In Canada’s modern economic climate, layoffs have become a tragic everyday occurrence. Workers are losing their jobs because of globalization, overcapacity, free trade, privatization, deregulation, and labour-saving technology. The impact of these layoffs is far reaching, obviously affecting the workers their families and the communities in which they live.

Labour Adjustment Committees are a joint response from the Union, Company, and government to downsize operations, which result in permanent layoffs.The primary objective is to assist workers who have or are expected to lose their jobs. The services that are offered by Labour Adjustment Committees are determined by the committee and may include:

• Skills training.
• Applications of EI.
• Funding for education and training.
• Job Search.
• Counselling regarding Family /Finance/Stress.
• Workshops to help improve interview skills, resume writing, computer skills, etc.
• Retirement Planning.

The parties involved agree to negotiate an adjustment contract which includes the length of time the services will be available, funding for administration and expenses, and the members of the committee.

The committee members are drawn from the Union, Company, Government and the workers. The committee also has a chairperson to assist and direct the committee.

The committees normally open an office to provide these services and utilize the displaced workers (Peer Helper) to staff the centre. The use of Peer helpers helps differentiate the adjustment committee from the other agencies that offer similar services. Workers who are losing their job have a innate ability to help each other and have a positive influence on each other.

Over the past 5 years, CAW members at Local 199 have assisted labour adjustment committees at General Motors, Green Forest, Chrysler, Hayes-Dana, Gallagher Paper, and Bazaar & Novelty, Currently there are two active Adjustment Committee in our community: Affinia and Dana.

From the union’s perspective, adjustment isn’t a final answer, it’s a temporary reaction. The only answer to job losses is a new type of economy, an economy that protects our resources our market and jobs, with managed trade. Until then we will continue to offer assistance to laid off workers.

If you would like more information about adjustment services, you can call CAW Local 199 @ 905-682-2611, or contact Laurell Ritchie, National Union 1-800-268-5763.

Visit www.adjustment.ca for Labour Adjustment Resources.

Visit http://www.SkilledTradesAssociation.com for the Skilled Trades Association.