[Excerpt] In sharp contrast with the experiences of all other industrialized nations, the size of the labor force of the United States is growing rapidly while, simultaneously, its age, gender, and ethnic composition are changing markedly. Consequently, human resource issues present an unprecedented challenge in the nation's quest to achieve a fully employed and equitable society. New public policies that focus on labor market adjustment policies will be required if these developments are to be a boon rather than a bane to the emerging postindustrial economy.