The AFL-CIO generally supports the concept of short-time compensation as a tool in dealing with the many consequences of unemployment, but not as a no-cost or low-cost solution. The AFL-CIO has outlined the conditions critical for short-time compensation programs: 1. Short-time compensation must not be viewed as an alternative to active government programs to stimulate the economy and employment opportunities. 2. The needs of the totally unemployed must be given the highest priority. The AFL-CIO wants assurances that firms using the concept do not lay off the most recently hired and less-costly-to-recruit workers first. Few employers are using the short-time concept because other options, such as shutting down for a period, are less costly. Elective work sharing is more desirable than unilateral decisions by employers or even by a majority of workers in the local labor union.