The Use of Criminal Record in Employment Decisions: The Rights of Ex-offenders, Employers and the Public

The evidence suggests that employers discriminate against ex-offenders in the labour market. The problem is potentially serious as it involves a substantial proportion of the population, especially the male population. Since research has shown that most people with prior convictions stop offending by their late 20s or early 30s, the validity of selection based on criminal record remains questionable. This paper examines the need for legal protection of ex-offenders by limiting employers' access to, and use of, information on criminal background. The rights and interests of the various parties involved, employers, ex-offenders, and the general public, are discussed. Approaches to the legal protection of ex-offenders in Australia are reviewed and legislative changes proposed.     

What Josef Steindl means to my generation

Research over the last 10 to 15 years on the possibility of a Sraffa—Keynes synthesis has, in part, been concerned with clarifying the concept of a normal rate of capacity utilization, as well as its role in price determination and its interdependence with relative prices. This paper examines some of the key implications of the interdependence between the normal rate of capacity utilization and relative prices for disequilibrium pricing, specifically, target return pricing. In particular, the question arises as to consistency between the idea of a normal rate of utilization interpreted as a profit-maximizing choice by producers and the notion of a predetermined target rate of return. Interestingly, this issue of consistency raises the possibility that far from conceiving of the Post-Keynesian and Sraffian approaches to price theory as incompatible, they may instead be seen more appropriately as representing an alternatively short-run and long-run focus on the pricing decision. This view also carries with it implications about the role for demand and supply conditions in disequilibrium pricing, where this role takes the form of movements in demand relative to capacity within and between sectors affecting relative prices.     

Last line of resistance or a golden opportunity: Australian trade union responses to globalization

This contribution concentrates on the response of the trade union movement in Australia to globalization. Firstly, it outlines the evidence of the effects of globalization on labour markets, including the impact on wage inequaliry employment securiry and collective bargaining. Secondly, it looks at the strategic union response to the effects of globalization in terms of trade policy responses, international labour cooperation and traditional industrial campaigns on globalization issues. It suggests that unions can employ a combination of international and domestic strategies to deal with globalization.     

Elected Versus Appointed County Commission Executives: Race, Political Favors and Support Facilities

In this paper we explore how blacks influence expenditure and employment decisions of county commission executives. We also explore whether or not this influence varies when county commission executives are elected verses appointed to their positions. The desire to earn votes could mean that elected officials treat voting populations, including blacks, in a manner that is distinctly different from their appointed counterparts. We find that in areas where there is more discretion, elected officials tend to have higher per capita expenditures. However, there does not appear to be any difference in employment practices. We find that having a larger black population is positively related with discretionary spending and employment.