Layoffs, Plant Closings, and Worker Displacement in America: Serious Problems that Need a National Solution

Pervasive economic changes in America during the past decade have generated severe structural adjustment problems for millions of long‐service blue‐collar workers. Public and private efforts to help these workers are inadequate and tardy in delivery. This article examines the severity of the displaced worker problem, reviews what is currently being done, and argues that America needs a new displaced worker adjustment program. In December 1986 the Secretary of Labor's Task Force proposed such a program, and most of it has since been passed by Congress and signed into law. If this legislation is fully implemented, it will fill a major gap in the nation's employment and training policy, and help America remain competitive in the world marketplace.