An investigation of the comparability of union membership statistics in the United States and 11 foreign countries and concludes that international comparisons should be made with caution. Although figures published by each country are useful indicators of broad trends, they should not be used to compare levels of unionization. (Author)

Describes how, after a stint as an adjunct professor that made her feel "powerless," Linda Cushing went from union foe to labor activist. (EV)

An astounding construction feat of Chinese Americans was the work done on the western section of the transcontinental railroad. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new line took place in Sacramento in 1863, but up until 1865, less than 50 miles of running track had been laid, and this was over relatively level land. The construction superintendent…

A community services counseling project was provided through a program for assisting unemployed union and non-union workers. At least 25 local unions in Middlesex County, New Jersey, participated in the effort. Thirty unemployed workers were screened and given an intensive training course in personal skills development, the role of the union…

Negotiations with school employees should be limited to salaries, fringe benefits, and negotiation procedures, at least until the parties become familiar with the process of negotiation. It is better to delineate specifically those items that are negotiable. Boards, in defining negotiable subject matter, should be cautioned in agreeing to any…

Reports on a project undertaken by members of the Finnish Paperworkers' Union to record the history of their union. Members organized themselves into 40 study circles, with each circle tackling a different aspect of the history. Support was provided by the union historian. (CH)

This study examined 1,060 California workers with permanent injuries to identify the factors that influence the propensity to hire an attorney for the purpose of contesting their benefit awards. These factors include (1) educational level, (2) union membership, (3) seriousness of the injury, and (4) availability of additional income sources.…

Determines the level of union activity in housing offices in the southeast region of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I). Focuses on interest in unions by housing employees, potential for change, factors likely to foster union activity, and types of institutions most likely to be unionized. (ABB)

Outlines some of the changes in administrative roles resulting from collective bargaining, explores the reasons administrators form collective bargaining units, and considers some recommendations regarding the problems of administrators. (Author/RK)

Salary data for 670 local building trades unions indicates that the salaries of local union business agents are related to the members' salaries and to the business agents' bargaining performance. Findings are related to other public and private organizations. (MF)

This report presents five case studies which provide a comprehensive description of the programs and services available to union retirees in different communities. The five communities reflect a diversity of geographical locations, economic base, occupational structure, and unions represented. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Miami, Florida;…

Labor unions in the U.S.S.R.--having emerged in Russia about 100 years after U.S. labor unions and been called by Lenin the "shock troops of the revolution"--do not much resemble their U.S. counterparts. Union members, including factory managers, constitute 99.3 percent of the work force, and place of employment or profession determines…

Describes a model for delivering stress education programs to union members. Steps include (1) providing an understanding of stress, (2) examining clinical effects of stress, (3) reviewing coping techniques, and (4) linking the first three steps in order to develop a plan for dealing with stress. (CH)

Historical evidence is presented for the thesis that exclusive union representation by majority rule was adopted in the private sector primarily to pave the way for a corporative state. Peaceful, orderly collective bargaining by "responsible" unions in a competitive economy was a minor, secondary consideration. (Author/MLF)

A table provides data on the collective bargaining status of various employee positions in school systems of various sizes. Figures are provided for teachers, principals, other administrators, school secretaries, building custodians, bus drivers, and teachers and principals in the same unit. (TE)