America Works When America Works

Describes the changing nature of work in a time of economic slowdown, retrenchment, and increasing automation. Examines West Germany's policy of investing in labor as part of the national economy, through government sponsored training and retraining programs conducted by and for industry. Compares successful programs and experiments in American industries and schools, which receive little support from the federal government. Points out the lack of a national manpower policy and the inability of the Department of Labor to make occupational forecasts. Concludes that the United States will have to decide which costs less--training or welfare. Narrated by Lloyd Dobyns., Describes the changing nature of work in a time of economic slowdown, retrenchment, and increasing automation. Examines West Germany's policy of investing in labor as part of the national economy, through government sponsored training and retraining programs conducted by and for industry. Compares successful programs and experiments in American industries and schools, which receive little support from the federal government. Points out the lack of a national manpower policy and the inability of the Department of Labor to make occupational forecasts. Concludes that the United States will have to decide which costs less--training or welfare. Narrated by Lloyd Dobyns.