Implications of Fraser for Industrial Relations Policy and the Wagner Model Richard Chaykowski

1. Implications of Fraser for Industrial Relations Policy and the Wagner Model Richard Chaykowski School of Policy Studies Queen’s University

2. 1. Legislation reflects the policy preferences and tradeoffs of the government of the day; and the Wagner Act as policy was a product of a political calculus, not a search for fundamental rights. 2. The basic principles underlying the current Wagnerian policy have been consistently embodied in most LR legislation. AND The model is rooted in economic and political considerations. 3. Unions are also instrumental; and this aspect of unionism reflects the fact that they are a means, not an end. 4. A central functional focus of LR policy has always been on the relative power of the parties and the inherent imbalance in power in favour of the employer. 5. There already currently exist quite different models of the conduct of labour-management relations, so the Wagner Act/ PC1003 type model is not alone. 6. The pressures on Canadian Labour Relations policy, as well as International Labour Standards, from globalization are likely to be determinative. 7. Obvious policy options regarding formal employee representation. 8. Policy solutions will likely be shaped significantly by the pressures and realities of globalization.