February 24, 2001

To Receive Final Paycheck, Workers Cede Right to Sue With layoffs on the rise again, many employees are facing an uncomfortable new choice as they walk out the door: agree never to sue their employer or walk away with less money. The use of these agreements, which are legal, has risen as the threat of employment-related lawsuits has risen, lawyers for corporations say. But some critics say people who have been laid off may not feel able to pass up cash to pursue an uncertain legal claim, even if it is valid. [Page A1.]

New York City Schools Chancellor Harold Levy proposes that parents, not administrators, decide what language programs to place students in who are not proficient in English; many factors are considered by parents; Russian immigrants seem to reject bilingual education and prefer children be immersed in studies in English, possibly as metaphorical severing of ties with country of origin; Spanish-speaking families who want children to retain facility in Spanish may opt for bilingual education; photo (M)

Interest groups and business lobbyists mount full-scale national campaigns for or against Pres Bush's $1.6 trillion, 10-year tax cut measure; epic fight for public opinion is looming; White House and Congressional Republicans are working closely with Washington's lobbyists and business associations as well as conservative groups to put pressure on Congress through national campaign; Pres Bush himself meets with business and trade group members gearing up to fight for passage of his tax cut; representatives of 150 liberal organizations hold their own strategy session; say Bush's proposed tax cuts are too large and unfair (M)

Motorola says weakened demand for cellular telephones and semiconducts could result in company's first quarterly loss in 15 years;; will reduce capital spending and, possibly, close more manufacturing facilities, following six shutdowns in past two months; Wall Street analysts are stunned; shares drop another $1.04, to $16.25; photo (M)

Unusual security precautions, in place for more than five years around Staten Island Borough President Guy Molinari, appear to have resulted in arrest and detention of Terence Hunter for aggravated harassment after Hunter wrote critical letter to Molinari; security arrangements have been in place since Molinari received anonymous telephoned death threat following 1995 election (M)