II. Research Program

Since its inception, the Secretariat has devoted a significant portion of its resources to a program of basic comparative research on labor issues in the three countries. The research program is designed to gradually build a substantial base of comparative knowledge on labor markets and labor laws in North America for use by the public, the Commission and the governments of the Parties.

The program includes both in-depth studies designed for practitioners, policy-makers and academics and shorter reports aimed at a broad audience.

A.   Comparative Labor Markets

During 1998, the Secretariat began work on the second edition of its principal in-depth labor market series. (The first edition, North American Labor Markets, A Comparative Profile, was published in 1997.) The second edition will present comprehensive data on labor markets for the period 1980-1998. It will include a special chapter on nonstandard work, covering contingent and temporary employment in the U.S. and Canada and the informal sector in Mexico, as well as self-employment and part-time work in the three countries. Publication is expected in early 2000.

B.   The Employment of Women in North America

This short study, published in 1998, focuses on the changing patterns of women's employment and participation in labor markets in the three North American countries. The report includes three chapters:

• The Female Labor Force and Female Employment in North America
• Female Unemployment in North America
• A Comparison of Women's Employment in North America and the European Union

C.  Comparative Labor Law

The Secretariat is preparing a comprehensive comparison of labor laws in the three countries. This series is organized around the 11 Labor Principles that are covered by the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation.

The first volume, covering labor relations laws, will be published in early 2000. This volume compares laws and legal regimes on freedom of association and the right to organize, the right to bargain collectively, and the right to strike.

Subsequent volumes will address laws and regimes covering minimum employment standards, employment discrimination, treatment of migrant workers, occupational injuries and illnesses, workers' compensation, labor protections for children, and prohibitions of forced labor.

The series provides very detailed and comprehensive treatment of the relevant laws. It is written in a manner intended to make the legal systems comprehensible to practitioners from other countries.

D.  Standard and Advanced Practices in the Garment Industry

This study addresses labor practices in the North American garment industry. It provides an overview of the industry structure, changing rules of trade, and strategies used by firms to meet legal standards in this competitive industry. It also describes work organization, technology and other practices that have made some firms industry leaders. Publication is expected in late 1999.

E.  Income Security Programs

The Secretariat has been preparing a comparison of income security programs in the three countries. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the report will provide an easily accessible reference source for the North American public. Publication is expected in 1999 on both the Secretariat web site and as a booklet.