annual changes are summarized in tables A
and B, table B also presents data showing historical trends.

Multifactor productivity growth is designed to measure the joint influences of
economic growth on technological change, efficiency improvements, returns to
scale, reallocation of resources, and other factors, allowing for the effects
of capital and labor.  Multifactor productivity measures differ from labor
productivity (output per hour worked) measures that are published quarterly by
BLS since they include information on capital services and other data that are
not available on a quarterly basis.

A change in multifactor productivity reflects the difference between the change
in real gross domestic product for the sector and the change in labor and
capital inputs engaged in the production of this output.  The output measures
for the private business and private nonfarm business sectors contained in this
release are similar to the indexes of output for business and nonfarm business
used in the quarterly labor productivity measures but the output of government
enterprises is omitted.  Conceptually, change in multifactor productivity
reflects the change in output that cannot be accounted for by the change in
combined inputs of labor and capital.  In contrast, a change in labor
productivity reflects the change in output that cannot be accounted for by the
change in hours of all persons engaged in production.

AND MUCH MORE...including TABLES....
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] OECD ECOMONIC OUTLOOK No. 81, May 2007 [24 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

OECD Economic Outlook No. 81, May 2007 [24 May 2007]
http://www.oecd.org/document/18/0,2340,en_2649_201185_20347538_1_1_1_1,00.html

The latest Economic Outlook forecasts a soft landing in the US, a strong and sustained recovery in Europe, a solid trajectory in Japan and buoyant activity in China and India. But it warns too of risks posed by imbalances in current accounts and, possibly, in financial and housing markets.

Twice a year, the OECD Economic Outlook analyses the major trends and examines the economic policies required to foster high and sustainable growth in member countries.  This issue covers the outlook to end-2008. In addition to the themes featured regularly this issue contains two special chapters on globalisation and fiscal consolidation. Forthcoming developments in major non-OECD economies are also evaluated in detail. Each edition of this Outlook provides a unique tool to keep abreast of world economic developments.

______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] Census: PUBLIC EDUCATION FINANCES 2005 [24 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________


Census

Public Education Finances 2005
http://www.census.gov/govs/www/school.html

Education finance data include revenues, expenditures, debt, and assets (cash and security holdings) of elementary and secondary public school systems. Statistics cover all states, including the District of Columbia, and are available on an annual basis

School-age population estimates [Excel]
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/cb07-76tbl2.xls

Graph
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/img/per_student_spending-hi.jpg

Detailed tables [Excel]
http://ftp2.census.gov/govs/school/elsec05_sttables.xls


Press Release
National Per Student Public School Spending Nears $9,000 [24 May 2007]
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/010125.html

     The nation's public school districts spent an average of $8,701 per student on elementary and secondary education in fiscal year 2005, up 5 percent from $8,287 the previous year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today.
  Findings from < http://www.census.gov/govs/www/school.html> Public Education Finances: 2005, show that New York spent $14,119 per student ­ the highest amount among states and state equivalents. Just behind was neighboring New Jersey at $13,800, the District of Columbia at $12,979, Vermont ($11,835) and Connecticut ($11,572). Seven of the top 10 with the highest per pupil expenditures were in the Northeast.

     Utah spent the least per student ($5,257), followed by Arizona ($6,261), Idaho ($6,283), Mississippi ($6,575) and Oklahoma ($6,613). All 10 of the states with the lowest spending per student were in the West or South.

     The report and associated data files contain information for all local public school systems in the country. For example, in New York City, the largest school district in the country, per pupil spending was $13,755.

     In all, public school systems spent $497 billion, up from $472.3 billion the previous year. Of these expenditures, the largest portions went to instruction ($258.4 billion) and support services such as pupil transportation and school administration ($146.1 billion).

     These school systems received $488.5 billion in 2005, up from $462.7 billion the previous year. Of the total, 47 percent came from state governments, 43.9 percent from local sources and 9.1 percent from the federal government.

     Other highlights:
   * The $214.6 billion schools received from local sources included $186.5 billion from taxes and local government appropriations.
   * School construction spending totaled $41.8 billion nationwide, with California ($8.7 billion) and Texas ($4.7 billion) combined accounting for almost one-third of this amount.
   * Alaska led all states or state equivalents in the proportion of its public school system revenue coming from the federal government (18.9 percent). Hawaii led all states in proportion from state sources at 87.4 percent; Vermont's share was 87.2 percent.

     The data come from the 2005 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances. The tabulations contain data on revenues, expenditures, debt and assets for all individual public elementary and secondary school systems.
- X -

______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] CRS: SOCIAL SECURITY: THE CHILEAN APPROACH TO RETIREMENT [17 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Congressional Research Service (CRS)
Order Code RL34006

Social Security: The Chilean Approach to Retirement
May 17, 2007
Christopher Tamborini, Analyst in Social Security, Domestic Social Policy Division
http://www.opencrs.com/rpts/RL34006_20070517.pdf
[full-text, 33 pages]

Summary
Over the past few years, there has been intense debate about Social Security
reform in the United States. A number of options, ranging from changing the benefit
formula to adding individual accounts, has been discussed. The policy debate takes
place against the backdrop of an aging population, rising longevity, and relatively
low fertility rates, which pose long-range financial challenges to the Social Security
system. According to the 2007 Social Security Trustees Report's intermediate
assumptions, the Social Security trust funds are projected to experience cash-flow
deficits in 2017 and to become exhausted in 2041.

As policymakers consider how to address Social Security's financing
challenges, efforts of Social Security reform across the world have gained attention.
One of the most oft-cited international cases of reform is Chile. Chile initiated
sweeping retirement reforms in 1981 that replaced a state-run, pay-as-you-go defined
benefit retirement system with a private, mandatory system of individual retirement
accounts where benefits are dependent on the account balance. As a pioneer of
individual retirement accounts, Chile has become a case study of pension reform
around the world. Although Chile's experience is not directly comparable to the
situation in the United States because of large differences between the countries,
knowledge of the case may be useful for American policymakers.

This CRS report focuses on the Chilean individual retirement accounts system.
It begins with a description of the U.S. Social Security policy debate, along with a
brief comparison of Chile and the United States. Next, the report explains what
Chile's individual retirement accounts system is and how it works. The pension
reform bill sent to the Chilean Congress for debate in 2007 is also discussed. The
report does not address other components of Chile's social security system, such as
maternity, work injury, and unemployment.

The final section provides an assessment of Chile's now 26-year-old individual
retirement accounts system. Pension reforms have contributed to the rapid growth
in the Chilean economy over the past two decades and returns on pension fund
investments have been greater than expected. Administrative costs, however, have
been high and participation rates have been modest at best. There is concern that the
system does not cover the entire labor force and provides inadequate benefits to low
income workers.

This report will not be updated.
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] ILO/Universitas: BEYOND THE SCORE BOARD: YOUTH EMPLOYMENT and SKILL DEVELOPMENT in the SPORTS SECTOR

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

ILO
Universitas Programme
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/universitas/


Beyond the Score Board: Youth Employment Opportunities and Skill Development in the Sports Sector
Edited by Giovanni di Cola
SUMMARY
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/universitas/download/events/beyond_scoreboard_eng.pdf
[full-text, 12 pages]
FLYER
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/universitas/download/scoreboard_flyer.pdf
[full-text, 2 pages]

Order Information
ISBN: 978-92-2-117968-9
Price: 30 Sw.frs.; US$21.95; £13.95; 25 Euros
Trimmed Size: 6.25 x 9.5 inches;
16 x 24 centimeters
Page Count: xxvi+229 pages
Publication Date: July 2006

Abstract:
Offering insightful research from leading experts in the international,
governmental and academic communities, this comprehensive collection
examines how youth leadership and skills development can be fostered
through sports today. In many parts of the world, sport has proven to be
a powerful tool to promote education, health, development and peace ­ this
volume focuses on its vital role in the social development and employability
of young people.

It considers what sport means for social and economic development and
how it can be an innovative method of drawing attention to issues such
as HIV/AIDS prevention and the reduction of violence and poverty. The
need for ethically grounded sports management and physical education
in schools is also highlighted. The many challenges confronting the
sector are examined as well, such as women's empowerment in sport,
the social insertio

The book identifies what opportunities are available for employment at
the local, regional and global levels. Case studies and examples from
Europe, the United States, East Africa, Latin America and Asia are presented,
revealing how the sports sector often acts as a vehicle between local and
global markets.

Finally, the ILO's Youth Sport Program methodology is explained to illustrate
how sport can develop soft and core employability skills in a bottom
up approach. This is a concrete step toward officially recognizing the
importance of sports values and skills, and how they may benefit youth
in a global labour environment.


Table of Contents
Foreword by the UN Secretary General Special Advisor on Sport for Development
and Peace Mr. Adolf Ogi
Preface Mr. Djibril Diallo
About the contributors
Introduction Mr. Giovanni di Cola
PART I CHALLENGES IN THE SPORTS SECTOR
1. Key questions for policy decisions in sport
Dr. Jean-Loup Chappelet and Dr. Eleni Theodoraki
2. Physical education and sports sciences: Challenges and opportunities
Dr. Gudrun Doll-Tepper
3. Women, leadership and the Olympic Movement
Dr. Ian Henry and Ms. Anita White
4. The Paralympics: Right to participate, rights to win
Sir Philip Craven, Ms. Cheri Blauwet and Ms. Amy Farkas
5. What does sport have to do with HIV/AIDS?
Dr. Richard L. Sowell
PART II OPPORTUNITIES AT THE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL LEVELS
6. Employment opportunities in the sports sector: A review of the European situation
Pr. Jean Camy
7. The European social dialogue in sports
Pr. Roger Blanpain and Dr. Michele Colucci
8. Imagining the future: The US sporting goods industry in 2010
Mr. Gregg Hartley and Mr. Dan Kellams
9. Promoting sports in Africa: An opportunity for social and economic development
in the East African Community
Dr. Michael K. Boit
10. Sports and local economic development in Latin America: Case studies of Peru and El Salvador
Mr. Giovanni di Cola
PART III THE CONTRIBUTION OF SPORT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
11. The athletic coach as invitational leader
Dr. Betty L. Siegel and Mr. Mike Spino
12. Safe and healthy sport: A training package for youth
Dr. Laurent Rivier
13. The impact of sport on the social development of young people and the wider community,
a case study: YCSCA
Mr. Geoff Thompson
14. The dynamic synergy between tourism and sport and its effect on poverty reduction
Ambassador Dho Young-shim
15. The ILO Youth Sport Programme: Identifying jobs, core and soft skills for employability
Mr. Giovanni di Cola
Annexes
I The General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF): A mirror of sports
Mr. Don E. Porter
II Youth insertion and vulnerability reduction through sport in Mozambique


For a sample of other studies and publications from Universitas, see --
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/universitas/publi.htm

______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


Wednesday, May 23, 2007

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[IWS] BLS: AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE WORKERS--INJURIES, ILLNESSES & FATALITIES 20033-2005 [23 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Compensation and Working Conditions Online
http://www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/home.htm

Occupational Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 2003 to 2005 [23 May 2007]
by Sean M. Smith
http://www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/sh20070521ar01p1.htm
or
http://www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/print/sh20070521ar01p1.htm

Mechanics are more likely than the average worker to be injured or killed on the job, as evidenced by higher rates of fatalities and injuries and illnesses. For both fatal and nonfatal injuries, contact with objects and equipment, such as parts and materials and vehicles, represents a significant hazard. Many of the remaining nonfatal cases are due to overexertion and sprains and strains; assaults and violent acts are a leading cause of workplace fatalities.

______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] IADB: 200 MILLION CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENTAL POTENTIAL--Strategies to avoid loss of [23 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)
Research Department

Seminar Papers:
Strategies to avoid the loss of developmental potential in more than 200 million children in the developing world [23 May 2007]
http://www.iadb.org/res/pub_desc.cfm?pub_id=S-866
or
http://www.iadb.org/res/publications/pubfiles/pubS-866.pdf
[full-text, 14 pages]
Event Title: Conferences
Seminar Title:
PAHO/IDB Workshop: On Health, Human Development Potential and the Quality of Life: Towards Biological-Based Index of Human Development Potential for Assessing the Quality of Life
Published:
May 2007
Language:
English

This paper is the third in the Child Development Series. The first paper showed that more than 200 million children
under 5 years of age in developing countries do not reach their developmental potential. The second paper identified
four well-documented risks: stunting, iodine deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, and inadequate cognitive stimulation,
plus four potential risks based on epidemiological evidence: maternal depression, violence exposure, environmental
contamination, and malaria. This paper assesses strategies to promote child development and to prevent or ameliorate
the loss of developmental potential. The most effective early child development programmes provide direct learning
experiences to children and families, are targeted toward younger and disadvantaged children, are of longer duration,
high quality, and high intensity, and are integrated with family support, health, nutrition, or educational systems and
services.
Despite convincing evidence, programme coverage is low. To achieve the Millennium Development Goals of
reducing poverty and ensuring primary school completion for both girls and boys, governments and civil society
should consider expanding high quality, cost-effective early child development programmes.
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] AARP: NEW YORK--AGING WORKFORCE PREPARATION [May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

AARP Policy & Research

Preparing for an Aging Workforce: A Focus on New York Businesses
Research Report
Katherine Bridges, M.G.S., AARP Knowledge Management
David Cicero, AARP Knowledge Management
May 2007
http://www.aarp.org/research/work/employment/ny_worker_07.html
or
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/ny_worker_07.pdf
[full-text, 27 pages]


How prepared are New York employers for potential labor shortages due to baby boomer retirements? This late 2006 AARP survey of 400 employers across the state examines employer perception and action concerning worker shortages, loss of institutional knowledge, and retention of older workers.

Of those surveyed...
   * 62 percent believe their business is likely to face a shortage of qualified workers within the next five years, but only 23 percent say they have taken steps to prepare for potential worker shortages due to baby boomer retirements
   * 11 percent say they are offering incentives to encourage their employees to delay retirement
   * 72 percent say it is extremely or very important to retain institutional knowledge that might be lost when employees retire or otherwise leave, but only 34 percent have a formal process in place enabling employees to pass on their knowledge and experience before they leave
   * 39 percent offer reduced work schedules for those considering retirement, mostly on an informal, case-by-case basis, but only 6% of those offering this option have a formal phased-retirement program

This statewide survey of 400 New York employers was conducted for AARP by Alan Newman Research from November 6 through December 7, 2006. For more information, contact Katherine Bridges, the report's co-author, at 207-899-2094. (22 pages)
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] OECD: AFRICAN ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2007 [May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

African Economic Outlook 2007
ISBN Number:
978-92-64-02510-3
Publication Date:
May 2007
Pages: 600
http://www.oecd.org/document/22/0,2340,en_2649_201185_38561046_1_1_1_1,00.html
or
http://www.oecd.org/dev/publications/africanoutlook

STATISTICAL ANNEX
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/23/38570644.pdf
[full-text, 8 pages]

TABLES
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/22/38570654.pdf
[full-text, 46 pages]


The African Economic Outlook combines the expertise of the OECD with the knowledge of the African Development Bank on African economies. The objective is to review annually the recent economic situation and the likely short-term evolution of selected African countries. The Outlook features a country-by-country analysis based on a common analytical framework, a simple macroeconomic model to provide forecasts for 2007 and 2008, and an analysis of the social and political context. It also contains a comparative synthesis of African prospects by region, placing the evolution of African economies in the context of the world economy. A statistical appendix completes the volume.

The AEO is a unique tool that provides a cross-country comparison and highlights the experience of the good performers in this field.

This volume will be of significant interest to decision makers in African and OECD countries, both in the public and private sectors, such as aid agencies, investors, and government officials of aid-recipient countries.

The African Economic Outlook is a joint project of the African Development Bank and the OECD Development Centre, with generous support from the European Commission.The Excel™ spreadsheets used to create the tables and charts in this book are available via the < http://www.oecd.org/document/46/0,2340,en_2649_201185_33882798_1_1_1_1,00.html > StatLinks printed in this book.

----------
The 2007 focus is on Access to Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Some 10 million people have been given access annually to drinking water over 1990-2004 in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, populations have grown even faster and the absolute number of unserved people has increased by about 60 million over the same period. Consequently, the number of people accessing water annually would need to triple in order for SSA to reach the water MDG by 2015. The situation of sanitation is even more dramatic both in terms of access and of limited progress since 1990. Moving forward requires ambitious reforms in institutions, legal frameworks, and policies in order to change the structure of incentives. There is a need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to ensure the sustainability of simultaneously expanding access to drinking water and sanitation, while facilitating economic growth and meeting ecosystem needs. Improvement also implies strengthening capacity on the ground, notably at local level where most of water management is undertaken, and developing monitoring mechanisms to follow progress and adopt corrective measures if necessary. Financing remains a central issue for all stakeholders: government budgets and development assistance have largely been insufficient to cover the scale of investments needed; national water providers have also failed to help establish a financially sustainable system and alternative sources such as private participation have proved disappointing.

AND MORE...including COUNTRY STUDIES....

______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] Dublin Foundation: MIGRANT WORKERS' EMPLOYMENT & WORKING CONDITIONS--Comparative Study [23 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Dublin Foundation)
COMPARATIVE STUDY


Employment and working conditions of migrant workers [23 May 2007]
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/studies/tn0701038s/index.htm
[for individual country reports]
or
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/studies/tn0701038s/tn0701038s.htm
or
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/docs/ewco/tn0701038s/tn0701038s.pdf
[full-text, 66 pages]

This report presents an overview of the employment and working conditions of migrant workers in the European Union. In most countries, migrant workers have higher unemployment rates and, when in employment, tend to be segregated in unskilled occupations and exposed to higher risks of over-qualification. Moreover, they experience considerable job insecurity, and the sectors and occupations where they are employed are characterised by less advantageous working conditions. Overall, women and young migrants are particularly vulnerable. Although there is increasing awareness of the crucial role played by migrant workers in the economic growth of countries, greater attention needs to be paid to their employment and working conditions.

The study was compiled on the basis of individual national reports submitted by the EWCO correspondents. The text of each of these national reports is available below. The reports have not been edited or approved by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The national reports were drawn up in response to a < http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/docs/ewco/tn0701038s/tn0701038s.doc > questionnaire and should be read in conjunction with it.

Includes numerous TABLES...

CONTENTS
Objectives and structure of report
Inflow of foreign nationals
Labour market integration of migrants
Working conditions of migrant workers
Commentary
References and further information
Annex 1 Summary of labour market and policy issues related to immigration
Annex 2 Sources used in EIRO national reports
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] BLS: MASS LAYOFFS IN APRIL 2007 [23 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

MASS LAYOFFS IN APRIL 2007 [23 May 2007]
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/mmls.nr0.htm
or
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/mmls.pdf
[full-text, 10 pages]

In April, employers took 1,243 mass layoff actions, seasonally ad-
justed, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits
during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department
of Labor reported today.  Each action involved at least 50 persons from
a single establishment; the number of workers involved totaled 126,047,
on a seasonally adjusted basis.  The number of mass layoff events de-
creased by 33 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial
claims fell by 4,640.  During April, 383 mass layoff events were reported
in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 43,753 ini-
tial claims.  Compared with March, mass layoff activity in manufacturing
decreased by 37 events and by 10,688 initial claims.  (See table 1.)

   The national unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in April, essentially un-
changed from 4.4 percent the prior month and down from 4.7 percent a year
earlier.  Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 88,000 over the
month and by 1.9 million over the year.

AND MUCH MORE...including TABLES....
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


Tuesday, May 22, 2007

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[IWS] ADB: (ASIA) STATISTICAL DATABASE SYSTEM (SDBS)--New! [16 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Statistical Database System (SDBS)
http://www.adb.org/Statistics/sdbs.asp

ONLINE QUERY
http://sdbs.adb.org:8030/sdbs/index.jsp

A searchable database of essential social, economic, and financial indicators relating to ADB's developing member countries.

SDBS is kept up to date with data from statistical contacts
   * national statistical offices, central banks and ministries of finance of developing member countries
   * ADB resident missions and other ADB units.
   * other international organizations.


Press Release
ADB Launches Online Version of Statistical Database System [16 May 2007]
http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2007/11862-adb-statistical-database-system/default.asp

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - ADB today rolled out the online version of its < http://www.adb.org/Statistics/sdbs.asp> Statistical Database System (SBDS), a key database of social, economic and financial indicators of its developing member countries.

The database, developed and maintained by ADB's Economics and Research Department, contains data from 1988 onwards and will be a major resource and analytical tool for policymakers, academics, researchers and journalists interested in issues and challenges facing Asia and the Pacific.

The launch of the online version of SDBS underscores ADB's role as a key knowledge bank for developing member countries in the region. To help users in navigating the website, an easy access online facility has been developed.

Further information is available on the Statistical Database System (SDBS) website: < http://www.adb.org/Statistics/sdbs.asp>
______________________________
This information is provided to subscribers, friends, faculty, students and alumni of the School of Industrial & Labor Relations (ILR). It is a service of the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City. Stuart Basefsky is responsible for the selection of the contents which is intended to keep researchers, companies, workers, and governments aware of the latest information related to ILR disciplines as it becomes available for the purposes of research, understanding and debate. The content does not reflect the opinions or positions of Cornell University, the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, or that of Mr. Basefsky and should not be construed as such. The service is unique in that it provides the original source documentation, via links, behind the news and research of the day. Use of the information provided is unrestricted. However, it is requested that users acknowledge that the information was found via the IWS Documented News Service.

****************************************
Stuart Basefsky                   
Director, IWS News Bureau                
Institute for Workplace Studies 
Cornell/ILR School                        
16 E. 34th Street, 4th Floor             
New York, NY 10016                        
                                   
Telephone: (607) 255-2703                
Fax: (607) 255-9641                       
E-mail: smb6@cornell.edu                  
****************************************


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[IWS] CRS: Foreign Direct Investment: Effects of a "Cheap" Dollar [11 May 2007]

IWS Documented News Service
_______________________________
Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations
-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor
---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
New York, NY 10016
-------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau
________________________________________________________________________

Congressional Research Service (CRS)
Order Code RL34000

Foreign Direct Investment: Effects of a "Cheap" Dollar
May 11, 2007
James K. Jackson, Specialist in International Trade and Finance, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
http://opencrs.cdt.org/rpts/RL34000_20070511.pdf
[full-text, 18 pages]

Summary
Since 2002, the dollar has depreciated against a broad basket of currencies and
against the euro. This depreciation has prompted some observers to question whether
the "cheap" dollar is leading to a "fire sale" of U.S. firms, especially of those firms
that can be identified as part of the Nation's defense industrial base. Congress has
displayed a long and continuing interest in foreign direct investment and its impact
on the U.S. economy. Since September 11, 2001, Congress has demonstrated a
heightened level of concern about the impact of foreign direct investment in critical
industries or in sectors that are vital to homeland security. In the 110th Congress,
Members are considering H.R. 556, the National Security Foreign Investment
Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2007, which was adopted by the full
House on February 28, 2007. The measure reflects a heightened level of concern
about the presence of foreign investors in the economy by increasing Congressional
oversight over federal reviews of foreign direct investment and by expanding the
current areas of review to include homeland security and critical infrastructure.

Academic research and analysis has been relatively limited on the topic of the
relationship between a depreciated dollar and any impact on foreign purchases of
U.S. firms. There is also a relatively limited amount of information on this topic.
Nevertheless, direct investment transactions as a whole seem to be tied more directly
to the relative rates of economic growth between economies, as well as expected
long-run rates of return and other economic factors, than to relatively short-term
movements in the exchange rate of the dollar. Actual and expected movements in
the exchange rate may influence the timing and the magnitude of foreign investors'
decisions, but little research has been done on this issue.

Firms also engage in a variety of tactics to nullify or mitigate the effects of
movements in the exchange rate, which would weaken the linkage between
movements in the exchange rate and direct investment transactions. U.S. and foreign
multinational firms have come to raise a significant part of their investment funds in
the capital markets in which they are investing, which also lessens the impact of
movements in the exchange rate. Furthermore, U.S. and foreign multinational firms
have become skilled at using various techniques to hedge the risks of changes in
exchange rates. This report assesses the current state of knowledge concerning the
role of exchange rate movements in direct investment transactions, presents data on
some of the major factors that influence direct investment, and provides an overview
of some of the factors that influence the way in which firms finance their
investments.

This report will be updated as events warrant.

Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Foreign Direct Investment and the Dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Foreign Direct Investment and GDP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Dollar-Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dollar-Pound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dollar-Yen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Foreign Direct Investment and Capital Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sources of Direct Investment Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
International Role of the Dollar and Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

List of Figures
Figure 1. Foreign Direct Investment in the United States and U.S. Direct Investment Abroad, Annual Flows, 1990-2006 . . .. . . . . . . 2
Figure 2. Foreign Direct Investment in the United States, the Dollar Price of Foreign Currency, and U.S. GDP Growth Rate .. . . . . 7
Figure 3. Foreign Direct Investment in the United States by Euro-Area Countries and the Dollar/Euro Exchange Rate Index . . . . . 8
Figure 4. British Direct Investment in the United States, Dollar/Pound Exchange Rate Index . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 9
Figure 5. Japanese Direct Investment in the United States, Dollar/Yen Exchange Rate Index . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

List of Tables
Table 1. U.S. Direct Investment Abroad, Foreign Direct Investment in the United States, and Indexes of Currencies, 1999-2006 . . . . . . 5
Table 2. Selected Indicators of the Size of Various Capital Markets, 2005 . . . 14


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