Labor's new game plan - President John J. Sweeney of the AFL-CIO calls for more aggressive labor union activity - Editor's Note - Brief Article - Editorial

Nation's Business, Feb, 1996 by Mary Y. McElveen

The labor movement is promising a sort of feistiness not seen in years. John J. Sweeney, the AFL-CIO's new leader, is challenging workers to become more aggressive in their demands and to shift their tactics in fighting for higher wages, greater job security, and a stronger voice in company decisions.

Sweeney's mild manner belies his activist intentions, says Senior Editor Jim Worsham (at right in the photo), who interviewed the labor leader for our February cover story. His vision of a revitazed union movement is clear, Worsham says, and his record in mobilizing workers speaks for itself.

What's his game plan, and will he carry it out successfully.? See our preview of what's to come, in the cover story, beginning on Page 16. Owners and managers of even the smallest companies should be on the alert as labor implements its activist strategy.

A number of experiments are under way nationwide to improve traffic flow and keep goods and services moving efficiently. If you've ever been in a traffic jam or your business has been affected by a driver's inability to get quickly from here to there, you won't want to miss "Smart Cars, Smart Roads," on Page 31. It's this month's Enterprise 2000 feature, written by Contributing Editor Julie Candler.

If you're eager to harness your - or, perhaps, you think you should better channel your own - see "Emotions In The Workplace," on Page 25. Special Correspondent Sharon Nelton reports on new research on this subject and examines ways to use emotions to improve your company's effectiveness.

We think we've provided many useful articles in this issue and hope you think so, too.