Vous lisez : Tops and flops of the Quebec world of work in 2011 - A rollercoaster year!

The world of work in Quebec saw both highs and lows in 2011, recording a number of successes as well as a few failures. As the year draws to a close, here are some of the issues that attracted the attention of the Ordre de conseillers en ressources humaines agréés…

The tops
  • In the third quarter of 2011, the National Capital region posted one of the lowest unemployment rates in the province at 4.9%, bringing the region very close to full employment.
  • Collaboration between the government and the opposition to pass Bill 33, legislation aimed at eliminating union placement.
  • The growth of the videogame industry in Quebec. The opening of Warner Brothers studio last October and the announcement by videogame producers Eidos of its plans to create 250 jobs, confirming Quebec’s leadership role in this industry.
The flops
  • Construction site shutdowns and the vandalism and intimidation triggered by the proposal of the Bill to abolish union placement.
  • The Harper government’s threat to pass special legislation against Air Canada flight attendants and customer service agents. A similar conflict at Canada Post.
  • The closing of three IQT Solutions call centres, which affected 1,200 workers in all and some 600 in Quebec. The workers were laid off without any notice, coherent explanation or termination pay.
Betwixt and between
  • The end of the Journal de Montréal dispute after two years of lock-out. Although this may at first seem like good news, given the duration of the conflict and the return-to-work conditions, the settlement can’t exactly be described as one of the year’s successes.
  • The attention government authorities and businesses are focusing on pension plans. With the financial uncertainty facing a growing number of private plans and a large percentage of the population reaching retirement age, all players (management, unions and governments) seem determined to take certain steps. But since the clock has already been ticking for some time now, will they be enough?
To arrange an interview with Florent Francoeur, CHRP, Ordre president and CEO, please contact Caroline Soulas.

About the Ordre

With close to 8,500 members, the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés is the fifth largest association of its kind in the world. It is the only organization in Quebec mandated to award human resources professionals a title certifying their competency. The Ordre is a leader in employee management practices. Committed to innovation, it supports the ongoing development of human resources professionals (CHRPs) and industrial relations counsellors (CIRCs), thus helping to maintain a healthy balance between employee well-being and organizational success. It is vigilant in ensuring that this multifaceted function promotes leading-edge solutions that address the major issues impacting the workforce.

Through its actions in the public arena, the Ordre contributes to the advancement and reputation of the profession and plays a key influential role in the world of work in Quebec.
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