SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 25, 2003) - With war raging in Iraq, the latest national "America At Work" poll commissioned by the Employment Law Alliance shows that the vast majority of American workers do not believe the conflict poses a direct threat to their job security.

Stephen J. Hirschfeld, Esq., CEO of the Employment Law Alliance, the world's largest network of employment and labor attorneys, said the poll is believed to be the first national survey in which workers were questioned on the impact of war on the workplace just a few days before the fighting erupted. Of those polled by the research firm of Reed, Haldy McIntosh & Associates, 84% said they are not worried about losing their job because of the war with Iraq. Of the nearly 1000 Americans contacted by researchers, almost 40% said they personally know someone in their workplace who has been or is likely to be deployed. Highlights of the survey include:

• 84% said they are not worried about losing their job as a result of the war; 6% said they think they might lose their job; 9% don't have a strong opinion either way and 1% had no opinion.

• 89% believe they can openly express opinions about the war that are different from the view of their boss without facing retaliation. Only 2% said they thought that a dissenting opinion would invite retaliation.

• 81% said they were not more worried now than in the aftermath of 9/11/01 about losing their jobs; 10% said they were more worried about job loss now than after the terrorist attack; 8% don't have a strong opinion either way; and 1% had no opinion. And 78% said they do not believe that talk of the war in the workplace would adversely affect productivity and efficiency.

• 81% of those surveyed do not think there has been an increase in discrimination or harassment against Arab-Americans, Muslims or people of Middle Eastern descent in the workplace since the threat of war; 6% said there has been an increase; 9% said they don't have a strong opinion either way; and 4% either had no opinion or believed the question did not apply to their circumstances.

• 24% support federal intervention to ban strikes during times of war; 43% oppose federal intervention; 29% don't have a strong opinion either way; and 4% had no opinion.

Hirschfeld, a noted employment and labor attorney who is a partner in the California-based employment and labor law firm of Curiale, Dellaverson, Hirschfeld, Kraemer & Sloan, said the overall results of the poll are encouraging on several levels but that every employer and labor organization should pay close attention to the findings of the ELA survey.

"The American worker has already seen their workplace go through significant change, including large scale layoffs, and they are expressing confidence that the war in itself will not cause another wave of downsizing," said Hirschfeld. "The big picture at the moment includes a landmark stock market rally, reforms in corporate governance and other signs that the economy can rebound."

Hirschfeld also said the results suggest that employers are being diligent to promote a workplace where there can be a free flowing exchange of ideas without fear of retribution, and that debate and discussion can carry on without impeding productivity.

"We are encouraged to see that ethnic harassment right now doesn't seem to be a significant problem, but it is incumbent upon all employers and employees to make sure that situation doesn't degrade. Fear and emotion can go hand in hand with war," he added.

Clearly, workers were deeply divided over the question of whether the government should be given special powers to prohibit strikes during time of war, he said. "Contracts in a variety of industries - particularly those that may be defense related - can be very difficult to negotiate while America is locked in battle and public opinion cannot be overlooked."

The Employment Law Alliance is the world's largest integrated, global practice network comprised of premier, independent law firms distinguished for their practice in employment and labor law. There are member firms in every jurisdiction in the United States and major commercial centers throughout the world. For further information, including access to the survey charts and graphs, visit  www.employmentlawalliance.com

For statistical information and graphs, click the link below.