The report of the Labor Canada Task Force on Micro-Electronics and Employment has just been released. This task force was chaired by Dr. Margaret Fulton - a CCLOW member. It provides an excellent analysis of the issues. The report focuses strongly on the impact of new technology on women workers and acknowledges the disproportionate impact on women. It does not attempt to resolve some of the major questions: will more jobs disappear than will be created by micro technology? Are VDT's hazardous to health in spite of assurances by the scientific, community? To what extent does the workplace need restructuring to accommodate both the new technology and the needs of workers? What roles do the education and training systems need to play in the preparation of the present and future workplace to understand and utilize technology for benefit? Although these questions are not answered, the report analyzes various sides of the questions and makes recommendations for action which will assist the public and policy makers to answer them in time. It. further recommends solid interim measures to protect workers and assist industry during the transition to a more highly technological workplace. The report is "upbeat" and readable. It is to be hoped that its recommendations are heeded and acted upon by the politians, government departments, educators, industrial leaders, and others to whom they are directed. In the Chips: Opportunities, People &
Partnerships can be obtained by writing |
| Back | Contents | CCLOW Search |