STAGE THREE: DIFFERENT VIEWS OF LITERACYAND BASIC SKILLS FROM EMPLOYERS AND UNIONS

This section contains some of the main arguments on basic skills. Familiarize yourself with these arguments, and note any others you've heard around your workplace or can think of.

Employer arguments

For many employers, literacy and basic skills programs are only important if they contribute to increasing the bottom line of corporate profits. Keep this agenda in mind when the employer resists literacy and basic skills programs.

Why some employers may resist basic skills programs

• I need employees who have job skills to work my machines. They don't need basic skills to do their jobs.
• I'm all in favour of literacy. But if someone wants to learn to read better, there are programs out there in the schools and colleges. This is an individual issue. Employers don't have to get involved. I went back to school and took my MBA five years ago. So why can't other people?
• This is just another union program where all the employees will do is learn what is bad about the employer.
• I don't need a program in my workplace. All my employees have to have at least Grade 12 before I hire them.
• I need upgrading for my employees so they can use computers. What do basic skills have to do with computers?

Here are different versions of the argument that "too much education can be a dangerous thing."

• If my workers become too educated or literate they'll get jobs elsewhere. I don't want to train workers for other employers.

These next three are not usually openly stated:

• If the workers become too educated or too literate, they'll begin to question the employer more.
• It's advantageous to keep workers who speak different languages in their separate groups. If all the workers can communicate better with each other then they can band together against me.
• If word about a literacy program gets out, some clients might not want to buy products made by workers who they think are less educated.

Why employers may favour basic skills programs.

• I need literacy programs to help my employees read instructions and fill out reports. Mistakes due to poor reading skills can cost a lot of time and money in lost production.
• Workers who are more literate have better communications skills to deal ably with supervisors, customers, other employees and the public.
• It makes sense for me to invest in the workers I already have. Literacy training can build a foundation for future training and education inside and outside of the workplace. Offering basic skills will be the basis of a whole set of training programs, as well as access to further education.
• The more chances I give for education advancement, the more employees will want to stay with my company.
• I'll get a reputation as a model employer who trains employees and will attract the best people to work here.
• I want to do my share so that my company is seen as a good corporate citizen in the community.
• Funding a basic skills program will help build bridges to the union.
• If we want to keep our WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) costs down and maintain a good health and safety record, we have to make sure nobody has an accident because they were having difficulty reading instructions.
• I have a large number of immigrant employees who don't speak English (or French) that well. This program could help our employees integrate better into our company and into Canadian society.