A New Look at Shorter Hours of Work in the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union

Authors

  • Julie White

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1705-1436.185

Abstract

This paper argues that we need to look again at hours of work. One out of every five Canadians is working more than 40 hours a week as their regular hours, while one out of ten work over 50 hours. On top of this, overtime is excessive - paid overtime alone is the equivalent of 225,000 full-time jobs. A major study by the CEP in the pulp and paper industry has shown that overtime may be more expensive than hiring additional workers and that workers are willing to reduce overtime in order to save or create jobs. On reducing regular hours of work, the CEP has found that additional days away from work, once negotiated and experienced, are extremely popular. While more time off is about job creation, better health and safety and improving family and social life, it opposes the lean and mean approach of business corporations.

 

Cet article soutient que nous devons repenser les heures de travail. Un Canadien ou une Canadienne sur cinq a une semaine de travail normale de plus de 40 heures et un ou une sur dix travaille plus de 50 heures par semaine. Qui plus est, les heures supplémentaires sont excessives. Les heures supplémentaires rémunérées comptent, à elles seules, pour l’équivalent de 225 000 emplois à plein temps. Un importante étude réalisée par le SCEP dans l’industrie papetière a révélé qu’il peut être plus coûteux de faire effectuer des heures supplémentaires que d’engager des employés ou employées additionnels et que les gens sont disposés à réduire leurs heures supplémentaires afin de maintenir ou de créer des emplois. Le SCEP a constaté que les personnes ayant consenti à réduire leurs heures normales de travail apprécient grandement leurs journées libres supplémentaires. L’augmentation du temps libre est destinée à créer des emplois, à accroître la santé et la sécurité et améliorer la vie familiale et sociale, mais elle s’oppose au régime minceur des entreprises.

References

CEP 1997. More Jobs, More Fun: Shorter Hours of Work in the CEP. A Study of the Impact of Shorter Worktime in Four Industrial Sectors. Ottawa: Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union

CEP 1999. Working Less for More Jobs: A Study of Hours of Work and Job Creation in the B.C. Pulp and Paper Industry. Ottawa: Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

CEP 2000. CEP Resolution G-12, Hours of Work. Resolution passed at CEP National Convention, September 2000.

Duxbury, L and C. Higgins 2001. Work-Life Balance in the New Millenium: Where Are We? Where Do We Need to Go?” CPRN, Discussion Paper No.W/12. Ottawa: Canadian Policy Research Networks.

Human Resources Development Canada 2000. Work and Family Provisions in Canadian Collective Agreements. Ottawa: HRDC.

Marcil-Gratton, N. 2000. Présentation nonpubliée, Centre Jacques Cartier, Montréal, 4 octobre. Centre interuniversitaire d’études démographiques, Université de Montréal.

Powell, N. et al 1999. A Comparative Model: reaction time performance in sleep-diso breathing versus alcohol-impaired controls. Laryngoscope, 109(10), 1648-1654. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00005537-199910000-00019

Presser, H. 2000. Nonstandard Work Schedules and Marital Instability. Journal of Marriage and the Family. 62, 93-110. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2000.00093.x

Shields, M. 1999. Long Working Hours and Health. Health Reports, Statistics Canada Cat: 82-003-XPB 11(2).

Statistics Canada 1999. General Social Survey: Time Use. The Daily, 9 November.

Statistics Canada 2001. Labour Force Historical Review 2000, CD ROM, Cat:71F0004XCB, Ottawa: Statistics Canada.

Statistics Canada, various years. Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours, unpublished data. Ottawa: Statistics Canada.

White, J. and D. Goulet 1998. Contemplating the Four-Day Week: Lessons from Bell Canada. Policy Options Politiques 19(3), 30-32.

Downloads

Published

— Updated on 2002-12-01

Versions

  • 2002-12-01 (2)
  • (1)

How to Cite

White, J. (2002). A New Look at Shorter Hours of Work in the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. Just Labour, 1. https://doi.org/10.25071/1705-1436.185

Issue

Section

Contents