Innovative workplace practices

The Labour Program publishes a quarterly overview of innovative workplace practices.[1]. A number of innovative practices were observed in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Productivity bonus

Bridgestone Canada Inc. and the Fédération de l’industrie manufacturière have negotiated a bonus based on the exchange rate US$/CAN$ if annual production reaches 100% of its target. In fact, the employer will pay a $2,500 bonus to each permanent employee if the Canadian dollar expressed in US dollars is at $0.90 or less, or a $5,000 bonus if it is at $0.80 or less.

Work schedules

The Government of Quebec and the Fédération des médecins résidents du Québec have agreed on a change for residents’ mandatory rotations. Transition arrangements will be made so that, no later than July 1, 2012, all rotation schedules will drop from 24 hours to 16 hours at an institution.

Leave

College Employer Council and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union have negotiated a new leave of absence with pay commencing 90 days prior to the expiry of the collective agreement and ending at time of ratification. A maximum of four employees will be granted leave in order to better inform other bargaining unit members on the collective bargaining process and various issues that will be presented at the bargaining table.

Women’s Rights

Bombardier Transportation and the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada have agreed to retain a Women’s Advocate and recognize it as a necessary resource for women who are struggling with abusive relationships in a mostly male dominant workplace. The advocate will meet with women employees to discuss problems such as violence and harassment, and refer them to the appropriate external agency or resource when necessary. The advocate will also participate in an initial 40-hour basic training program and an annual 3-day update training program delivered by the union’s National Women’s Department.

Working conditions

In an environment that signals the evolution of a more diverse customer base, MTS Allstream Inc. and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, have agreed to expand their language premium criteria to include fluency in languages other than French. The existing language premium of $1.25 per hour worked will now be paid to employees fluent in Tagalog, Spanish, or Punjabi.

Previous articles on innovative workplace practices are available under Innovative workplace practices.

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