Furthermore, they are subject to swings in consumer demands, business cycles, government policies and exchange-rate fluctuations which impact on the TEM industries and, ultimately, on the number of jobs generated or retained. The diverse structures of the TEM industries make it clear that there is no single solution that could apply to the issues that were discussed. Appropriate solutions should be negotiated to fit local situations and cultures, where appropriate between the social partners, or on a tripartite basis. The importance of lifelong learning to maintain and strengthen the employability of workers in the TEM industries was fully recognized. Although women represent at least 50 per cent of the users of transport equipment, their involvement in its manufacture is still very low.
Efforts are desirable to increase their hiring and participation rates at all levels.
Any discrimination in the workplace which impedes the full participation of women should be removed. Employment implications of consolidation and change 4. Although there has been much publicity about the current wave of mergers and acquisitions, most of the existing companies have been steadily growing over the past century through a series of national mergers and acquisitions. Many TEM companies, particularly from the automobile industry, are entering into international strategic alliances. Therefore recognizing that the process of globalization in the TEM industries will continue in the twenty-first century, governments, employers' and workers' organizations have to make every effort to enhance productivity and ensure the equitable distribution of the resulting gains.