CAW campaign targets changes affecting skilled trades workers
Judging by a presentation made to the Canadian Auto Workers’ (CAW) Skilled Trades Bargaining Conference in February, the union is in a fighting mood. However, its main target would appear to be the federal government and not the private-sector employers (and specifically this year the Big Three) with whom it negotiates.
However, the analysis in the document does point out some interesting aspects of the changes that are taking place in the economy through their direct impacts on skilled trades workers.
Losses in the manufacturing sector have been heavy and, as the statistics show, the losses have not been limited to labour-intensive industries. Even high value-added jobs are being lost. The seven industries identified as being the most skilled-trade intensive show job losses of 156,400 between 2002 and 2007. Using a rough estimate of one skilled trades job out of each 10 manufacturing jobs lost, the overall toll is estimated at 35,000 tradespersons. And the jobs that are replacing the lost ones provide few opportunities for skilled trades.
The common wisdom on skilled trades is that, with looming retirements, there will be a severe shortage. The CAW document also attacks this belief, claiming that it is based partially on equivocation between the traditional notion of a certified trade and a broader definition encompassing any worker with specialized knowledge and training.
Further, it points to some alarming facts concerning apprenticeship training. As Statistics Canada reported on November 17, 2007, the number of apprentices registering for training increased by 62.4 per cent from 180,965 to 293,835 between 1992 and 2007. However, the number completing their training increased by only 9.8 per cent from 18,720 to 20,555. Completions for construction trades fell by 14.7 per cent and for industrial and mechanical trades by 12.5 per cent. And that number does not reflect the much larger pool of apprentices in training.
Even given that apprenticeships take several years and many of those currently registered will eventually complete the course, it appears that a very large number are unable to achieve their goal (those who have discontinued training are not included). The reasons for this may be complex, but, given the strong economic incentive for completing training, it would seem likely that a lack of work placements is a likely suspect.
Not surprisingly, union response to the February 26 federal budget was negative. The CAW and the Steelworkers both point to job losses and what they feel is a weak government response. The CLC urges Canada to mirror domestic buying programs in place in our NAFTA partners and in Europe. The CLC and NUPGE both point to use of the EI fund for general government revenue rather than programs to help the unemployed.
However, the analysis in the document does point out some interesting aspects of the changes that are taking place in the economy through their direct impacts on skilled trades workers.
Losses in the manufacturing sector have been heavy and, as the statistics show, the losses have not been limited to labour-intensive industries. Even high value-added jobs are being lost. The seven industries identified as being the most skilled-trade intensive show job losses of 156,400 between 2002 and 2007. Using a rough estimate of one skilled trades job out of each 10 manufacturing jobs lost, the overall toll is estimated at 35,000 tradespersons. And the jobs that are replacing the lost ones provide few opportunities for skilled trades.
The common wisdom on skilled trades is that, with looming retirements, there will be a severe shortage. The CAW document also attacks this belief, claiming that it is based partially on equivocation between the traditional notion of a certified trade and a broader definition encompassing any worker with specialized knowledge and training.
Further, it points to some alarming facts concerning apprenticeship training. As Statistics Canada reported on November 17, 2007, the number of apprentices registering for training increased by 62.4 per cent from 180,965 to 293,835 between 1992 and 2007. However, the number completing their training increased by only 9.8 per cent from 18,720 to 20,555. Completions for construction trades fell by 14.7 per cent and for industrial and mechanical trades by 12.5 per cent. And that number does not reflect the much larger pool of apprentices in training.
Even given that apprenticeships take several years and many of those currently registered will eventually complete the course, it appears that a very large number are unable to achieve their goal (those who have discontinued training are not included). The reasons for this may be complex, but, given the strong economic incentive for completing training, it would seem likely that a lack of work placements is a likely suspect.
Not surprisingly, union response to the February 26 federal budget was negative. The CAW and the Steelworkers both point to job losses and what they feel is a weak government response. The CLC urges Canada to mirror domestic buying programs in place in our NAFTA partners and in Europe. The CLC and NUPGE both point to use of the EI fund for general government revenue rather than programs to help the unemployed.
