Case Studies

Moderator:
Susan Phillips, Research Officer,
Public Service Alliance of Canada

Panelists:
Patricia McDermott, Sociologist,
York University, "Service and
Retail Workers"

Donna Robinson, Communications
Workers of Canada, "Communications"

Microtechnology has brought about the deskilling of workers. Functions of control/evaluation are increasingly monitored by machines, at the expense of human relationships and a sense of belonging. Work is dehumanized and boredom prevails. Health and security are negatively affected. Humanity is imprisoned by the vision of large corporations.

Two possible avenues of redress were considered:

1. Education of adults, as well as youth, to prepare them for adaptation to rapid change and to use technology while asserting their rights.

2. Union negotiation of specific agreements to protect workers during the implementation of new technology.

Action:

• It is imperative that individuals and groups define what they want from technology and assert their will while pursuing their own projects. It is our responsibility to develop a vision, and to use technology for our benefit.

Microtechnology & Third World Women

Moderator:
Theodora C. Foster, Vice-President,
EDPRA Consulting Inc.

Panelists:
Anuradha Bose, Development
Education Officer, Canadian
Council for International Cooperation,

Laketch Dirasse

A descriptive comment was presented on the psychological, physical, biological and chemical hazards facing women in high-tech employment areas. The specific dangers for Third World women were discussed in the context of socio-political conditions frequently found in their countries. When enacted, protective legislation tends to favour segregation, if not complete exclusion of women from many occupations.

Action:

• Investigate potential health problems. Do not be fooled by propaganda.

• Be aware of links between Canadian business interest and the labour pool of Third World women

• Urge all levels of government to adopt preventive measures and protective legislation, and to promote such measures and legislation in Third World countries.

• Pressure the federal government for adequate testing of all equipment.

• Pressure the federal government to end the unsafe dumping of products and equipment in the Third World.

• Such pressures can be organized through consumer advocacy groups and should be geared, not only to government, but also to the private sector.