Technological Change and Collective Bargaining in Canada

The scope and extent of collective bargaining over technological change in Canada is analysed. The public policy context in Canada is compared with that of the United States. Data on collective agreement provisions regarding notice of technological change, income and employment security, training, and joint union‐management technology committees are reported. These include variations in provision frequencies across Canadian jurisdictions, industries and bargaining unit structures. Canadian labour′s responses to the effects and uses of microelectronic technology are addressed. It is concluded that, although Canadian unions have negotiated significantly more anticipatory contract provisions than exist in the US, widespread coverage of technological change remains a goal in collective bargaining. This is especially true regarding the health and control issues raised by microelectronic technologies.