LABOR INITIATIVES FOR WORKER PARTICIPATION AND QUALITY OF WORKING LIFE

This article outlines some of the recent strategies developed by union s in the United States to promote greater employee involvement and inf luence over decisions at the workplace. In particular three points of focus are identified as worker participation areas: new technology, wo rk environment and skills training/education. Unions have developed so me important proactive strategies, but are struggling within a labor r elations climate which is split between anti-union employers and those who are advocates for participative management practices. The change in political climate may have important consequences in the near futur e.