‘A moment of truth for Canadian labour’
Description: As two of Canada’s largest unions explore a merger, a confidential union report says that labour must become more relevant to Canadians.
Source: The Toronto Star
Date: 01/26/2012
Related links:
Questions for discussion:
- Why do you think these two unions are thinking about merging?
- What do you think would be the advantages of such a merger?
- What do you think would be the disadvantages of such a merger?
- If you were a member of one of these unions, how would you vote on a merger proposal?
- The confidential report referred to in the Toronto Star story recommends creating a “brand” and “visibility for a new kind of national Canadian industrial unionism.” What do you think about this advice?
Toronto paramedics ask to be declared essential service
January 29, 2012 by tbarrett
Filed under Chapter 1 - Introduction, Chapter 10 - Third-Party Intervention, Chapter 8 - The Collective Bargaining Process
Description: About 250 — some reports said 350 — Toronto paramedics held a rally asking that they be declared an essential service.
Source: CBC
Date: 01/24/2012
Related links:
- CTV story
- Global Toronto story
- Canadian Labour Reporter story
- Press release from the Toronto Paramedic Association
- The Toronto Paramedic Association
- City of Toronto
- Ontario Labour Relations Board
- CUPE local 416
Questions for discussion:
- In industrial relations terms, what is an essential service?
- Who would make the final decision on whether Toronto paramedics are an essential service?
- Describe the process by which an application for an essential service designation would be made in this case.
- What reason is the city giving for not making an immediate decision?
- What effect would an essential service declaration have on the paramedics?
- Why do you think they are asking to be declared an essential service?
- What is binding interest arbitration? Why do you think the paramedics favour it?
Employers ‘have warmed to work stoppages’
January 23, 2012 by tbarrett
Filed under Chapter 1 - Introduction, Chapter 13 - Future Issues, Chapter 3 - HIstory of the Canadian Union Movement, Chapter 9 - Strikes and Lockouts
Description: Jim Stanford, an economist with the Canadian Auto Workers union, writes that employers, who once opposed work stoppages, are now eager to lock out unions.
Source: The Globe and Mail
Date: 01/20/2012
Related links:
- Federal government strike and lockout database
- Major work stoppages in Canada, 2011
- Conference Board of Canada expects more work stoppages in 2012
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Rio Tinto Alcan
- Canadian Auto Workers
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize Jim Stanford’s argument.
- What is his solution?
- Do you agree with his analysis?
- Why or why not?
- Do you think the current situation requires government action?
- Why or why not?
Halifax transit workers reject offer
January 23, 2012 by tbarrett
Filed under Chapter 1 - Introduction, Chapter 10 - Third-Party Intervention, Chapter 13 - Future Issues, Chapter 8 - The Collective Bargaining Process
Description: Halifax transit workers have voted nearly unanimously in favour of striking if an agreement with the city cannot be reached by Feb. 2.
Source: The Halifax Chronicle Herald
Date: 01/23/2012
Link: http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/54722-transit-workers-vote-strike
Related links:
- CBC story
- Canadian Labour Reporter story
- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 508
- City of Halifax Metro Transit
- Collective agreement (pdf)
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the issues in this dispute.
- What is the key issue?
- What did the employer do almost immediately after contract negotiations began?
- What is the meaning of this move? (Consult your text.)
- Why do you think the employer took that action at that time?
Quebec mill closes after union rejects offer
January 16, 2012 by tbarrett
Filed under Chapter 13 - Future Issues, Chapter 8 - The Collective Bargaining Process
Description: White Birch Paper Co. is shutting its Stadacona paper mill in Quebec City after union members voted to reject a contract offer.
Source: CBC
Date: 01/13/2012
Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2012/01/13/white-birch-quebec.html
Related links:
- Earlier story
- Canadian Labour Reporter story
- Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
- White Birch Paper Co.
Questions for discussion:
- Why does the employer say it has to close the mill?
- What is the union’s position?
- Why do you think the workers overwhelmingly rejected the offer?
- Based on what you know about this situation, how would you have voted if you were a union member?
- What would you have done if you were an executive of the employer?
B.C. liquor store workers offer to work Sundays
Description: As contract negotiations begin, the union representing B.C. government liquor store workers says the government could make millions by opening more stores on Sundays.
Source: The Vancouver Sun
Date: 01/10/2012
Related links:
- B.C. government, unionized workers begin negotiations
- CTV story: labour expert predicts confrontation
- B.C. government
- B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union
Questions for discussion:
- Why do you think the union is making this proposal?
- How do you think the public will respond to this proposal?
- How do you think the government will respond?
- What is a “cooperative gains” mandate?
- What arguments can you think of in favour of and against a wage freeze for public sector workers?
Labour facing tough year
January 8, 2012 by tbarrett
Filed under Chapter 1 - Introduction, Chapter 13 - Future Issues, Chapter 9 - Strikes and Lockouts
Description: Employers facing tough economic conditions are increasingly taking a tough line with organized labour.
Source: The Globe and Mail
Date: 01/07/2011
Link: http://investdb1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/GAM.20120107.RBCOVERLABOURCLASHES0107ATL/GIStory/
Related links:
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize Caterpillar Inc.’s actions at its London, Ont. subsidiary.
- Why do you think the company is taking such a tough line?
- Do you agree with the company’s actions?
- Why or why not?
- What do you think the next year will bring for industrial relations in Canada?
NDP leadership candidates woo unions
January 8, 2012 by tbarrett
Filed under Chapter 1 - Introduction, Chapter 13 - Future Issues, Chapter 3 - HIstory of the Canadian Union Movement
Description: Candidates for the leadership of the New Democratic Party are competing to line up support from unions.
Source: The Globe and Mail
Date: 01/06/2012
Related links:
- The New Democratic Party
- The Canadian Labour Congress
- Brian Topp
- Thomas Mulcair
- Paul Dewar
- Peggy Nash
Questions for discussion:
- Why are NDP leadership candidates seeking union support?
- Describe the historical relationship between the NDP and labour in Canada. (Refer to your textbook.)
- What are the advantages of this relationship for unions?
- What are the advantages for the NDP?
- What are the disadvantages for both?
- How have election spending laws affected the relationship?
Fiona McQuarrie's Industrial Relations in Canada received wide praise for helping students to understand the complex and sometimes controversial field of Industrial Relations, by using just the right blend of practice, process and theory. The text engages business students with diverse backgrounds and teaches them how an understanding of this field will help them become better managers.