KINGSTON, R.I.– November 1, 1999 — Several leading economists will speak at the 14th Annual Rhode Island Conference on Labor-Management Relations Nov. 19 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, in Providence. The keynote speakers are Lester Thurow, professor of management and economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Richard Freeman, professor of economics, Harvard University. The conference also features a panel discussion on the “Future of Labor-Management Relations” moderated by Thomas Kochan, professor of management at MIT and the author of several leading books on labor relations. There are also 10 workshops scheduled. Topics include: How Arbitrators Make Decisions, Pay Equity, Balancing Economic Development with Environmental Concerns, New Leaders in Rhode Island Education, the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board, New Approaches to Incumbent Worker Training, Issues in Collective Bargaining for Health Care Benefits, The Americans with Disabilities Act in Light of Recent Supreme Court Decisions, Secrecy in Public Sector Collective Bargaining, and Should Doctors and Interns Unionize? The conference is sponsored by 26 organizations, including the U.S. Department of Labor, the American Arbitration Association, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, the Rhode Island Bar Association, and the labor relations and management programs from area colleges, including the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Bryant, Community College of Rhode Island, Providence College, and University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth. Registration fee is $95. For more information or a brochure, call 401-463-9900. -xxx- For Further Information: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116