The paper discusses both European and American approaches to providing and funding recurrent educational opportunities for workers and their families. A section covers actions and studies of international organizations regarding paid educational leave and European attempts to increase educational opportunities through national and State legislation, private practice, and collective bargaining. A major portion outlines in detail educational plans of American companies and international unions; other sections discuss policy recommendations and strategies for implementation in the United States. Three basic recommendations are made: for a coalition among the educational world and the worlds of industry and labor (requiring a vehicle for communication among labor, management, government, and education); for agreement between labor and management prior to adoption of national or regional legislation; and for effective representation of the formal education system in such a coalition. Conclusions point out the paradoxical need for more expenditure on recurrent education in a time of economic crisis, and call for National Institute of Education aid in coordination, planning, and research in the United States. (MDW)