[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 128 (Monday, July 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 36449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17800]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bureau of Labor Statistics


Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)] This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments 
concerning the proposed reinstatement of the ``Contingent Work 
Supplement to the Current Population Survey.''
    A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be 
obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the addresses 
section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addresses section below on or before September 4, 1998. The Bureau of 
Labor Statistics is particularly interested in comments which:
    <bullet> Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    <bullet> Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
    <bullet> Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    <bullet> Minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Karin G. Kurz, BLS Clearance Officer, 
Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 3255, 
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20212. Ms. Kurz can be 
reached on 202-606-7628 (this is not a toll free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Current Population Survey (CPS) has been the principal source 
of the official Government Statistics on employment and unemployment 
for over 50 years. Labor force data are collected through the CPS under 
authority of Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1 and 2. Since the 
mid-1980's, there has been a growing belief among labor market 
researchers that employers require greater flexibility in their use of 
labor. As a result, many workers find themselves in ``contingent jobs'' 
that are structured to last for only a limited duration or in 
alternative employment arrangements such as independent contracting, 
on-call work, and working through temporary help agencies or contract 
companies. It is feared that workers with such employment may have 
little job security, low pay, and no fringe benefits. This CPS 
supplement would provide objective information about ``contingent 
work.''

II. Current Actions

    The contingent work supplement provides information on the number 
and characteristics of workers in contingent jobs, that is, jobs which 
are structured to last only a limited period of time. The survey also 
provides information about workers in several alternative employment 
arrangements, including those working as independent contractors and 
on-call workers, as well as those working through temporary help 
agencies or contract companies.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement, with change, of previously approved 
collection for which approval has expired.
    Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
    Title: Contingent Work Supplement to the Current Population Survey.
    OMB Number: 1220-0153.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Total Respondents: 48,000.
    Frequency: One-time only.
    Total Responses: 48,000.
    Average Time Per Response: 8 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 6,400 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they also will become a 
matter of public record.

    Signed at Washington, DC this 29th day of June 1998.
W. Stuart Rust, Jr.,
Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
[FR Doc. 98-17800 Filed 7-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-M