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Welcome to Connections, a new publication created to assist union leaders on workforce and economic development issues. If you would like to receive printed copies of these issues—or future issues of the publication—e-mail your request to info@workingforamerica.org and include your name, title, organization, address, zip code and phone number.

Our January 2006 issue of Connections includes a special, two-page take-out section on employment testing and skills certification. For the full insert click here. The issue also includes:

• Initiatives Strive to Retain Good Manufacturing Jobs
  
• WAI Launches Job Coaching Services Program
  
• WIB Labor Reps Form "High Road Network"
  
• Outsourcing America: An Interview with Ron Hira

The June 2004 issue of Connections includes the following items:

• Special Insert: WIB Survey and How Labor Representatives can assess their own WIBs (PDF of full insert)
  
• Combining English and Vocational Training Helps Workers With Limited English Proficiency Get Good Jobs
  
• Institute and BCTD to Offer Training on Immigrant Rights
  
• Perseverance Pays Off: Union Apprenticeship Program Connects to Public Workforce System
  
• Water Works (a Public Utilities Partnership Meeting)
  
• Institute Holds Three Successful Conferences.

The June 2003 issue of Connections includes the following items:

• Study & Standards:Workers Need Both to Succeed in Tomorrow’s Economy
  
• Alabama AFL-CIO Explores Ways To Save Good Jobs
  
• Unionized Childcare Centers Set Standard for Job, Care Quality
  
• Union Presidents Speak Out on Child Care
  
• USDOL Quality Child Care Initiative
  
• How to Help Workforce Investment Boards Set Higher Community Job Standards
  
• 3 Ways to Strengthen Your Regional Economy
  
• Treating the Nursing Shortage
  

The December 2002 issue of Connections includes the following items:

• Special Insert: See the Building Trades Guide in PDF format
  
• Unemployment Benefits Expiring for Many Workers
  
• Many in Families With Children Cannot Meet Basic Needs
  
• New Union-Sponsored Programs Assist Hundreds of Laid-Off Workers in Washington, D.C. Metro Area
  
• Steelworkers' Book Is Hot
  
• U.S. Hotel Jobs Grow by Nearly 50% Since 1984, Institute Study Finds
  
• A Special Guide to the Workforce Investment Act for Union Leaders in the Building and Construction Trades
  
  • What Every Union Leader in the Building and Construction Trades Needs to Know About the Workforce Investment Act
    
  • How to Make the Best Use of WIA Training Funds
    
  • What Every WIB Member Needs to Know About Apprenticeship Programs in the Building Trades
    
  • WIA Success Stories in California, Georgia and West Virginia
    
  • More About the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO

In the April 2002 issue of Connections, you will find these stories:

• Unemployment Expected to Remain High in 2002
  
• U.S. Layoffs by Sector
  
• White House Calls to Restore Some Funds for Dislocated Workers: Labor Programs Face Cuts in FY 2003 Budget
  
• SEIU, HERE Reach Out to Immigrant Victims of 9/11
  
• Strengthening Labor Representation on Workforce Investment Boards
  
• Union Checklist: Helping Government Help Dislocated Workers
  
• Falling Through the Unemployment Insurance Safety Net
  
• Getting America on the Economic High Road
  
• Connections Interview with Barbara Ehrenreich

The first issue of Connections, published in December 2001, had these stories:

• A Special Message from John Sweeney, AFL-CIO President
• Poll shows Overwhelming Support for Comprehensive Response to Layoffs
  
• Most States Report 20 Percent or Greater Increase in Unemployment Claims
  
• How September 11 Changed One Local Union Forever
• Two Views on Boosting the U.S. Ecomony
  
• A Layoff Survival Kit for Union Leaders
  
• How Union Partnerships Are Helping New York City
• WAI's Approach to Workforce Development
  
• Online Resources for Union Leaders

Download Connections publication (June 2003) (PDF)
Download Connections publication (Dec 2002) (PDF)
Download Connections publication (Apr 2002) (PDF)
Download Connections publication (Dec 2001) (PDF)

Connections is made possible through support from Grant No. G-7615-9-00-87-60 from the Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor.