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The Evolving Landscape of Union Relations in Canada

Explore the role of unions and labor relations in Canada, from historical context to modern trends. Learn how unions impact company performance and the strategies used in labor relations decision-making.

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The Evolving Landscape of Union Relations in Canada

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  1. Role of unions and labour relations • Unions • Organizations formed for the purpose of representing their members’ interests in dealing with employers • Labour relations • A field that emphasizes skills that managers and union leaders can use to minimize costly forms of conflict (such as strikes) and seek win-win solutions to disagreements LO1

  2. Labour relations decisions • Labour relations strategy • Management: whether to work with unions or develop (or maintain) nonunion operations • Unions: whether to resist or accept changes • Negotiating contracts • Decisions about pay structure, job security, etc. • Administering collective agreements • Day-to-day activities which may involve handling disagreements LO1

  3. History and trends in union membership • Labour unions existed in Canada since 1812 • Labour activities escalated during early 1900’s • Workers demanded better wages, shorter workdays, and improved conditions • Collective bargaining recognized in 1937 • Membership peaked in 1994 (36.1%) • Unionization much higher in public sector than private sector • Women outnumber men LO1

  4. Craft Union National/International Union Industrial Union • Members all have a particular skill or occupation e.g. electricians (IBEW) • Association that seeks to advance the shared interests of members e.g. union federation (CLC) • Members are linked by their work in a particular industry e.g. public employees (CUPE) Local Union • Where most day-to-day interaction between labour and management occurs • Union steward Types of unions LO1

  5. Unionization rates across job sectors . LO1

  6. Rates of union membership by province . LO1

  7. What is the impact of unions on company performance? • Decrease productivity? • Due to work rules and limits on workloads set by union contracts • Production lost to union actions e.g. strikes • Increase productivity? • Reduce turnover • Seniority-based pay systems remove incentives for employees to compete rather than cooperate • May force the employer to improve its management practices and listen to employee ideas LO1

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