Throughout the conference, a team of "strategy coordinators," one for each theme, attended the various workshops and studied the workshop reports in an attempt to synthesize the general orientation of discussions, with particular focus on future strategy ideas. Their purpose was to supply participants with an overview of issues and strategy trends, so that they, in turn, could define their own action plan during the Sunday morning strategy workshops. The strategy coordinators met regularly with their team leader, to discuss the emerging trends within the conference and to prepare for a Sunday morning session, during which, each would brief the participants on one of the themes.

The idea of having strategy coordinators, or content synthesizers, proved to be extremely helpful. It allowed participants to gain a broad. view of the issues and solutions being discussed in the various fields of interest, and was instrumental in the development of comprehensive action plans. Having attended a diversity of workshops on varied subjects, having been exposed to exhibits, films and discussions, participants needed this opportunity to draw a synthesis of their conference experience.

SYNTHESIS OF WORKSHOPS

1. Health and Safety

Strategy Coordinator:
Helene Kearney, Researcher,
Centre de sante et de services
sociaux (CSSS) Centre-Ville,
Montreal

“ The numerous problem areas which were discussed in the 'Health and Safety' workshops can be related to two main issues. The first is that of physical and radiation-linked problems. The solutions to physical problems (eye, muscular, postural) include proper equipment, adjustability of keyboards and video screens, proper lighting, reduced environmental disturbances, chairs of proper height and support. The workshop of the health hazards related to radiation showed that studies in this area are far from conclusive, and that research is badly needed on the effects of low-level radiation.

The second-priority issue is job-related stress, which, according to participants, is being exacerbated by the deskilling process, isolation of workers, and machine monitoring techniques. Many of the solutions, such as stress management through exercise and proper health habits, are focused on the individual.

More encompassing solutions would include job redesign and the involvement of the worker in the process of implementing change. Job rotation is seen as an effective way to avoid monotony and stress, while increasing the individual's sense of belonging.

Keystroke monitoring should be strictly limited, if not completely banned. In one workshop, someone raised the example of worker evaluation being supplied on a print-out! This type of depersonalized approach must be rejected. Unions should be central in this process; they must keep their members better informed of current technological changes and problems, and of their rights. Continuous liaison is needed with women's groups, and could take the form of a coalition whose main objective would be to circulate current information on micro technology and workers' rights and interests.

Finally, it was stated that data banks planned by women for women, are a must.”