Women Workers Bear the Brunt of Elder Care
A new survey of 1,500 people over age 65 has found that women are far more likely than men to take on the primary responsibility for caring for an elderly relative. 29% of the respondents said they rely on a daughter or daughter-in-law for care, while 12% relied on a son. The researchers also said that 31% of caregivers significantly change their career paths, often leaving the workforce entirely.

Agriculture Department Ordered to Promote Two African-American Managers
A judge for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ordered the Agriculture Department to promote two African-American managers who were denied advancement because of their race. The two employees will receive promotions, four to five years of back pay and $10,000 each for damages. A class action claim by more than 300 African-American managers in the department was dismissed in December.

Worker Wins Suit over Spanking
A Wisconsin appeals court has ruled that a former computer analyst who was spanked by his boss in a workplace "initiation" is entitled to $143,000 in damages from the company. The analyst said he was hit at least twice with a four foot carpenter's level by the president of the company, Phillips Getschow, as coworkers watched. A jury originally awarded Smith $1 million, but the judge found that amount excessive.

Tough Times for Travel Agents
A report by investment bank Bear Stearns says that in the next three years, a quarter of all travel agents will lose their jobs due to industry consolidation and losses in commissions from airlines. Making matters worse for travel agents, the online travel industry is expected to quadruple its sales to $29 billion in 2003. The report's authors say consumers are getting more and more comfortable booking their tickets online.