Employers focus on managing wages, organizational changes
Labour groups continue to focus on wage gains for workers, while also reaching out to youth via social media, according to a new report by the Conference Board of Canada.
The report, Industrial Relations Outlook 2017, found employers continue to rein in costs via pension changes and will look to manage changing work arrangements in 2017.
"Despite sluggish economic growth and the impending expiration of a number of collective agreements, few work stoppages are expected in 2017 as many unions and employers appear prepared to work together where necessary to maximize benefits for employees," said Allison Cowan, director, leadership and human resources research, The Conference Board of Canada.
Some highlights of the 74-page report include:
- Top negotiating issues for employers in 2017 are wages, productivity, organizational change, and health benefits.
- Important issues for labour are wages, employment security, health benefits.
- Unions continue to work to engage younger workers and are increasingly using social media for outreach.
- Employers are focusing on fiscal restraint and affordability, and are looking to maximize productivity and accommodate employee needs while adapting to the economic climate.
Specific changes sought by some unions include minimum hours, a higher minimum wage and a reduction in the use of two-tier wage structures.
Overall, modest wage settlements of 1.5 per cent are projected for unionized employees in both the public and private sectors in 2017. Beyond wages, employers are looking to increase diversity in their workforces and manage potential labour shortages, according to the report.
Unions continue to express concern about the precarious nature of many positions in an increasingly service-oriented economy. Unions are also working to engage youth in the labour movement and provide education on the benefits of unionization while adapting to challenges brought on by technological change, said the report.
