Asserts that developing a partnership with union leaders and contractors to upgrade the education and training of their members is a worthwhile but complex challenge. Describes the origins of the Illinois Valley Community College partnership, collaboration with surrounding educational institutions, the challenge of resolving contractual…

Discusses the history of the United Mine Workers Welfare and Retirement Fund and its efforts in providing physical rehabilitation and job retraining to disabled miners. Created in 1946, the fund was successful in providing vocational rehabilitation services to over 1,200 miners and could serve as a model of a comprehensive cost-effective approach…

Discuses the effects of unionization on faculty salaries at two- and four-year institutions, reviewing studies of the relationship between faculty pay levels and increases and collective bargaining. Indicates that the majority of studies showed that unionization had an initially favorable impact on unionized faculty pay increases but not an…

THREADS, the humanities project of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, is described. The interdisciplinary programs involve the active participation of the students. Three formats are used: ongoing discussion groups, programs conducted as part of regular union activities, and single programs or short series on topical issues.…

The study presents new estimates of two measures of unionism in the United States, the percentage of private sector workers covered by union agreements, and the percentage who are union members. These figures are compared with each other and with previous estimates, showing a decline in private sector unionism. (MF)

The theory of reasoned action identified personal and social variables explaining the behavioral intentions of 51 teacher union leaders initiating site-based decision-making programs with their principals. Findings indicate they considered behavioral consequences of power and morale and opinions of other teachers and parent site council members…

Results of a survey of 15 directors of large libraries revealed a consensus that despite their adversarial roles and the time and effort it takes to make the relationship work, unions are worth the trouble. Highlights include who runs the library, rewarding mediocrity, salaries, team versus individual, race, negotiating roles, and changes needed.…

Traces the history of Al Shanker's work in building the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), focusing on his tenure as president of the organization. During his presidency, the AFT won 1,249 elections involving half a million people and added 373 locals to its membership. (SLD)

In this collection of the writings and speeches of Al Shanker, the focus is on his interest in civil and human rights, for teachers, students, and the citizens of the world. Central to his views was the belief that education is the way to economic equality. (SLD)

Considers the pedagogical and subject matter needs of students in an adult labor education course. Notes that students are motivated working adults, with little time for study, attending the course for assistance in dealing with workplace problems. Teachers need to adjust their approach and rethink economic theories from the students' perspective.…

Reviews the Black experience in U.S. labor unions since the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955. Notes that a critical barometer of labor's progressive impact is its treatment of minority and female workers. (Author/GC)

A new source of students, workers eligible for tuition aid plans offered as incentives or negotiated by unions, is seen as a significant development for higher education. Some worker education programs are described. Low participation rates are seen as the result of lack of information. (MLW)

Considers the impact of services public libraries provide to union members, particularly access to computers, based on experiences with the SEIU (Service Employees International Union). Topics include training; resources for families; education; and Locals Online, a program that provides training and Web content to SEIU local unions. (LRW)

Purpose: Responding to the recent split in the US labor movement, this paper aims to argue that learning must become an integral part of a progressive union devoted to organizing. Design/methodology/approach: This paper traces the evolution of vocational education in US industrial unions and critiques it in light of the challenges facing labor…

The reflections of worker-students at United Auto Workers Local 686 who participated in the humanities curriculum for adults developed at State University of New York College in Buffalo are presented. Most of the workers said they would never again be satisfied with their lives, especially their worklives. (Author/MLW)