Labour unions have played a major role in the United States during the period 1947 to 1973, which is the era of capitalism and industrialization, a period characterized by high wages for workers. In the same manner, labour unions in Canada during the 1970s also helped the country achieve political, economic and social progress. However, times have changed and some observers believe that unions are facing a serious crisis.
McFarland expresses in an article in the “The Globe and Mail” that despite the four million union members in Canada, organized labour still faces a shrinking coverage in Canada’s work force. One agrees with Ken Georgetti, the President of the Canadian Labour Congress when he stated that it is not that the unions are shrinking as a percentage of the Canadian work force; rather, he claims that the organization of the work force into labour unions cannot cope with the growing number of workers. Georgetti also claims that most of the unemployed workers today are those who were former union members. He further added that most jobs available today are positions in the technology and professional services which are usually non-unionized positions.
Another reason why one believes that organized labour unions still have a vital role to play in the future is because of globalization. With globalization, jobs are no longer just available for workers within the country. Outsourcing of jobs has been a common trend nowadays in several companies because of the cost benefits it presents. With outsourcing comes cultural diversity in the workplace. Organized labour unions are essential to help reduce workplace inequalities due to differences in the culture and beliefs of workers. Discrimination of employers among workers from different races increases with the onset of globalization and labour unions can help police this eventuality.
Although there are already numerous labour laws and legislations in place that protects the welfare of the workers, organized labour unions are still very important. With the worldwide slowdown in economic growth and with the current financial crisis, the workers can be better assured of fair wages and benefits if they are part of a union. Alone, the worker’s voice may just die down in the midst of the voices of other non-unionized workers, but if they are part of a union, it would be difficult for an employer to turn a deaf ear to them.
Organized labor unions are contributors to the economic growth of a country. Generally speaking, unionized workers earn more than non-unionized workers. Since these unionized workers earn more, they are able to spend more and pay higher taxes. This translates to a boost in the economic growth of the country.
Organized labour unions of the future need to be flexible according to Jayson Myers, President of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. He contends that labour unions should be progressive and adapt to the changing business culture, not only to represent the workers but to help employers find the workers they need.
The role of organized labour unions is no longer confined to simply pursuing high wages greater benefits for employees or signing collective bargaining agreements. For it not to lose its relevance and significance in the future, it must be able to adjust to its changing role in society. Reforms in its structures and practices have to be implemented to make it attuned with the times. It has to learn how to deal with the challenges presented by globalization. With this in mind, one can conclude that organized labour unions are not obsolete, it is only revolutionizing with the times.
Works Cited
A.B.Yates, Charlotte. "Expanding labour's horizons: Union organizing and strategic change in Canada." Just Labour (2002): 31-40.
McFarland, Janet. "The weakening state of Canadian labour unions." 2 September 2012. theglobeandmail.com. Web. 30 May 2013 <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-weakening-state-of-canadian-labour-unions/article4515873/?page=all>.
Ross, Stephanie and Larry Savage. Rethinking the polictics of labour in Canada. Canada: Fernwood Publishing Company Limited, 2012.
Schiavone, Michael. Unions in Crisis: The Future of Organized Labor in America. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Publishers, 2007.
