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February 2017 |
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We have entered a challenging and difficult time for collective bargaining for both employers and unions. Shortly following the great recession in 2008, both management and unions reached deals relatively quickly, everyone recognizing the dramatic economic issues the parties faced at the time. From 2008 well into 2012, there was little change. Employers tried to deal with the reality of the recession, and unions waited for the anticipated rebound, assuming it would resemble almost all recessions of the past – a difficult period, a holding pattern for a short time, followed by a return to growth in the economy and a resumption of “normal” bargaining. This time, however, that hasn’t happened. Certainly not in the way it has in the past. 
Getting the news out about an upcoming restructuring, merger or acquisition, layoff, or other major organizational change can be a challenge. No one wants to experience having their name ‘pop up’ in a new organization chart that is widely distributed online before receiving any direct personal communication from their boss. Imagine if you showed up at the office and discovered that the reason why you cannot access your email is not because of a glitch with the IT department but because you have been dismissed, and no one had the courage to tell you. Organizations and managers have a responsibility to share such news in direct and supportive ways that enable employees to understand what is changing and how they will be affected. 
Teamwork is essential to organizational success – but today, the speed of change and innovation is driving the need for an expanded team competence. To truly reap a collaborative advantage, organizations must transition from single, stable teams, to supporting a team of teams, a dynamic collaborative network that evolves and shifts to meet goals. The question therefore becomes: what conditions support collaboration as a workplace system; a team of teams? 
It is with much sadness that Queen's IRC has learned of the passing of Roy L. Heenan, founding Partner of the renowned law firm of Heenan Blaikie. Roy Heenan was recognized in Canada as the leading authority on labour law and administrative law. He was also an inspirational lecturer at our courses starting in 1992, and thereafter encouraged members of his firm to carry on this tradition of volunteering their expertise to educate successive generations of labour relations practitioners. He will be sorely missed in the labour relations and the legal communities. 
In April, Queen’s IRC will attend three conferences and trade shows. If you are planning to attend, please stop by our booth and say hello: 
Copyright 2017 Queen’s University IRC, Robert Sutherland Hall, 138 Union Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2P1
Call 1-888-858-7838 | Email IRC@QueensU.ca | Visit us online at irc.queensu.ca
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February 2017 |
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Copyright 2017 Queen’s University IRC, Robert Sutherland Hall, 138 Union Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2P1
Call 1-888-858-7838 | Email IRC@QueensU.ca | Visit us online at irc.queensu.ca