The Future of Labour
Derik McArthur, Director, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) local 175 & 633, 2015
The labour movement in Canada has a long and proud history of success and positive community involvement. Throughout the years however, union membership levels across North America have been on a steady decline. Many would argue the decline in the ranks of unions is attributed to stronger labour laws protecting workers, less interest by the young workers entering the workforce and a more transient workforce demanding flexibility and merit over seniority. These arguments, although attractive on the surface, are easily discredited with a minimal amount of research and thought. Some would argue that legislation is in place to protect workers’ rights. However, the legislation traditionally provides basic minimums in employment. Like any piece of legislation, the rights an employee enjoys and relies on can be taken away with the stroke of a pen.
Looking Back on 2015…
Stephanie Noel, Business Development Manager, Queen's IRC
As the year draws to a close, I would like to reflect on some of the highlights for Queen’s IRC. This year, we introduced an advanced change management course called Designing Change, which provides the tools and skills needed to map out and lead a transformational culture shift in an organization. We also ran a 2015 Workplace in Motion Summit which explored the changing world of work. Next year, we will be launching a program about HR Analytics and Metrics. (Watch for information coming soon.)
On behalf of Queen’s IRC, I would like to thank you for your continued support of our programs and our practitioner-focused research. This year we released An Inquiry into the State of HR in Canada in 2013: Executive Summary. Next year, we will be conducting a survey to follow-up on our 2012 Inquiry into the State of Labour Relations in Canada. I am proud of the work we are doing at Queen’s IRC, and I encourage you to take a few minutes to review the excellent papers and articles we have released this fall.
This year, we have released several papers by past Queen's IRC Director, Dr. Carol Beatty. These papers are part of a book that Carol is writing on change management.
Last month, Queen’s IRC attended three conferences and trade shows. It was great to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Many attendees who dropped by our booth entered our draw for Starbucks gift cards and professional resources.
Congratulations to the winners from the following events:
Top Employers Summit: Laurel Breault and Lori Bailey.
The Institute for Performance and Learning Conference and Trade Show: Shassha Loftman and Charlaine Lapointe.
HR Leaders Summit: Julie Radlin, Ewa Maggiotto and Barbara Vreeker.
This Holiday Season… Give Yourself the Gift of Knowledge
Now is the time to invest in your career. Start 2016 off right with a program from Queen’s IRC.
ENROL BY DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND SAVE UP T0 $750!
Save $750 on 4-5 day programs and $350 on 2-3 day programs when you register on or before December 31, 2015.
This limited time offer only applies to 2016 programs.
New in 2016: A course on HR Metrics and Analytics. Watch for details!
For an overview of our professional development training, from the perspective of our participants and speakers, please check out our Queen’s IRC Video.
For more program information, download our Program Planner, visit us online at irc.queensu.ca or call 1-888-858-7838.
Copyright 2015 Queen’s University IRC, Robert Sutherland Hall, 138 Union Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2P1
Call 1-888-858-7838 | Email IRC@QueensU.ca | Visit us online at irc.queensu.ca
The labour movement in Canada has a long and proud history of success and positive community involvement. Throughout the years however, union membership levels across North America have been on a steady decline. Many would argue the decline in the ranks of unions is attributed to stronger labour laws protecting workers, less interest by the young workers entering the workforce and a more transient workforce demanding flexibility and merit over seniority. These arguments, although attractive on the surface, are easily discredited with a minimal amount of research and thought. Some would argue that legislation is in place to protect workers’ rights. However, the legislation traditionally provides basic minimums in employment. Like any piece of legislation, the rights an employee enjoys and relies on can be taken away with the stroke of a pen.
As the year draws to a close, I would like to reflect on some of the highlights for Queen’s IRC. This year, we introduced an advanced change management course called 
Last month, Queen’s IRC attended three conferences and trade shows. It was great to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Many attendees who dropped by our booth entered our draw for Starbucks gift cards and professional resources.
