Wages and Benefits on the Rise
The biggest jump in wages and benefits in ten years has workers jubilant but economists fearing that a rise in inflation could result. Workers' compensation went up 1.4% in the first quarter according to the Labor Department -- the biggest advance in a decade. Higher healthcare premiums, bonuses and other benefits accounted for much of the gain.

Congress Considers Ban on Workplace Gay Discrimination
A new bill up for consideration by Congress would offer federal protection for the first time against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. Unequal treatment based on race, gender, religion, national origin and disability is already illegal, but gays are protected only in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Senate supporters say a study has shown that similar laws at the state level have not resulted in a rash of lawsuits.

Los Angeles Janitors Celebrate Victory
After a successful strike brought them a new labor contract, hundreds of janitors celebrated their hard-won bonuses, hourly raises and other contract victories. Members of the Service Employees International Union Local 1877 will receive a one time bonus of $500, as well as a 70 cents an hour increase in the first year. Hourly wages will rise by 60 cents in each of the next two years.

Glass Ceiling May Be Cracking
The latest Census Bureau figures suggest that the glass ceiling that has historically held women back from top level jobs may not be quite so strong any more. The figures show more than 7.1 million women in full-time executive, administrative or managerial positions in 1998, up 29% from 1993. The number of men in similar jobs rose 19%, though there are still many more of them -- 9.4 million.