CANADIAN LABORS RESPONSE TO WORK REORGANIZATION

This paper documents and evaluates Canadian labour's response to work reorganization, focusing on the recent agendas of the Canadian Auto Workers, the Steelworkers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. The paper argues that while the three unions differ in their precise goals, approaches and strategies towards workplace changes, reflecting their distinct history and culture and the nature of employers and industry they deal with, the broad philosophical orientation and the scope and nature of their agenda are very similar. Common features include: (1) the recognition of the need to develop an independent agenda; (2) a culture of resistance and change within an adversarial framework; (3) insistence on negotiated change; (4) emphasis on major improvements in work environment; (5) expanded opportunities for and joint control of training; (6) a meaningful employee/union voice in strategic and shop-floor decision-making; and (7) involvement in work reorganization as a part of the broader social and economic change agenda and a programme of legislative and political action to extend labour's influence.