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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. briefing
School to Work, Re-Employment Act, and Skills Standards [partial]
1994
b(6)
paper
(2 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Liz Bowyer
OA/Box Number: 3979
FOLDER TITLE:
School to Work, Re-Employment Act and Skills Standard Briefing Book for HRC
[binder]
2014-0483-S
sb502
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
h(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
SECRETARY OF LABOR
WASHINGTON
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Hillary:
In advance of our meeting tomorrow I'm
sending some briefing materials on school-to-work,
the REA, and skills standards. I'm looking
forward to seeing you and discussing Department of
Labor issues, NO orall 00 a for ortum!
See you then.
Sincerely,
Robert Bon B. Reich
School-to-Work, Re-Employment Act,
and Skills Standards
DEPARTMENT
OF
UNITED
AMERICA LABORA
STATES OF
BRIEFING BOOK
for the
First Lady
Hillary Rodham Clinton
SCHOOL-TO-WORK
SCHOOL-TO-WORK OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 1994
The School-to-Work Opportunities Act paves the way for a new approach to learning and its
relationship to work. The Act:
o
Provides seed money to States and communities to bring together partnerships of
employers, educators, organized labor, parents, students, community-based
organizations and others to build statewide school-to-work systems.
o Requires that such systems integrate academic and occupational as well as school-
based and work-based learning, increasing opportunities for all students.
o Builds on and advances promising activities such tech prep, career academies,
school-to-apprenticeship, cooperative education, youth apprenticeship, school-
sponsored enterprises; business education compacts, school drop out strategies to
develop them into components of a school-to-work system.
A joint agency team continues to work together in an innovative alliance on all aspects of
school-to-work including the design and passage of the legislation and the funding of venture
capital grants. In FY 1994 DOL/Ed have available $100M appropriated under existing
authority last October to begin the initiative. In FY 1995 the Administration requested
$300M. The House Labor/HHS/Ed Committee provided $280M.
STRATEGY
Invest first (through successive waves of venture capital grant competition staggered over
four year) in leading edge State and local school-to-work "champions."
Use the learning and experience of these investment leaders to reach back to provide best
practices and peer technical assistance to bring others into a growing national network of
State school-to-work systems - each unique to State/local circumstance, but all with the same
fundamental features and outcomes.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1994 - Each State plus the District of Colombia and Puerto Rico receive a
School-to-Work Development Grant ranging from $250-$750,000.
February 1994 - State competition to award $36M in Implementation Grants to 4-8
"leading edge" States is announced. Applications reviewed through a "peer" process
coupling outside experts with federal reviewers. 23 States applied.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. briefing
School to Work, Re-Employment Act, and Skills Standards [partial]
1994
b(6)
paper
(2 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Liz Bowyer
OA/Box Number: 3979
FOLDER TITLE:
School to Work, Re-Employment Act and Skills Standard Briefing Book for HRC
[binder]
2014-0483-S
sb502
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - (44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
o March 1994 - Local partnership competition to award $10-$12M in
Implementation Grants to 15-25 leading edge local partnership (educators, employers,
worker representatives and others) communities is announced. 265 Local community
partnerships applied.
o June 1994 a competition to award $10M to local partnerships in high poverty areas
is announced. Urban and rural communities have 60 days to respond.
o June 1994 - Major businesses commit to forming a National School-to-Work
Employer Leadership Council. Alex Trotman of Ford agrees to chair the group. This
independent group of high profile CEO's with "flagship" school-to-work programs
will promote employer involvement nationwide.
Confirmed Members
1. John L. Clendenin
President and CEO BellSouth Corporation.
2. George Fisher
Chairman, President and CEO Eastman Kodak
3. Jerome H. Grossman, M.D.
President and CEO New England Medical Center
4. Albert Hoser
President and CEO Siemens Corporation
5. Heidi Jacobus
President Cybernet Systems Company
6. Ed Rensi
President and CEO McDonalds USA
7. Mitchel Sayare
Chairman and CEO ImmunoGen Inc.
8. Al Taubman
Chairman of the Board the Taubman Company
9. Alex Trotman
Chairman CEO and President Ford Motor Company
Potential Members
(b)(6)
001
(b)(6)
001
NEXT STEPS
July 1994
- Announcement and first meeting of Employer Leadership Council.
- First round of State Implementation Grants announced and
awarded.
- First round of Local Partnership Implementation Grants
announced and awarded.
o
August 1994
- Establishment of School-to-Work stakeholder Advisory Group.
- Collocation of joint agency School-to-Work Team (supplemented by
loaned executives and other members of the stakeholder community).
- Begin work on second wave of venture capital grant competitions.
Full implementation of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act is well underway. Continued
strong momentum is contingent upon several key points:
o Businesses involved with the Leadership Council consider an audience with the
President at their first session in July an important indication of the priority placed on
school-to-work by the administration. This is particularly important since the
inclusion of work-based learning (paid student time learning on the job, which must be
supplied primarily by the employer community) is fundamental to the development of
a school-to-work system.
Although each State will eventually receive funding in successive waves of grant
competitions (staggered over four years), this is dependant upon continued funding
priority for the initiative. Budget requests will increase through 1996, stabilize in
1997, and begin to decline in 1998 as State funding is phased out.
Although the development of school-to-work systems is State and local focused, the
number of different kinds of "stakeholders" are many. Their advice regarding
national emphases and direction will be sought. Several ways of receiving such input
are being considered including a chartered advisory council.
o A key federal responsibility will be to assist school-to-work system builders at all
levels to develop the capacity necessary to bring their efforts to scale. This will
involve using organizations, associations and other competing entities from a variety
of sectors in federal contractual relationships. Strategies to achieve this are underway.
o The legislation permits waivers of existing laws and regulations that may impede
State and local ability to implement theses systems. It also allows combining funds
from a number of related federal programs. Coordination among federal entities
governing such programs (including alignment with processes under consideration for
waivers under Goals 2000 and the impending Re-Employment Assistance Act) will
need to take place.
SCHOOL-TO-WORK
ARTICLES
HIL
THURSDAY, MAY: 199
School-to-work biu
signed by Clinton
Program links academics, job training
By Bob Hohler
way like myself," said Brady, a sen-
GLOBE STAFF
ior at Boston High School who plans
to enter a business program next fall
1 WASHINGTON Chris Brady,
at Newbury College.
the son of a South Boston meat-cut-
"If it hadn't been for Boston
ter and a former high school drop-
High and ProTech," he said, "I'd
out, stood by President Clinton on
probably be stuck to a dead-end job,
the White House lawn yesterday as
if I had a job at all"
he signed a $300 million bill to ex-
Brady, an apprentice at Fleet
pand a program that Brady used to
Bank, was one of 10 Masaachusetts
turn his life around.
students among several dozen from
AP PHOTO
Because of Boston's Project Pro-
across the country who attended the
President Clinton greets Chris Brady of South Boston, a former school
Tech, a model for the School-to-
ceremony as symbols of the School-
dropout new planning to attend college, yesterday at the White House.
Work Opportunities Act that Clinton
to-Work Act's potential.
signed into law, Brady, 19, will be-
Under the program, which links
Marsha Dennis, the first graduate of
doubled in the 1980s.
come the first member of his family
academics with on-the-job experi-
Project ProTech in the Boston public
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the
to go to college, be told several hun-
ence, high school students who are
sehools.
bill's sponsor, said it would start to
dred lawmakers, business leaders
not bound for four-year colleges pre-
Dennis, 22, who immigrated four
correct the failure of US public edu-
and educators as he introduced Clin-
pare for careers by serving appren-
years ago from Trinidad, has ap-
cation to provide adequate career
ton at the signing ceremony.
ticeships in private businesses. Many
prenticed through Project ProTech
training for students who do not at-
"I hope this legialation helps stu-
students decide during their training
at Boston City Hospital and New
tend four-year colleges.
dents across the country understand
to attend two-year colleges to be
England Desconess Hospital and
Boston School Superintendent
that school and work are connected
come certified in their fields.
soon will enter a one-year surgical
Lois Harrison-Jones, who attended
so they don't have to learn the hard
"It's a great frundation," and
technology program at Bunker Hill
the ceremony, said she is seeking a
Community College.
$1.2 million grant under the School-
"A lot of people my age feel like
to-Work Act to expand Project Pro-
the lost generation, 80 we give up in
Tech, which now serves 200 students
high school because we don't see any
hope," Dennis said. "But programs
in four of the city's high schools.
like Project ProTech give us hope
Members of two other appren-
and opportunities."
ticeship programs in Massachusetts
Clinton said the new law was vi-
- Career Beginnings in Worcester
tal to the estimated 75 percent of US
and Careers in Education in Cam-
high school students who do not
bridge - attended the signing cere-
complete four-year colleges. Because
mony, as did Ira Jackson, a senior
of global economic forces, he said,
vice president at Bank of Boston,
the gap between the wages of college
which participates in Project Pro-
graduates and high school graduates
Tech.
A20
THURSDAY. MAY 5. 1994
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Clinton OKs Job-Training
Program for Young People
From Associated Press
at "lifetime learning" and symbol-
ised by the Goals 2000 measure he
WASHINGTON President
signed earlier this year in an effort
Clinton used a futuristic student-
to raise education standards.
made desk Wednesday to sign
Under the legislation. the Edu-
legislation aimed at preparing
cation Department and the Labor
young people for good jobs if they
Department will distribute 8100
are not college-bound.
million this year to help states,
The law is aimed at training the
communities. schools, employers
75% of young Americans who
and labor unions start building a
mave from school to the workplace
school-to-work network.
without pursuing a four-year col-
Education Secretary Richard W.
lege degree. It is intended to ad-
Riley and Labor Secretary Robert
dress the growing gap in income
B. Reich said they hope Congress
between the college-educated and
will make $300 million available
the rest of the work force.
next year and more in the future.
Students generally would enroll
Clinton said the aluminum and
in the programs in the 11th grade
smoke-colored plexiglass desk he
and continue in them for one or
used to sign the bill will stand as an
two years after graduation.
emblem for the new program.
"We must not only create more
It was made by students in the
jobs. we have to make it possible
Manufacturing Technology Pro-
for. people who work hard and do
gram in Flint Mich
the right thing" to become mem-
"This desk symbolizes what this
bers of the middle class. Clinton
is all about," Clinton said, adding
said at the signing ceremony.
that the Michigan students were
The law is part of Clinton's
told it had to be inexpensive and
overall education program, aimed
easy to move and reassemble.
THE BOSTON SUNDAY GLOBE
JUNE 12. 1994
NH -
We as a society have finally realized that
not
everybody wants or needs to go to
college.'
RAY WORDEN. New Hampshire Job Training Conncil
Non-college bound
tion" and students compete in state-
wide contents for the best written re-
sume and/cover letter. Community
service is & big part of the program
get help 'focusing'
and this year students worked on
projects with residents at a local
nursing home, she said.
public assistance, according to
"We are creating something that
By Laura A. Kiernan
state officials.
will be a lifetime commitment," Lani-
GLOBE STAFF
'New Hampshire has relied on
gan said.
ANCHESTER - In
federally funded programs, such as
According to the latest state fig-
M
the basement of Me-
"Jebs for New Hampshire's Gradu-
ures available, 66.4 percent of the
morial High School. in
stea," to try to keep that vulnerable,
1992 graduates at Memorial went to
a narrow, windowless
non-college bound population on a
school after graduation. A more de-
former storage closet,
steady path from school to work.
tailed statewide breakdown shows
youth specialist Barbara Lanigan
With additional funds provided
that of 10,349 high school graduates
is on the front lines when it comes
through the federal "School to Work
in 1992. 62.8 percent went on to
to trying to help a small group of
Opportunities Act of 1993." the state
schools, 25.4 percent went off to
students stay in school, get jobs
is developing six regional pilot pro-
jobs, 6 percent joined the military,
and stay off welfare.
jects as part of a nationwide drive to
and 2.4 percent were unemployed.
Three days a week, through a
bring businesses, educators, labor
The dropout rate statewide
federally funded program called
leaders and others together to better
dipped slightly, from 4.3 percent in
"Jobs for New Hampshire's Gradu-
prepare students for today's highly
1989-90 school year. to 4 percent in
ates," Lanigan helps her students
skilled work force.
'90-91, to 4.2 percent in '91-92, ac-
Hevelop goals. coaches them on
"We as a society have finally re-
cording to the state. Statistics updat-
W to handle themselves in a job
alized that we are not preparing
ed to 1998 show that statewide. 36
aterview and stresses the impor-
most, of our youth for the reality that
students dropped out because they
tance of the "work ethic." She helps
not everybody wants or
were pregnant, down from 47 in 1992
them find their future.
useda to go to four-year
and another 57 students left school
"There's not that many jobs out
colleges. and universities,"
to help their families financially, as
there and this program helps you
asid Ray, O. Worden the
did 56 in 1992.
executive director of the
Graduation rates for seniors in
be better equipped to get a job,"
said Carlton Page, 19, who wants
New
Hampshire Job
the jobs program is 90 percent, ac-
Council
cording to Brett St. Clair, a spokes-
to learn to be a welder. And. said
Page, "it's set in my mind if you
"Tue & change in cui-
man for the New Hampshire Job
ture It's à change in atti-
Training Council, which oversees the
don't have a high school diploma,
tade
focus
on
the
for-
program. A follow-up nine months
you don't get anything."
gotten half," Warden said,
after graduation showed that 74 per-
Most of the thousands of team-
"It's) huge challenge."
cent of those students were either
agers who graduate from New
the state's school-to-
employed, in the military or enrolled
Hampshire high schools this month
program will incorpo-
in school, St. Clair said.
will head off to college or other
of the elements
In Manchester's three high
post-secondary schools, state offi-
have worked in the
schools this year, principals used a
cials said. But long before gradua-
smaller "Jobs" pro-
pilot program. backed by the state
tion, Lanigan focuses on a limited
which began in 1987
Department of Employment Securi-
number of "at risk" students with
$25 students at five
ty, to target sophomores, the year a
no plans for school or anything
New
Hampshire High
student is likely to drop out of
else, and whose self-esteem needs a
This year, 1,000
school, said West High's principal
boost before they go off on their
students were enrolled at
Robert Baines. He said 600 students
OWR, or, worse, drop out.
21 high schools a fraction
participated city-wide for 12 weeks,
A recent state study showed
of the 49,098 students in
during which they learned about set-
that the younger a person is when
grades 9-12 in the state's
ting goals and job interview strate-
! or she signs up for welfare es-
public schools.
gies. A self-assessment program in-
ecially if they become a parent
At Memorial High, Lanigan, who
cluded "learning a little about them-
the longer they will remain on pub-
had only 30 students in the program
selves and where they stand on skills
lic assistance. High school dropouts
this year, uses speakers and field
and values," Baines said.
are twice as likely to end up on
trips h promote "career explora-
(more)
Boston Sunday Globe - June 12, 1994
Manchester class is helping
'focus' the non-college bound
STUDENT GOALS
in 1989) to 136,400 in 1993. and of
Continued from Page NH 1
that, 41,700 are in the health care
field. Bartlett.said.
"We're trying to get them start-
Meanwhile the number of retail
ed at an early age to think about
jobs waitresses, retaurant workers
their goals. and do some soul search-
and store clerks - decreased from
ing," said Denise Roy-Innarelli, chief
113,400 1989 to 99,200 in 1991, and
of counseling services at the Em-
up again to 105,400 in 1993.
ployment Security office.
High school graduates will find
As graduation approaches at Me-
New Hampshire's job market has
morial High - the ceremony is June
22nd the students in Barbara Lani-
improved slightly, but the hunt for
employment will still be tough.
gan's "Jobs" group have their plans.
The state's unemployment rate
Cindi Allen, 18, who works part-
has improved, down from 5.2 percent
time now at Dunkin' Donuts and at a
in March to 4.9 percent in April.
daycare. is enrolled in technical
That compares to 6.9 percent in
school and wants to be a secretary.
April 1993, according to the Depart-
Julia Vazquez, 18, says she's learned
ment of Employment Security.
to overcome her shyness and get in-
The department's recently re-
volved. Carlton Page hopes he'll be
leased economic and labor market
accepted into the federal govern-
review showed that the state job
ment's Jobs Corps program. where
market has bounced back since its
he can learn a trade.
1991 low point, when the state lost
Jaime LaFleur, 18, who won
about 47,000 jobs.
prizes for her resume and cover let-
The perception, fueled during po-
ter, hopes to go study early child-
litical campaigns, is that the only
hood development at a technical
available jobs here are in Wal-Mart
school.
or fast-food restaurants, according
The program has been a source
to Peter Bartlett, a labor market an-
of pride to the students. "We were
alyst at Employment Security. In a
never put down," LaFleur said.
speech to the Democratic party con-
vention last month, Sen. Wayne
King of Rumney, Democratic guber-
natorial candidate, called the em-
ployment market here a "burger
flipping society." According to Bart-
lett however, the strongest job
growth has been in jobs that involve
business services, such as computer
programming, consumer credit and
health care.
Service jobs have increased from
125,600 in 1991 (down from 113,400
REEMPLOYMENT ACT
REEMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1994
The Reemployment Act (REA) of 1994 will consolidate 6 existing fragmented programs and
establish a new comprehensive dislocated worker program to serve all dislocated workers
regardless of the cause of dislocation. It will:
Ensure that all dislocated workers have easy access to high quality readjustment
services as well as extended income support to complete long-term training.
Build a nationwide labor market information system that will give workers and
employers the tools they need to make informed career and training choices.
Support grass-roots approaches to develop innovative systems for the delivery of
employment and training services by making it easier for States to work with
localities to set-up one-stop career centers to serve everyone seeking jobs.
CURRENT STATUS
DOL is working closely with Members, Congressional and White House staff, and major
stakeholders to pass REA legislation this calendar year.
DOL also is making progress in moving the REA agenda forward administratively.
We are jump-starting implementation of the One-Stop Career Center system using
current legislative authority and approximately $29 million in appropriated funds.
DOL will announce a nationwide grant competition shortly.
DOL has provided guidance to all States about Worker Profiling -- all States are
required to implement worker profiling and reemployment service systems. DOL has
provided implementation guidance to all States. Funding appropriated to implement
systems in 3 prototype States plus first wave of an additional 17-25 States.
We are currently working with BLS, Interstate Conference of Employment Security
Agencies (ICESA), and the National Occupational Information Coordinating
Committee to design the National Labor Market Information System. A report to
Congress containing policy recommendations is in draft, and the "team" is developing
a strategy for expending $12.5 million to begin building the system.
ISSUES
Because of the considerable health care activity in labor authorizing committees and some
controversial elements in the REA, we need to determine what can reasonably be passed
this calendar year. We are working with House Education and Labor staff and Senate
Labor staff to incorporate critical REA elements in a piece of legislation that could be
passed this year, providing a "jobs" victory before November.
REA has received general criticism for being overly prescriptive -- emphasis on process
rather than outcomes. Three more controversial elements are:
Of concern to business -- the permanent extension of 0.2 percent FUTA surtax.
Although it has been "temporary" since 1977, the business community is resistant to
making this permanent. Business also is fearful that the capped mandatory spending
from the proceeds of the 0.2 percent surtax to provide retraining income support
through the UI system will turn into another runaway entitlement program.
Of concern to organized labor -- the consolidation of the Trade Adjustment
Assistance program in REA. Labor wants TAA which serves workers negatively
impacted by federal trade policy decisions to continue with expanded funds. Also,
REA links extended income support to participation in training, while TAA
authorizes a waiver for participation in training as a condition for receiving income
support.
Of concern to States and local service deliverers -- competition of career centers for
dislocated workers and of One-Stop Centers providing universal services and the
governance relationships among States, local elected officials and local workforce
investment boards. With the support of Hill staff, we have had extensive, ongoing
consultation to explore ways to accommodate concerns about various governance
issues with such public interest groups as the National Governors' Association, the
ICESA, National Association of Councils, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
NEXT STEPS TO PASS LEGISLATION
We will work with House and Senate Labor staff to produce a "slimmed down" version of
REA which can be passed before the end of this session. As part of this effort, we are
providing technical assistance to identify essential REA elements and to provide language
changes that address public interest group concerns, as well as deal with WARN concerns.
Subcommittee Chair Pat Williams is a key person, along with Chairman Bill Ford,
to move the REA this year. Pat Williams has indicated that he enjoys working with
you and values this relationship. A call from you indicating that REA should be
addressed this year and his help is essential is very important.
We also are working with House Ways and Means and Senate Finance staff to identify ways
to capture the 0.2 percent FUTA surtax to finance retraining income support for eligible
workers. This may involve the development of a smaller package of items that could
possibly be attached to other legislation such as GATT and the need to get support from
key stakeholders such as labor. (The House Ways and Means Committee has assured us
of a hearing date after the July 4th recess, depending upon health care activity.)
Attached is a list of administrative actions (and calendar) to move forward the REA agenda.
x:\wfsact\1stlady.1
Draft June 15, 1994
PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE IN ACHIEVING REA AGENDA
One-Stop Career Center Pilots -- ETA will jump-start the implementation of the One-Stop
Career Center system using current legislative authority and approximately $29 million in
appropriated funds. ETA will announce a nationwide grant competition shortly.
UI Profiling -- Profiling legislation enacted requiring all States to implement worker profiling
and reemployment service systems. ETA has provided implementation guidance to all
States. Funding appropriated to implement systems in 3 prototype States plus first wave of
an additional 17-25 States.
National Labor Market Information System -- ETA is working closely with BLS, ICESA, and
NOICC to design the national information system. A report to Congress containing policy
recommendations is in draft, and the "team" is developing an approach to spend about $12.5
million to begin building this system. (Additional LMI funds will be provided to States
selected for One-Stop implementation to upgrade their LMI data collection and distribution.)
Dislocated Worker Funding -- Funding for EDWAA increased 72 percent in FY 1994 over
FY 1993 levels, to $1.118 billion. President's FY 1995 budget requested $1,465 million for a
comprehensive dislocated worker program.
EDWAA/TAA Reengineering - ETA has completed a national EDWAA customer
satisfaction survey and is working with States and localities to "pioneer" methods to measure
and improve customer satisfaction. EDWAA/TAA are piloting a new results-oriented
management system under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993.
ES Revitalization - -- A team of ETA, SESA/ICESA, IAPES, and organized labor
representatives have developed a proposed short-term strategy to strengthen the capacity of
ES to delivery high quality services and information. ETA has completed a baseline survey of
all States to identify the nature and type of ES/UI customer satisfaction surveys in place.
Also, ETA just announced the new national awards program to recognize SESA staff who
provide exemplary customer service.
UI Self-Employment -- ETA has published guidelines for States interested in implementing
the UI self-employment program authorized by NAFTA implementing legislation.
NAFTA-Bridge Program -- Legislation was enacted to address NAFTA-impacted workers
which makes significant improvements on the TAA model, e.g., strengthening links between
income support and training.
Skill Standards -- Goals 2000 authorizes a National Skill Standards Board to promote the
development and use of voluntary national skill standards. DOL and Education plan to
convene the first meeting of this Board this fall.
School-to-Work -- School-to-Work Opportunities Act signed into law. DOL and Education
provided planning funds to all States have announced a series of grant competitions to
implement various elements of this initiative.
x:\wfsact\agenda
Draft June 21, 1994
CALENDAR OF INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF REA AGENDA
One-Stop Career Center Pilots
June - Issue grant solicitation package.
August - Appoint and orient review panels.
September -- Receive and review proposals, and make recommendations for
award.
November -- Announce grant awards and begin implementation.
Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services
June - Demonstrate profiling system model at "Gateways to Work" (St. Louis);
announce agreements with three prototype States.
July - Provide technical assistance to prototype States.
August -- Review first wave States' proposals.
September -- Announce agreements with 17 - 25 first wave States.
October -- Initiate profiling operations in prototype States.
National Labor Market Information System
June - Issue LMI report to Congress; produce option papers for PY 94 and PY 95
LMI investments in major product areas; gain State agreement to PY 94/PY 95 LMI
investment plan; prepare solicitation material for PY 94 investments.
July - Issue initial solicitations; complete profiling assistance tools and make
available for profiling prototype States.
September - Establish Internet connection for America's Job Bank; begin
promotion of useful technology tools to help speed reshaping of labor markets; begin
review of initial solicitations.
October -- Begin detailed LMI review with selected One-Stop implementation States.
Dislocated Worker Funding
July 1 - $1.118 billion available for EDWAA.
EDWAA/TAA Reengineering
June - Identify pioneer State and local volunteers to test program changes to
increase customer satisfaction; implement reengineering workgroups on major issues
identified through consultation with partners (ongoing); initiate dual enrollment of all
TAA participants under EDWAA management information system.
July -- Award TAT grants.
August - Issue new reserve account application guidelines.
September - Begin planning national partnership "how are we doing" meetings;
complete substate customer satisfaction pilots; begin follow-up survey of customer
satisfaction.
ES Revitalization
June -- Continue outreach to key stakeholders re ES revitalization ES Revitalization
Collaboration Group completes work on a proposed short-term ES revitalization
strategy.
July -- Collaboration Group unveils short-term ES revitalization strategy; announce
ES revitalization customer service/performance commitments.
September -- Make first outstanding SESA customer service awards at ICESA
Annual Meeting.
UI Self-Employment
June and ongoing -- States choose whether to design and implement the UI self-
employment program based on published ETA guidelines.
NAFTA-Bridge Program
Legislation enacted and implemented.
Skill Standards
June - Identify 36 finalists for Secretary's consideration as possible Skill Standards
Board members.
July - Initiate public outreach and marketing campaign.
August - Host round tables on occupational clustering.
September -- Convene first Board meeting.
School-to-Work
June -- Issue grants solicitation urban/rural opportunities grants for high poverty
areas.
July - Announce winners of first round of State implementation and local
partnership grant competitions. (tentative) Announce formation of national employers'
leadership council to support initiative.
October -- Announce winners of first round urban/rural opportunities grants
competition.
x:\wfsact\agenda1
THE REEMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1994
SENATE COSPONSOR LIST
FOR S.1951 AND S.1964
(Currently 24 members)
Max Baucus D-MT
Both bills
Barbara Boxer D-CA
Both bills
Bill Bradley D-NJ
S. 1951
John B. Breaux D-LA
S. 1951
*Thomas A. Daschle D-SD
Both bills
Christopher J. Dodd D-CT
S. 1964
Wendell H. Ford D-KY
Both bills
Mark O. Hatfield R-OR
Both bills
Daniel Inouye D-HI
Both bills
*Edward M. Kennedy D-MA
S. 1964
John F. Kerry D-MA
Both bills
Patrick Leahy D-VT
Both bills
*Howard M. Metzenbaum D-OH
S. 1964
Barbara Mikulski D-MD
S. 1964
*George J. Mitchell D-ME
Both bills
Carol Moseley-Braun D-IL
Both bills
*Patrick Moynihan D-NY
S. 1951
Patty Murray D-WA
Both bills
Claiborne Pell D-RI
S. 1964
David H. Pryor D-AR
S. 1951
Donald W. Riegle, Jr. D-MI
S. 1951
*John D. Rockefeller D-WV
S. 1951
Paul Simon D-IL
S. 1964
Harris Wofford D-PA
S. 1964
* lead sponsors
updated June 21, 1994
THE REEMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1994
HOUSE COSPONSOR LIST
FOR H.R. 4040 AND H.R. 4050
(Currently 96 Members)
Gary Ackerman D-NY
Ron Klink D-PA
Michael Andrews D-TX
Michael J. Kopetski D-OR
Robert Andrews D-NJ
John LaFalce D-NY
Jim Bacchus D-FL
Sander M. Levin D-MI
Anthony Beilenson D-CA
John Lewis D-GA
Howard Berman D-CA
William Lipinski D-IL
Lucien Blackwell D-PA
Marilyn Lloyd D-TN
John Bryant D-TX
Nita M. Lowey D-NY
Ben Cardin D-MD
Thomas Manton D-NY
Bob Carr D-MI
Matthew Martinez D-CA
Jim Chapman D-TX
Robert T. Matsui D-CA
William L. Clay D-MO
Romano Mazzoli D-KY
Eva Clayton D-NC
Frank McCloskey D-IN
Peter A. DeFazio D-OR
Dave McCurdy D-OK
Rosa DeLauro D-CT
Jim McDermott D-WA
Ronald Dellums D-CA
Cynthia McKinney D-GA
Butler Derrick D-SC
Carrie Meek D-FL
Norman Dicks D-WA
George Miller D-CA
John Dingell D-MI
Norman Mineta D-CA
Don Edwards D-CA
Austin Murphy D-PA
Anna Eshoo D-CA
John Murtha D-PA
Sam Farr D-CA
Richard Neal D-MA
Vic Fazio D-CA
Eleanor Holmes Norton D-DC
Bob Filner D-CA
John Olver D-MA
Floyd Flake D-NY
Major Owens D-NY
Harold E. Ford D-TN
Nancy Pelosi D-CA
William D. Ford D-MI
Timothy J. Penny D-MN
Barney Frank D-MA
Charles B. Rangel D-NY
Martin Frost D-TX
Bill Richardson D-NM
Elizabeth Furse D-OR
Carlos Romero-Barcelo D-PR
Sam Gejdenson D-CT
*Dan Rostenkowski D-IL
*Richard A. Gephardt D-MO
Lucille Roybal-Allard D-CA
Sam M. Gibbons D-FL
Martin Olav Sabo D-MN
Gene Green D-TX
George Sangmeister D-IL
Steve Gunderson R-WI
Thomas C. Sawyer D-OH
Dan Hamburg D-CA
Patricia Schroeder D-CO
Jane Harman D-CA
Charles Schumer D-NY
Alcee Hastings D-FL
Robert C. Scott D-VA
Earl Hilliard D-AL
Jose E. Serrano D-NY
Maurice D. Hinchey D-NY
Pete Stark D-CA
Peter Hoagland D-NE
Dick Swett D-NH
George Hochbrueckner D-NY
Mike Synar D-OK
Steny H. Hoyer D-MD
Edolphus Towns D-NY
Eddie Bernice Johnson D-TX
Jolene Unsoeld D-WA
Harry Johnston D-FL
Melvin Watt D-NC
Paul Kanjorski D-OR
Alan Wheat D-MO
Barbara B. Kennelly D-CT
*Pat Williams D-MT
Dale E. Kildee D-MI
Lynn Woolsey D-CA
* lead sponsor
updated June 21, 1994
THE REEMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1994
TITLE-BY-TITLE SUMMARY
The President's Reemployment Act of 1994 is designed to transform the current unemployment
system into a comprehensive, universal reemployment system. The Reemployment Act of 1994 is
founded on what works in reemployment services. It embodies these fundamental principles:
One-stop shopping
Customer focus
Market-driven training programs
Accountability
Title I -- Comprehensive Program for Worker Adjustment
Title I establishes a comprehensive reemployment program for dislocated workers - those who
have been permanently laid-off or are long-term unemployed - with a single standard of
eligibility. It consolidates six current dislocated workers programs funded by the U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL). Key features are:
Outreach - significant investments in participant outreach through rapid response and
profiling;
Individualized services - including the development of individual reemployment plans;
Comprehensive reemployment services - basic services like job search assistance for all
eligible dislocated workers, with more intensive services available to those who need them;
Program integration - career centers, competitively selected, will provide assistance to
all eligible dislocated workers;
Job retention - governors may use state funds to help upgrade the skills of workers at
risk of being laid off;
Customer choice - dislocated workers can select training providers on the basis of
performance-based information;
Reemployment insurance - dislocated workers who need long-term training may receive
income support beyond regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits;
Performance accountability and outcomes - the governance structure will ensure
accountability to workers, employers, job-seekers and the local community for quality
service and outcomes; and
National Grant Program - the Secretary of Labor will manage a discretionary grant
program to address such issues as large-scale economic dislocations and disaster relief.
-over-
BUSINESS SUPPORTS THE REEMPLOYMENT ACT
"The Reemployment Act is a focused strategy to build a job training and employment system that
works for people looking for jobs and employers. It cuts government programs for dislocated
workers down to single universal program which focuses on the customer. I believe that it
represents an opportunity to link many programs through One-Stop Centers and holds them
accountable for helping people get the services they need to get jobs. In doing so, it can help
employers and workers meet the competitive challenges of the future."
Alan Wurtzel, Chairman of the Board
Circuit City Stores
"I would like to express the strong support of National Small Business United (NBSU) for the
direction and shape of the Administration's workforce training proposal
Specifically, we are
impressed with the strong role that the business community will play at the local level in shaping
and overseeing their own reemployment initiatives. This element is critical for the success of the
plan
NSBU is particularly excited about the prospect of a strong worker retraining system,
since worker training is a major problem for small businesses. Small businesses are often unable
to run their own training programs as big businesses do, and are forced to accept the workers and
skill levels that are available in the market. A more highly skilled workforce will greatly help the
small business community to continue leading our nation's economic growth."
Ron Cohen, President
NSBU
"On behalf of the New England Council, I wish to express my support for the key principles
incorporated in the Reemployment Act of 1994 and to applaud the Clinton Administration for
moving forward on this very important issue
The Council is particularly pleased with the
proposal to consolidate into a single delivery system the numerous categorical programs for
dislocated workers. This approach will lay the foundation for a more comprehensive, integrated
workforce investment system over time."
Peter Meade, President and CEO
New England Council
"The ability of organizations and individuals to adapt to and maximize new information
technologies is critical to our future as a global manufacturing leader. The Reemployment Act of
1994 provides access to advanced training and jobs programs, vital to preparing the U.S.
workforce to embrace the new economy."
Rick Inatome, Chairman and CEO
Inacom Information Systems
REEMPLOYMENT ACT
ARTICLES
USA Todav March 1, 1994
Clinton's new jobs plan
Labor secretary says
proposal will provide
help and retraining
the jobless need.
Christie Jerroids and Linda
Barner both lost their jobs last
year when the Williamsport.
Pa., paper factory where they
worked closed its doors.
Today. Christie is complet-
ing her second semester of col-
lege. aided by a federal check
that helps finance business pro-
gramming courses to land her
a new job.
But Linda.
who is also
studying to
learn new
skills. gets
no federal
training help
By Web Bryant. USA TODAY
at all. even
though she
gone forever.
pathways to them aren't al-
to another and filling out end-
worked un-
By Robert B.
Last year - in the midst of
ways clear.
less forms. A central feature of
der
the
Reich, secre-
an economic recovery - more
To help people move from
our plan will be one-stop ca-
same con-
tary of Labor.
than three out of every four of
the old jobs that are disappear-
reer centers that offer, under
tract and
the USA's job losers expected
ing to the new ones that are
one roof, access to all parts of
lost her job at the same time.
to lose their jobs permanently,
emerging, the Clinton adminis-
the re-employment system.
Why?
the highest rate of permanent
tration is sending Congress the
A National Jobs Data
Christie made paper nap-
job loss since statistics were
Re-Employment Act of 1994.
Bank: Workers need quality in-
kins. Linda made paper cups.
first collected. A year after los-
This legislation will transform
formation about where the jobs
Paper napkins were consid-
ing a job. more than half of all
the safety net of unemploy-
are and what skills they re-
ered an industry threatened by
displaced workers remain un-
ment insurance into a spring-
quire. We will use advances in
foreign competition. Paper
employed. or working in a job
board to launch workers into
computer and communications
cups were not. Christie got a
that pays less than 80% of their
new jobs.
technology to give them instant
helping hand. Linda did not.
former wages.
It will make significant im-
access to that information and
Their stories offer further
Corporate downsizing. de-
provements on the current sys-
to help employers make quick-
proof that the USA's system for
fense reductions. global com-
tem:
er and less costly connections
moving unemployed workers
petition. and technological
No more narrow require-
with prospective employees.
into new jobs is really not a sys-
change are reshaping the eco-
ments: The Re-Employment
Retraining where it's
tem at all. It's a hodgepodge of
nomic landscape. Job change
Act will consolidate the patch-
needed. While most workers
programs that help some peo-
is becoming the norm, not the
work of dislocated-worker pro-
need only information and ba-
ple but leave others behind.
exception.
grams into a coherent system
sic services to get a new job.
In its place. the Clinton ad-
No longer can a person ex-
that focuses on what customers
some need training in new
ministration will establish a se-
pect to work for one company
need to get their next job, not
skills. The Re-Employment Act
rious plan for getting workers
for an entire career.
why they lost their last job.
will offer workers access to
back on the job. In the next
In the new economy. work-
Meaningless distinctions -
skill-building programs - for
week. we will introduce legisla-
ers will change jobs repeatedly
like the one between paper
as long as a year and a half -
tion to turn our unemployment
during a lifetime, and each
cups and paper napkins -
along with income support to
system into a re-employment
new job will demand ever
won't matter.
let them take advantage of
system.
greater skills.
Real help in getting a
longer-term training when they
Here's why we need to
Fortunately, our economy
new job: Most unemployed
need it.
change:
has done pretty well at generat-
workers don't need much re-
The Re-Employment Act
In the past. when a worker
ing these new jobs. In the last
training, just some basic help
will connect the USA's workers
lost a job. he or she often re-
year. 1.7 million new private
organizing their job search.
to new jobs by eliminating the
turned to that job as soon as the
sector jobs were created -
This legislation will help pro-
obstacles that now stand be-
business cycle picked up again
more than in the previous four
vide useful services - like job
tween them and the work they
and the company was ready to
years combined. The Bureau
counseling and job search as-
can do.
rehire. The unemployment sys-
of Labor Statistics projects that
sistance - that can get people
By clearing the pathways
tem was designed largely to
by 2005, there will be a net in-
back to work quickly.
we open opportunity to every-
tide workers over during tem-
crease of about 7.8 million
One-stop shopping: Un-
one - people who make paper
porary dry spells.
good jobs that won't require a
employed workers waste too
napkins. people who make pa-
But today. when a worker
college degree.
much time waiting in long
per cups, and anyone else who
loses a job. that 100 IS often
But while the inbs exist. the
lines. trudging from one office
wants to get back to work.
Baltimore Sun
January 12, 1994
Business Section
REICH CAMPAIGNS FOR JOB TRAINING
Clinton official talks
to laid-off workers
By Michael Dresser
Staff Writer
Labor Secretary Robert B.
Reich's boss would have been
proud of him.
Perched on a stool at the Mary-
land AFL-CIO's Baltimore head-
quarters yesterday. surrounded by
some two dozen casualties of the
state's wrenching workplace re-
alignment, Mr. Reich combined
soothing words and a stern mes-
sage with the same personal touch
that Bill Clinton parlayed into the
presidency.
"1 want to hear your stories and
suggestions," the labor secretary
told the group. whose ranks includ-
ed workers laid off from Armco,
Westinghouse, Esskay and other
downsized or defunct Maryland
ng a format that has become
emark of the Clinton admin-
istration, Mr. Reich was in Balti-
more to push a sweeping plan to
overhaul the nation's unemploy-
ment-insurance system and to pro-
vide economic security at a time
ALGERINA PERNA/STAFF
when job security is eroding despite
Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich was at the Maryland AFL-CIO's Baltimore headquarters to pus
an economic recovery.
sweeping plan to overhaul the unemployment-insurance system and to provide economic security
The proposal, which reflects a
central theme of the 1992 Clinton
do when the administration intro-
tions, and he used their experi-
off from Ames Department Stc
campaign, has been overshadowed
duces its "re-employment Insur-
ences to bolster his arguments,
in 1992 and recently landed a
by the administration's health-care
ance" program this spring.
much as Mr. Clinton did through-
with the help of Baltimore Wor
and crime initiatives. But Mr. Reich
Mr. Reich's premise is that the
out the 1992 campaign.
decried the "unnecessary red ta
did his best yesterday to push the
unemployment system was de-
Rennard Cruse, who has been
she had to go through to get une
Issue to center stage. Although the
signed to tide over workers on tem-
out of work for more than a year
ployment compensation and
unemployment rate is declining, he
porary layoff but that three out of
since his job at Armco Steel van-
training. Mr. Reich said the plan
said, the long-term unemployed
four of today's job losses are per-
ished, described the shock and an-
envisions would provide "one-s
represent a growing percentage of
manent.
ger he felt after losing an earlier job
shopping" for the dislocated WC
the nation's jobless.
The labor secretary. one of the
in a plant closing after 22 years.
er, with benefits and retrain
Ostensibly, the purpose of the
most Influential members of the
"I felt guilty, I felt used and so
programs offered out of the sa
meeting was to gather opinions
Clinton Cabinet, said the adminis-
on," the middle-aged man told Mr.
office.
from displaced workers in the city's
tration's proposal is almed at "re-
Reich. Mr. Cruse credited the city-
In a later interview, Mr. Re
Baltimore Works program on how
building the skills of the American
and state-funded Baltimore Works
addressed a key criticism of the
best to restructure government ef-
work force" through training pro-
program with helping him realize
ministration's retraining effo:
forts to help the jobless.
grams for displaced workers. The
that the layoff was not his fault and
that it is ineffective at a time wl
In reality, the meeting was part
proposal would preserve the basic
with getting him into a retraining
changing technology quic.
of a consensus-building expedition
unemployment-compensation sys-
program.
makes the newly acquired skills
that included a speech to the Mary-
tem but would offer extended bene-
Mr. Reich commiserated. "They
obsolete as the old ones.
land Chamber of Commerce and a
fits to workers undergoing retrain-
all say they feel like it's their fault
The labor secretary expres:
meeting with The Sun's editorial
ing.
initially," he said, pointing out that
skepticism about programs that
to promote the administra-
Nothing Mr. Reich heard from
one pillar of the administration
to retain workers for a specific sl
Initiative.
the group at the AFL-CIO hall Is
plan Is to provide counseling for
He said a more effective approa
or all his intent listening and
likely to alter his thinking. The
laid-off workers who have little
would be to give such work
curious questioning, Mr. Reich
supportive group told stories that
prospect of being recalled.
broader education to equip th.
seemed certain of what he wants to
bolstered Mr. Reich's key asser-
Michelle Gaines, who was laid
for multiple opportunities.
WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 29. 1993
The Washington Post
AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
A 'Reemployment' Program
T
HE GOVERNMENT'S traditional response to
qualified. It would try to improve the quality of
the problem of unemployment has been to
assistance to the unemployed by creating a nation-
pump up the economy, help provide some
wide information network and a system of one-stop
benefits and wait for workers to find reemployment
offices across the country in which an applicant could
mostly on their own. The Clinton administration
receive all the forms of available aid.
thinks that in the present world economy that's not
It would aim to identify eartier than tends to
enough. The president's people worry that more and
happen now those workers unlikely to get their old
more U.S. workers are being permanently laid off,
jobs back and speed their move to other employ-
meaning that their old jobs are lost for good to
ment. The faster return to work would mean, among
foreign competition or technological or policy
other things, a cut in benefit costs. The government
change, and they have to seek entirely new ones.
might share the savings with workers who returned
Partly because of these structural trends and partly
to work before their insurance expired: it might
for other reasons, Labor Department officials also
share costs with people who accepted temporary
observe that more and more workers are remaining
part-time work as well The bill will likely seek to
unemployed for more than six months. The nature of
improve the broken existing system for paying
the problem has changed, they say, and the govern-
benefits to those in higher-unemployment states who.
ment's response must change as well.
exhaust their basic 26 weeks of insurance. Insofar as
The president is expected to send up a "reem-
funds are available, it will also seek to expand the
ployment" or "work force security" bill next year.
current training programs to help the structurally
Most of the likely recommendations make good
unemployed go back to school.
sense. They do so almost independently of the
It's hard to quarrel with much of that on the
elaborate rationale the administration has construct-
strength of what is known thus far and assuming, as
ed for them-the view that unemployment now is
we do, that the budget rules won't be broken. The
somehow different from in the past, which not
goal of helping U.S. workers adapt-switch rather
everyone fully accepts. Some of the sensible steps
than fight-in the face of changing economic circum-
have been proposed before. The government now
stances that they can't hope to resist is a legitimate
runs six mostly small retraining programs for work-
function of government. There has always been a lot
ers who lose their jobs to one or another structural
of "permanent job loss" in the large U.S. economy.
cause. There is trade adjustment assistance, defense
It's been accompanied and offset by growth. The
conversion assistance, assistance to eastern coal
administration contends the adjustment process is
miners who lose their jobs to the Clean Air Act etc.
tougher now than in the past; that may or may not be
The administration would consolidate these legisla-
true. The government still should do all it usefully
tive and historical artifacts into a single retraining
can to ease the process. That seems to be what the
program for all permanently laid-off workers who
president is proposing here.
Copyright The Washington Post. Reprinted by permission.
SKILL STANDARDS
Skill Standards Initiative
The National Skill Standards Board (NSSB) was authorized under Title V of the Goals
2000: Educate America Act which the President signed on March 31, 1994. It is fitting
that the workforce standards are linked to education standards since the two efforts have
much in common. The development of workforce standards is the cornerstone of the
Administration's workforce development strategy and compliments the education reform
efforts. The NSSB will use voluntary partnerships, consisting of broad coalitions of
stakeholders, to develop the standards. The role of the NSSB is to ensure that the
standards developed meet certain quality criteria before they are endorsed by the Board.
I.
Current Status
A.
Nominations to the National Skill Standards Board
The Department is nearing completion of its review of nominations to the
Board, and will shortly present its recommendations to the White House.
The Department solicited recommendations from over 100 organizations
representing the stakeholder communities. We expect the Board to be
assembled and to start its work in the Fall of this year.
The Act provides for Board members to be drawn from three categories:
business; organized labor; and a category which includes representatives of
educational institutions, community-based organizations, State and local
governments, non-governmental organizations with a demonstrated history
of successfully protecting the rights of racial, ethnic or religious minorities,
women, individuals with disabilities, or older persons, and qualified human
resource professionals. Within each category, the President and the
Congress each appoint half the members.
B.
Funding
The Department of Education will transfer $3 million from its FY 1994
appropriation to the Department in July in order to provide for initial
funding of Board activities. Thereafter, funds for the Board will be part of
the Department's appropriation requests. The House Appropriations
Committee recently approved $6 million for Board activities for FY 1995.
C.
Skills Standards Pilot Projects
Twenty-two demonstration projects were funded by the Departments of
Education and Labor with major trade associations. Each DOL project
involves the formation of a stakeholder coalition and the development of
standards, assessment, certification, and training provider accreditation
procedures, and a marketing plan under coalition auspices. Two of the six
DOL-funded skill standards pilot projects have developed skill standards
for at least one occupation in their industries. Skill standards have also
been developed by at least one of the 16 Department of Education
grantees. DOL is providing funding for its projects through December
1994 and possibly beyond.
D.
Policy Papers
By December 31, 1995, the NSSB must identify broad occupational clusters
that include a substantial portion of the workforce and that form the basis
for the voluntary partnerships that will develop standards. The
Department has contracted with a number of recognized authorities on
occupational classification to author papers on what methods might be
used for occupational clustering. The papers will be furnished to the
Board to provide a theoretical foundation for its activities.
II. Issues
The extent of the Board's powers as an independent entity under the Goals
2000: Educate America Act is unclear. The Department has begun a
review of the extent of the Board's independence under the Act.
III. Next Steps
A.
Public Relations Activities: the Department hopes to have a major
national media event around the announcement of the National Board. In
addition, a strategy to communicate with business leaders about skill
standards using the work of the demonstration projects will be developed.
B.
Education Plan: The Department, in conjunction with the Department of
Education, is developing an education plan to assist the National Board to
become familiar with the issues around the development of skill standards
until there own staff is in place. Orientation material that will include
issue papers and activities will be prepared as background for board
members.
C.
Roundtables
In connection with the research being conducted on occupational
clustering, the Department plans to sponsor a series of roundtables to
gather views and provide information.
D.
Promoting Skill Standards in Other Government Programs
The Department needs to consider the use of skill standards endorsed by
the Board in programs and activities for which it provides financial
assistance. It also needs to consider how it will promote the use of skill
standards in other federally financed activities.
SKILL STANDARDS
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS REPORT TO THE SECRETARY
MAY 20, 1994
I.
Nominations to the National Skill Standards Board
A.
Interagency Team: ED, Commerce and Labor
B. Actions:
Ltr. fr. the three secretaries sent to over 100
organizations representing the stakeholder communities
identified in the legislation on the same day it was
enacted by the President.
Now compiling results of that solicitation (approx. 190
names to date). Reviewing for:
(1) quality of the nominations;
(2) gaps in the stakeholder communities
represented; and
(3) diversity of nominees.
Initiating coordination with Congress and the White
House. ETA has already had initial meetings with the
White House Liaison and OCIA on this matter. The Skill
Standards Team Leader has also met with Tim Barnicle to
discuss strategy options.
C.
Timetable
The initial closing date for the solicitation process
was 4/14. When a review of the responses was
conducted, however, and series gaps revealed (e.g.,
none of the community-based organizations had
responded) it was agreed by the interagency team to
offer an extension. A preliminary review of
nominations submitted during the extension period
reveals the broader representation desired.
5/16-20 Close nomination solicitation process
Develop strategy and draft policy issues for
consideration by DOL executive staff, White
House Liaison and OCIA
Initiate discussions with White House staff
5/23-27 Draft initial nominee qualification criteria
with interagency team
Data review (legislative requirements,
industry coverage, information gaps, etc.)
and improvement
Initiate discussions with Congress
Finalize nominee qualification criteria and
cull database accordingly
5/30-6/3 Initiate formal and informal vetting process
6/3-10
Identify 36 "finalists" for Secretarial
consideration
6/13-17
Transmit final recommendations to President
II. Public Relations, Outreach and Marketing
A.
ETA/Public Affairs and DOL/Office of Information and
Public Affairs
On 5/19 representatives of the Skill Standards Team,
ETA/PA and OIPA met to brainstorm on PR opportunities
and strategy. An options paper is being prepared by
ETA/PA based on this discussion. It will include such
items as a press briefing and a site visit.
B.
Skill Standards Team
1.
The Skill Standards Team, with the input and
concurrence of ETA/PA and OIPA will utilize its
technical assistance contract with the Institute
for Educational Leadership to subcontract with a
Washington-based PR firm to provide additional
support for a more comprehensive marketing
strategy. Proposed activities include development
of presentation materials, brochures, videos and
extensive dissemination networks.
2.
With the assistance of the ETA Regional Liaisons,
the Team will identify local press opportunities,
write articles for local and national trade
journals and newsletters, and pursue speaking
engagements for DOL officials as well as other
skill standards spokespersons.
III. Educational Plan
A.
ETA feels it has an obligation to enable the Board to
assume its responsibilities as quickly, efficiently and
smoothly as possible. Therefore, the Skill Standards
Team has prepared a plan to guide the development of
briefing materials for the Board's members, executive
director and staff. This plan will undergo review by
DOL and ED executives in the next few weeks and will
then be reviewed by external experts for:
(1) Content:
(a) Comprehensiveness/Omissions
(b) Accuracy/Unbiased Presentation
(2) Identification of Resources:
(a) Available Reference Material
(b) Potential Authors
(c) Alternative Funding Sources
(3) Prioritization:
(a) Sequencing of Work
B.
Occupational/Skill Clustering: As the first activity of
the Board, the reorganization of the economy according
to broad occupational clusters, is already identified
in the law, and given our desire to facilitate the
Board's early success, we have already begun research
in this area.
In March, ETA released a think piece on this topic and
commissioned papers from a variety of perspectives
which address potential methodologies for such
clustering and issues arising and implications
resulting from such activities. These papers will be
followed in June by a series of roundtables, again with
a diversity of representation, to further expound upon
and exchange ideas. A synthesis of the results will be
prepared for the Board's consideration.
IV. Budget
We are currently engaged in discussions with the Department
of Education to transfer to DOL $3 million dollars
appropriated under GOALS 2000 for the National Skill
Standards Board. This transfer will be part of the
Secretarial MOU now being finalized.
SKILL STANDARDS
ARTICLES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994
2/26/94 A.3-E
The Atlanta Journal / The Atlanta Constitution
Voluntary skills standards unveiled
for workers in three high-tech fields
ASSOCIATED PRESS
timately creation of a portable
skill credential system that
Washington - Voluntary
would be recognized by firms
standards defining skills that
across the nation.
high-tech workers need in key
jobs were unveiled Friday as
Although standards exist for
Congress neared completion on a
some companies and educational
measure to provide similar
institutions, the AEA said it is the
guidelines for a broad range of
first time the high-tech industry
occupations.
has come together to develop a
Labor Secretary Robert B.
consensus on the skills workers
Reich, who helped introduce the
need to compete.
standards at a news conference,
The board would classify and
said the number of jobs requir-
describe the skills needed for
ing technical competence is
particular occupations. Once the
growing, "while there is less and
skills are mastered, workers
less demand for people without
would receive certificates recog-
skills."
nized by industries throughout
The standards were devel-
the country.
oped by the American Electron-
ics Association, a 3,000-member
The three unveiled Friday
technology trade group. They are
were in the manufacturing, ad-
designed to help guide educa-
ministrative and information
tion, training, assessment and ul-
services and sales fields.
PG. 2 of 2
Reich kicks tires at CCAC, calls
auto course a model for industry
By Jim McKay
of good jobs that go to relatively unskilled
"We work on them bumper to bumper.
Post-Gazette Staff Writer
workers, he said, noting that factory jobs
We take them apart, sometimes every nut
U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich
have gone the way of the family farm.
and bolt, reassemble them, and work on
wants to tune up work force training in
Reich said the marketplace demands
the various parts transmissions. en-
America and thinks programs like an
high skills and rewards flexibility. To
gines, drive train."
automotive technical school on Neville
survive in a changing world, workers
Students alternate the classroom expe-
Island provide the right tools.
should have the capacity to adapt quickly
rience with part-time work for car dealer-
"These kinds of places are gold mines,"
and to learn new skills.
ships that sponsor them. They must also
The two-year CCAC program provides
complete the academic requirements for
Reich said yesterday as he toured a
garage where the Community College of
both work and classroom experience for
an associate degree - hopefully becom-
Allegheny County trains automotive tech-
students and is supported financially by
ing life-long learners.
nicians for Ford, General Motors and
the automotive industry through dona-
Because they must work for dealer-
soon Chrysler dealerships. "We want
tions of tools, computerized diagnostic
ships while going to school, nearly all of
udents to get real work experience."
equipment and late-model cars.
the program's graduates end up with full-
Daniel Batenberg, a CCAC dean who
time jobs. Those at the top of the class can
eich, who has made replacing tradi-
overseas the program, estimated that
make the more than $30,000 a year to
donal vocational education with Europe-
carmakers have donated over $1 million
start, students said.
an-style apprentices a White House
in tools and equipment and maintain an
"If you're fast and good you can make a
priority, argues that the United States can
inventory of new cars worth another $1
ton of money," said John Denny, 20, a
no longer separate education from work.
million for students to work on.
CCAC student from Erie.
"You've got to have training," he said.
"Public money could not in any way
At least one-third of the program's
"What you earn depends on what you
shape or form even begin to support this,"
approximately 80 students are changing
learn."
Batenberg said, pointing to about two
careers. Most get some type of financial
dozen new cars and trucks on the shop
aid for the program, which costs about
Changes in technology and global com-
floor and sophisticated computers used to
$5,250 for tuition and tools. The center is
petition have sharply reduced the number
diagnose them.
also used for other automotive programs.
PG. 10F 2
PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE - 3/29/94 - p. C7
"These kinds of places are gold mines."
John Heller/Post-Gazette
Labor Secretary Robert Reich shakes hands with some of the students at Community College of Allegheny County's auto
technical center on Neville Island.
"Until the steel erection standard is completed, an interim policy is needed to provide
guidance on how OSHA will interpret 29 CFR 1926.750, the agency said, referring to the cur-
rent, but outdated, steel erection rule that the negotiated rulemaking panel will revise. That
committee has not been named yet, however.
The agency saw a need for a temporary enforcement policy because some of OSHA's 10
regions have cited employers for conditions not exceeding current fall protection standards.
For example, OSHA's Denver-based Region VII office has embarked on a "100 percent" fall
protection policy that includes citing employers under the general duty clause for not providing
fall protection at leading edges, during scaffold erection, and other situations for which OSHA
either does not require protection or has recognized that fall protection is infeasible.
The Denver and Chicago regional offices also have been citing employers for not having
fall protection at heights greater than six feet or 10 feet, respectively, although the agency's
scaffolding rule sets the limit at 16 feet.
The memo aims to rein in the different policies and to provide some consistency for
employers.
Officials from industry trade groups, including Suey Howe, director of federal regula-
tions for the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., told BNA they were glad OSHA finally
issued a policy to end the variations among the regions
Jim Lapping, director of safety and health for the AFL-CIO's Building and Construction
Trades Department, said it will take some time to see how OSHA's field staff implements the
policy, calling it the first test case for Stanley's ability to bring (consistency and control over
the field office,' something Lapping said he was confident Stanley would do.
The new memo differs from the previous version in that it clearly states that the policy
covers both tiered and non-tiered buildings. The December 1993 memo referred only to tiered
buildings, defining them as buildings with more than one level of stacked columns.
OSHA also reminded inspectors to check to make sure construction companies have acci-
dent prevention and training programs, which would include addressing fall hazards, as re-
quired by OSHA's construction regulations.
0
AEA RELEASES VOLUNTARY SKILLS STANDARDS
AS FIRST STEP TOWARD CERTIFICATION SYSTEM
The American Electronics Association Feb. 25 unveiled voluntary standards defining
workforce skills, standards that officials said were designed in part to help employers deter-
mine whether job applicants meet minimum competency requirements.
At a press conference, Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich said national skills certificates
would be a "core piece" in the Clinton administration's new "re-employment system" be-
cause they would "ease the passageway" from one job to another and between school and work.
According to AEA officials, the skills standards are designed to help workers by delin-
eating what skills they need to qualify for jobs; help employers to determine whether job appli-
cants have met minimum competency requirements; and help educators train students for jobs
that are in demand.
The 50-page publication, "Setting the Standard: A Handbook on Skill Standards for the
High-Tech Industry, is the fruit of the year-long Workforce Skills Project funded by a
$300,000 grant from the Labor Department and $1.5 million from AEA member companies
(223 DLR A-19, 11/22/93). The project involved workers, managers, educators, and policy-
makers in drafting the occupational skills standards. Cheryl Fields Tyler, the project direc-
tor, said unions did not participate mostly because very few AEA companies are unionized.
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The 3,000 member-AEA, based in Washington, D.C., and Santa Clara, Calif., includes
among its members electronics, computer, communications, semiconductor, and other fast-
growing, future-oriented industries. AEA President J. Richard Iverson told reporters that
high-tech comprises the nation's largest manufacturing sector, with 2.4 million "direct em-
ployees.' AEA companies employ a "knowledge-based workforce" that must compete with
global competitors who "out-invest" the United States and where industry "innovations are
matched within three to six months, Iverson said.
Reich: 'Moment of Celebration'
Calling the event "a moment of celebration,' Reich lauded the effort to "define the
skills of the future" and to enable workers to "go around the country with a recognized nation-
al and portable certificate.'
Reich noted that the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (HR 1804, S 1150), which he said
is almost ready to go to the president's desk (26 DLR AA-1, 2/9/94) gives a big push to the
idea of national skills standards.
Goals 2000 would set up a National Skills Standards Board responsible for identifying
broad clusters of occupations that share characteristics that make them appropriate for a
common set of skills standards. The bill would authorize $15 million for fiscal 1994 to operate
the board.
In his travels, Reich said, employers tell him, "we need skilled people, more than we
have. " Reich said, "there is a demand for technical jobs. Good jobs are out there. He add-
ed, "It's a matching issue, supply and demand, and not only in high-tech industries. Reich
said traditional employers such as plastic injection and spring coil makers tell him they need
skilled workers.
Reich urged other trade associations to "redefine yourself" and emulate AEA to "chart
the skills of the future. All industries would benefit from "a steady flow of good people" and
development of their human capital, he said. "This is exactly what you ought to be doing.'
A First Step To National Credentialing
Iverson and Cheryl Fields Tyler, the project's director, said industry-developed, vol-
untary skills standards in the new handbook are only the first step toward a national system of
industry-recognized credentials.
Tyler said eventually workers in the electronics and other industries might accumulate a
portable "portfolio of credentials" as in some European industries. Workers could obtain
such industry-recognized credentials classes in high schools and community colleges; work
experience recognized by employers; and completion of courses by training providers, Tyler
said.
The AEA's handbook presents skills standards for three occupational areas or "clusters
of related jobs": manufacturing specialist; pre/post sales technician (a customer service
function); and administrative/information support worker. A manufacturing specialist would
include such jobs as assembler, operator, and production associate.
Clusters are divided into key purposes and then into critical functions. One critical func-
tion for manufacturing specialist is to "establish customer needs. Critical functions are di-
vided into key activities. Key activities for establishing customer needs are to "interpret and
clarify specifications prepared by others; and to communicate with customers to establish re-
quirements. Key activities are assigned performance indicators for assessment purposes.
The standards also identify "underlying knowledge, skills, and understanding that are needed
b achieve the standards.'
James Burge, director of government affairs and human resources for Motorola Inc.,
Schaumburg, Ill., said Motorola endorses the voluntary skills standards because they will
help high schools, technical schools, and community colleges "develop appropriate curricu-
lum by clarifying what skills are important to our industry. He said Motorola "associates"
Copyright © 1994 by THE BUREAU OF NATIONAL AFFAIRS, INC., Washington, D.C. 20037
A - 16 (No. 38)
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
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have formed 4,000 teams that have saved the company $4.7 billion during the last seven years;
doubled revenues in five years; and created 17,000 "new, challenging, interesting jobs.'
Burge said Motorola spends $120 million per year to ensure employees receive at least 40
hours of training.
Molly Sheehy, dean of Middlesex Community College, Lowell, Mass. said the reason
skills standards are important to educators "is very basic. We want our students to get jobs,
and we want them to be able to get jobs throughout their lives. Sheehy said educators have al-
ways communicated with business and local employers, "but the message was not always
clear. The new standards allow business to "speak in one voice," Sheehy said, and gives her
"a common language to speak with local employers about their skill needs.'
James Callan, an electronics assembler at INTERMEC, Marysville, Wash., said, "be-
ing an electronics assembler in this day and age entails a lot more than putting together nuts
and bolts. Callan, who worked for years in a now-closed Anacortes, Wash. plywood mill,
said his present job involves constantly improving product cycles. Callan said, "As workers,
we finally have something to hang on to" and to help us "identify our own training needs" for
both present jobs and long-term employability.
The 1992 grant funding the AEA project came from a total of $4.7 million that was
awarded to 13 trade associations and groups in six industries: electronics (through AEA); met-
alworking; electrical construction; industrial launderers; tourism, travel, hospitality; and re-
tail trade.
To order the handbook, call the AEA customer service center at 800-284-4232. The
price is $25 for AEA members and nonprofits; $40 for nonmembers, plus $5 shipping and han-
dling; California orders at 8.25 percent sales tax.
- 0 -
STATES, CITIES URGE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT
WELFARE REFORM THAT PROMOTES JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Representatives of state and local governments told a Senate Finance panel Feb. 25 that
any welfare reform plan adopted by Congress should allow the states to develop programs that
will promote private sector job opportunities for welfare recipients, provide cost-efficient
services, and remove disincentives to recipients entering the workforce.
Sen. John Breaux (D-La), chairman of the Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Social
Security and Family Policy, said that "Congress has a lot to learn from state and local gov-
ernments about improving the nation's welfare system.' He noted that local governments have
witnessed a dramatic increase in welfare costs over the past few years. True welfare reform
must be a partnership between the federal government and state and local governments that
must implement welfare programs, Breaux said.
The witnesses agreed that private sector job creation is preferable to creating jobs in
the public sector.
Local Job Creation Encouraged
Mayor Emanuel Cleaver II (D) of Kansas City, Mo., speaking on behalf of the U.S. Con-
ference of Mayors, said that any welfare reform proposal from Congress that the mayors en-
dorse must include a component encouraging local job creation. Congress must "enact legis-
lation
[that establishes] a jobs program that
[puts] Americans to work at jobs for
which there is a real need, he said. There also must be incentives in the employment system
"to serve economically disadvantaged persons, particularly welfare recipients, Cleaver
added.
Cleaver also said that any public or community service jobs programs created through
welfare reform must "be viewed as positive, important programs for a community and for
those who do the jobs.'
Copyright © 1994 by THE BUREAU OF NATIONAL AFFAIRS, INC., Washington, D.C. 20037
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A - 17
Cleaver described a demonstration program recently begun in Kansas City that provides
grants to qualified employers which can be used as wage supplements for up to 48 months to
provide welfare recipients with an adequate wage. He noted that the project, originating from
a series of partnership strategies among local, state and federal governments, community or-
ganizations, and the business sector, has been well received in Kansas City.
NGA Survey
Gov. Thomas R. Carper (R-Del), speaking on behalf of the National Governors' Associ-
ation, discussed the preliminary findings of a survey of state welfare reform activities that
NGA conducted in December and January.
Forty-five states responded to the survey, and the data show that "more than 20 states
have proposed or are implementing changes" that would, among other things, reward and en-
courage meaningful work for welfare recipients, Carper said.
Noting that NGA's policy "encourages private, unsubsidized work in the business or non-
profit sectors, Carper stressed that welfare families also need additional support such as
child care and health care to help them reach the goal of self-sufficiency.
The federal government can assist states with welfare reform by promoting health care
reform, Carper told the committee. Welfare reform without health care reform is an "empty
promise,' he said. However, for the most part the states would like the federal government to
"get out of their way" and let them experiment with various welfare reform programs, he
added.
Custom-Tailored Employment Strategies
Bill Purcell, majority leader in the Tennessee House of Representatives, speaking on be-
half of the National Conference of State Legislatures, agreed that real welfare reform would
not be achieved without health care reform and said that states must have the flexibility to im-
plement employment strategies that best fit their circumstances. He urged the federal govern-
ment to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and allow states to increase the amount welfare
recipients can earn without penalty of loss.
Purcell noted that, in Tennessee, reforming the welfare system means developing dif-
ferent solutions for the rural poverty in Appalachia and the big-city poverty of Nashville and
Memphis. He said that his state has expanded its JOBS program, focused on skill improve-
ment, and removed the disincentive to work by allowing welfare recipients to keep employment
income without penalty.
Three-Phase Program
Audrey Rowe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services, told the
committee that the federal government must pour more money into the JOBS program in order
for it "to touch and benefit even more poor families."
Speaking on behalf of the American Public Welfare Association, Rowe said that 74 per-
cent of the individuals participating in the JOBS program in fiscal year 1992 were either long-
term recipients or at risk of staying on welfare for a long time. Nearly 43 percent had re-
ceived Aid to Families with Dependent Children for 36 out of the previous 60 months, and 42
percent had not completed the 12th grade, she said.
Rowe said that APWA proposes a three-phase JOBS program in which, within 90 days of
eligibility determination, all AFDC recipients without exception would participate in a manda-
ry job search in combination with:
a period of preparation; or
a period of career-focused education and training for up to two years; and/or
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a mandatory work phase where recipients would work in an unsubsidized private or
public sector job.
She added that community work programs would be a last resort for individuals unable to
find work.
APWA believes that true welfare reform will not be achieved if Congress does not make
work pay, which includes enacting health care reform, Rowe said.
- 0 -
IN BRIEF
State Agencies Write Farm Worker Safety Plan
Auto Workers Worry About Pensions, Seniority
SEATTLE-Three Washington state agen-
DETROIT-Workers at a General Motors
cies have agreed on a coordinated plan intended to
Corp. axle plant that was recently sold to a for-
ensure the safety and health of farm workers who
mer Chrysler Corp. executive are concerned
risk exposure to pasticides, the agencies an-
whether the new owner will honor their pension
nounced Feb. 24.
and seniority rights, a local United Auto Workers
union official said Feb. 25.
The agreement - the Farmworker Protec-
tion Action Plan - was developed by the depart-
"We're not sure if our workers are going to
ments of Agriculture, Health, and Labor and In-
be covered here
taken care of, or what,
dustries. The accord represents an
said Ron Allen, chairman of Local 235 at the De-
"unprecedented level of cooperation and coordi-
troit plant.
nation among state regulatory agencies, Mark
Brown, director of Labor and Industries, said in
He said slightly more than 400 of the 2,800
the statement.
workers at the plant are eligible to retire on full
pension under the 30-and-out clause of the nation-
The Department of Health will monitor inci-
al agreement. Up to 300 additional workers could
dents of pesticide exposure among farm workers
retire in 1996, but the remainder are unsure what
and focus on preventing pesticide-related inci-
will become of their seniority or their pension
dents by increasing education for farm workers
benefits, Allen said.
and their families, the agencies said. The agri-
culture department said the plan is part of the
The plant still has not settled its local
agency's continuing commitment to protecting hu-
agreement with GM, although seniority and pen-
man health.
sions cannot officially be a part of those talks be-
cause they usually would be covered under the na-
By agreeing to the plan, the agencies have
tional agreement. Wages and benefits are
committed to improve the delivery of their ser-
guaranteed until 1996 at the axle plant, but Allen
vices on farm worker safety and health and expo-
said he is concerned about what happens after
sure to pesticides, the statement said. It said the
that.
plan includes: pesticide exposure strategies that
emphasize accident prevention; approaches for
Allen said GM is dragging its feet on the new
coordinating and enhancing investigations; an in-
agreement because of the sale. "Right now we
creased emphasis on training for handling, mix-
just can't trust them, he said. GM spokeswoman
ing, and loading pesticides; restricted entry in-
Shiela Main refused to comment on Allen's
tervals stating when farm workers may enter
statements.
areas where pesticides have been used; and strat-
The local union has sought a strike notice
egies for overcoming farm worker reluctance to
from the international union over several unspe-
cooperate in investigations for fear of retaliation
cified grievances but has not received it, Allen
and intimidation by employers. The plan also
said.
calls for improved agency communications with
farm workers, increased education for health
Before the new management team takes
care providers serving farm workers, better ac-
over, GM and the union must forge a transition
cess for workers to agency services, and in-
agreement that will specify what benefits workers
reased worker education and outreach pro-
who choose not to work for the new American Axle
grams, including bilingual programs.
will receive.
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