Capitalist Shopfloor Initiatives, Restructuring, and Organizing in the '80s

We analyze QWL (Quality of Work Life) programs within the context of the economic crisis. We argue that QWL is fragile and its continuation must be guaranteed within a broader institutional context. We argue that QWL could become part of a corporate planning approach to resolving the crisis.If QWL is implemented in this context, the danger of greater labor market segmentation would lend added importance to the struggles of women and minorities and organizing the unorganized. The Left would also have to look more closely at the issues of co-optation and democracy raised by QWL.