Strikes in Canada

Grey River Argus, 12 April 1948, Page 5

Strikes in Canada

Time loss through work stoppages arising out of industrial disputes in Canada during 1947 was only 55 per cent, of the total time loss recorded for the preceding year, it was shown by a preliminary summary of strikes and lockouts for 1947. issued by the Minister of Labour, Mr Mitchell. Preliminary figures show 60,000 fewer workers involved in strikes and 2,000.000 fewer man-work days lost during 1947 than in 1946. The demand for increased wages was one of the principal issues . in more than 70 per cent, of the strikes of 1947. Two major strikes during, the year, one of coal miners in the Maritimes and the other of the meat packing plant, workers throughout Canada, accounted for about 75 per cent of the total 1947 time. loss. Labour-Management Committees At the beginning of 1948, there were 543 labour-management production committees in operation in Canada. During a recent survey. Labour Department officials found that most of the committees were functioning to a degree satisfactory to both the management and labour. The accomplishments most frequently reported were: increased production, improved quality, reduction of waste, accidents prevention, good housekeeping, reduction of absenteeism and the promotion of better understanding between management and labour. One of the very gratifying results arising from the joint consideration of these mutual problems, it was stated, had been a reduction in the number of grievances arising from settlement under the grievances procedures, in plants having functioning labouri management production committees.