Ontario's Recession-Era Labour Relations: Pocket Book Thriller or Stephen King Trilogy?

The economic upheaval currently gripping world economies will profoundly alter the dynamics of labour relations in Ontario, says Kevin Wilson, Assistant Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Labour's Policy, Program Development, and Dispute Resolution Services Division.

In a candid talk to Queen's School of Policy Studies, Wilson said Ontario is already seeing a "massive collapse in the private sector settlement pattern," with very little if any increase in wage settlements. Wilson expects public sector settlements to follow this downward trend over the next six to nine months. The amount and speed of change may exceed the ability of some unions to respond, he said. On the other hand, both labour and management are more open than ever to experiment with new forms of collaboration.

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IRC On The Road Again

This spring, visit with Queen's IRC on the road during these upcoming Conference Tradeshows:

• April 20-21, 2009 - Health & Safety Canada, IAPA:
  Imagine, Innovate, Inspire: Toronto, Ontario (look for us at booth #127 )

• April 22-23, 2009 - The Human Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA):
  Fuelling Change: Edmonton Alberta (look for us at booth #124 )

During the HRIA Conference, please also join us for a special Queen's IRC Wine and Cheese at the Westin Edmonton. All Queen's IRC alumni and friends are invited to attend from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday April 22, 2009.

• May 6-8, 2009 - BC Human Resources Management Association (HRMA):
  Blue Skies & Grassroots: Victoria, British Columbia

• June 1 to 3, 2009- Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators:
  The 38th Annual CAMA Conference: Whistler, British Columbia (look for us at booth #14)

If you plan on attending any of these events, do stop by our booth and say hello.

This month, Queen's IRC says farewell to its long-time Manager of Communications and Development. After seven years with the IRC, Alan Morantz is returning to his independent communications consultancy and a variety of writing projects.

Under Alan's leadership, the IRC adopted a new look, significantly upgraded its website and other communication channels, and introduced popular e-newsletters and post-program support for our alumni.

We are happy to say that Alan will continue to generate articles and assist in publishing initiatives for the IRC in the months ahead. He has also started a blog, Leading Thoughts, that highlights people management research that practitioners would want to know about. Check it out at www.alanmorantz.com

Alan's role will be ably filled by Hilary Sirman, who has taken over as Acting Manager of Communications and Development. Hilary can be reached at hilary.sirman@queensu.ca.

Reserve your spot soon at these popular spring programs: