Louis A. Ferman

Joint Training Programs: A Union-Management Approach to Preparing Workers for the Future.

Joint TrainingPrograms discusses the scope and methods of union-management training programs, with the aim of promoting their further use and study. The contributors note that in 1987, 42% of a sample of 107 union-management pairs offered joint training, and these programs were available to nearly one million members. They stress that the scope of these programs could help change the contours of labor relations, since these pr6grams have many advantages over unilaterally administered programs. For example, the involvement of union leadership along with management and educational professionals could give training more credibility with employees, and could make the relationship between management and labor less divisive. Further, since the programs can be tailored to specific populations, they are the preferred approach of the AFL-CIO when addressing worker dislocation. Following their descriptions of specific programs, the editors develop a number of research and policy proposals aimed at improving the effectiveness of these programs. For example, they stress that multiple methods can and should be used to study and evaluatejoint training initiatives. Further, they argue that state and federal governments can play key roles in facilitating the collection of data on these programs, and promoting cross-site learning and diffusion of ideas. One shortcoming of the book is that it is based on a non-random sample of firms. Also, both the survey and case studies focus on the design of and reasons for offering training, with little attention to the actual results of training; except in the case of dislocated workers, there are no rigorous evaluations of program outcomes. Nevertheless, this book should be of benefit to those involved in the design of joint training programs, especially those providing services to dislocated workers or new labor force entrants. Researchers seeking background material will also find this book useful.