FEATURE/Expert Available for "Labor Day" Interviews Regarding the State of Unions in America Today.

--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--

With the Labor Day holiday coming next month, it is timely to explore the state of labor unions in the United States as the 20th century draws to a close.

And with the massive GM strike this summer that essentially shut down the company's North American manufacturing operations, the question of how much power is currently held by unions seems all the more relevant.

According to William J. Emanuel, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue and head of the firm's labor and employment law practice in Los Angeles, the time may be optimal for something of a comeback for organized labor.

"With certain notable exceptions, labor unions have been on the decline in America since the early-1980s," said Emanuel. "But under new leadership and buoyed by a primary strategy of pumping money into the effort to organize new members, organized labor is attempting a fierce comeback in this country."

Emanuel suggests that there areat least four primary factors which point toward the timing of a possible resurgence in power for organized labor:

-- The strong economy may allow employees to be more demanding on salary issues such as pay and benefits;

-- There is a continued trend toward consolidation in many industries -- particularly the health care industry -- which is squeezing jobs and may persuade workers that unions present their best hope for job protection; and

-- A growing disparity between the "haves" and "have nots" in our society (the rich/poor gap) is historically a factor that drives unionization. This disparity has

accelerated in recent years.

-- The recognition by labor unions that they are at a "turning point" in history, from which they must either increase their membership or face precipitous decline. This explains their substantial investments in membership recruitment efforts.

Emanuel is available as an expert resource for any stories media may be preparing on the subject of labor unions in America in 1998.

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              Daryn Teague, 805/297-5292