Following a 1980 strike by San Jose, California, public school teachers, the San Jose school board was embarrassed by a $6.2 million budget surplus into granting a teacher contract beyond its fiscal capacity. The school board's subsequent decision to declare bankruptcy established a controversial precedent for similar actions elsewhere. (JBM)

Forecasts the items unions will bring to the bargaining table to launch their labor-management relationship and membership into the twenty-first century. The future will require greater cooperation and a closer working relationship between the school systems and unions. (MLF)

Describes the use of a computer simulation, "The Competitive Edge," in a college-level course in labor relations. Describes the content, implementation procedures, and assessment design of the simulation. Concludes that, although some improvements could be made, the program is a valuable and useful simulation of labor market decision…

Canadian teacher unions must become more relevant, both towards their membership ("internal relevance") and towards society at large ("external relevance"). Issues of internal relevance are membership, responsiveness, teacher voice, leadership development, and the changing nature of teacher work. Issues of external relevance…

Discusses trend of "takeovers" of low-performing big-city school districts by skilled outsiders and argues that success depends on how schools are overseen rather than who oversees them. Describes optimum district environment for success and argues structure and accountability ultimately more important than person in charge. (KSB)

Three problems needing the attention of many college governing boards and presidents are discussed, including making early or phased retirement attractive, part-time faculty, and federal and state nondiscrimination laws. A number of colleges have created a unified program of employee relations with access to the president. (MLW)

The authors update an article on intervention, discussing career development, communications, feedback, financial, human development, information, instructional, labor relations, measurement and evaluation, quality improvement, resource, reward and recognition, and selection systems; documentation and standards; ergonomics and human factors;…

In response to national downsizing, Ontario University conducted a study which explored how academic librarians coped with job loss and examined stressful institutional and personal elements (i.e., self-doubt, anger). Results found needs for library's plan to handle position elimination; coordination between library and personnel departments; and…

Reports labor history coverage in seven college-level introductory history courses. Finds that all incorporated some material about unions and offered an interpretation of their effectiveness. Also finds the absence of gender and race as shaping forces in labor history to be the most neglected topic. (CFR)

Recent, current, and projected programs in British Columbia to improve vocational English skills in the labor force are described. The programs include preemployment, training, and on-the-job components. Some are for specific industries or union groups. Common elements, successes, and problems are summarized. (MSE)

Because of its poor labor relations and consequent public image, New Zealand's meat industry asked the University of Otago to provide management training. Describes difficulties in developing effective training acceptable to the industry, the compromise workshop approach involving questionnaires and diaries, and the workshop's qualified success.…

Chronicles a period of unrest over faculty tenure at the University of Minnesota (1995-97), focusing on the law school's role in the controversy and its resolution. Tells the story in three parts: proposed changes to tenure regulations in 1995; the part played by the university's regents, and the faculty's response; and intervention by the law…

Provides a brief overview for including labor history in the social studies curriculum. Notes the broad range of subjects (geography, history, economics, music, and art) and approaches (women's history, social history, oral history) that encompass labor history. (MJP)

Provides a fascinating look at the ideological and cultural schisms that developed between the communist party and local trade unions in Schenectady, New York. By the 1950s trade unions had become more conservative while the communist party championed the rights of women and blacks. This split debilitated the communist party. (MJP)

The role of increased teacher unionization during the current period of reform in Australian education is examined critically. It is argued that conventional industrial-style unionization is not supportive of educational values and that a more inclusive model of educational accountability is needed. (Author/MSE)