The Effect of Microtechnology on Work and Employment

Workshop Leader:
Céline Saint-Pierre, Professor of
Sociology, UQAM

The implementation of micro technology in the workplace affects, not only the volume of employment, but the organization and pace of work, as well as criteria for control and evaluation of performances. The problem of deskilling raises the issue of professional training vs. technical training. Job ghettos are growing rapidly; the labour force is undergoing profound changes, due to the increase in the number of part-time jobs, the decentralization of the workplace, and telework.

How can we move beyond negative attitudes to find realistic and creative global solutions? Women have a particular role to play in this questioning of the meaning of work.

Action:

Among the proposed solutions were:

• Reducing the hours of work.

• A fundamental questioning of work content.

• Rotation of employees to avoid work ghettos.

• Co-managing firms.

• Creating committees to plan the implementation and uses of technology.

• Providing specific training within the framework of global programs.

• Unions must seek to organize more female workers. They, in turn, must play an active role in their unions.

• Unions must demand improved criteria for the implementation of technology, and must negotiate control of part-time work.

• Canadian women's groups must offer leadership on these issues. As a first step, they must ensure follow-up to this conference.