Individual variation in labor supply can arise from more than just a choice among discrete occupation groups, especially given the joint process of wage determination and time allocation. Other factors can include differential preferences for earnings, the time length of work and other related occupational attributes. Using data from the Wisconsin…

The authors of this report analyzed the most recent data to illustrate the impact of literacy skills on both the micro- and macro-economic levels. The report explores whether there is a case to be made for direct links between literacy skill and income level. Data relating to the ability to get a job, job retention and promotion, risk of job loss,…

As a result of strong economic growth, limited growth of the working population, and a number of other socioeconomic factors, the United States presently has labor shortages in some locations for a variety of jobs. This booklet outlines various aspects of labor shortages and suggests ways that Department of Labor (DOL) activities might be used to…

Major issues of the debate that led to the passage of an immigration reform bill are discussed and analyzed in this collection of six papers that were delivered as public lectures at Western Michigan University during the 1984-85 academic year. The essays reflect a broad range of views on the effects of immigration on the United States economy and…

Of the currently unemployed workforce, a portion (100,000 to 2.1 million) can be termed dislocated workers. Even as the economy recovers from the current recession, these involuntarily unemployed workers will face serious problems finding new jobs because of structural changes in the economy. Current unemployment and training programs often do not…

An examination of the conventional wisdom that the economy will face a labor shortage was done in three stages. First, the demand side of the labor market was analyzed. Changes in the skill requirements of jobs from 1973-86 were examined as were those changes anticipated by projections of the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2000. The conclusion was…

The predictions in "Workforce 2000" and "Civil Service 2000" were examined with regard to work and workers. Focus was on demographic changes that had occurred and were expected to occur in the civilian and federal labor force and were relevant to federal employment policy formation. Activities included review of demographic data and review of…

Provided in this report are a number of empirical and conceptual papers dealing with barriers to youth employment. The first paper, "Barriers to Youth Employment: A Review," contains a summary of more than 100 reports on causes of youth employability problems and poses several alternative strategies for formulation of youth labor market policy.…