Presents an overview of developments in the region's social protection systems over the course of the 1990s, with particular stress on problems concerning old-age, disability and survivors' pension provisions.

Presents the Block-Roberts methodology for measuring labour standards, highlighting its relativism (does not rely on a universal benchmark like ILO Conventions) and its politically feasible benchmark (at least one jurisdiction enacted). Comparing the US with Canada and the EU, resp., determines...

Covers the period from 1960 to 1990. Briefly reviews trends in the agriculture, construction, health care, public, education and clerical sectors.