Editorial: Labor Day bids hope and worry

Sunday, Sept. 5, 1999 | 10:22 a.m.

As we prepare to observe Labor Day, some statistics would indicate that workers in this nation are doing remarkably well. The Department of Labor announced Friday that the nation's unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent in August -- a 29-year low. Here in Nevada, the most recent statistics available show that this state's unemployment rate was just 3.8 percent in July.

This is good news, but even some who have jobs are still struggling to make ends meet. Younger Americans in particular are having a difficult time although the economy is soaring. A new poll released last week by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, and paid for by the AFL-CIO, found that the biggest concerns of workers between the ages of 18 and 34 are wages not keeping pace with the cost of living, not having enough time for their families and not being able to afford the costs of their children's college education.

The poll also noted that just 45 percent of young workers had employer-sponsored health insurance compared with 66 percent of older workers who did. And only 43 percent of younger workers had employer-paid pension plans compared to 60 percent of older workers who did. While there may be better opportunities for younger workers, the survey suggests the job benefits that many may take for granted are in short supply for those who are younger.

Paradoxically, while labor officials say that this age group identifies with the issues the labor movement has been stressing, a New York Times story last week noted that only about 9 percent of the 45 million people who are under the age of 35 belong to a union. Part of labor's difficulty in recruiting new members -- today just 14 percent of the overall workforce belongs to a union compared to 35 percent in the 1950s -- is a result, ironically, of its hard-won successes. Minimum wage guarantees, safe working conditions, an eight-hour day and other protections have led to a perception that dramatic changes in the workplace aren't needed, thereby reducing the need for unions. Another factor is that younger Americans tend to be more distrustful of big institutions, whether it is government, corporations or labor unions.

It is hoped more employers start listening to the concerns of their employees -- of all ages -- who seek better benefits and job security. Congress, too, needs to do a better job of ensuring that workers have adequate benefits, including affordable health care coverage. The challenges facing businesses and government to sustain this economic boon are enormous, but as they move forward to keep the economy healthy they need to make sure workers share in the prosperity as well.