Abstract

Social Inclusion Through Good Jobs in Good Workplaces

Andrew Jackson
Senior Economist
Canadian Labour Congress

The central argument of the paper is that labour market and social policies geared to securing inclusion will fail if they do not take full account of the fact that employment outcomes are largely determined in workplaces.

The emerging focus of Canadian labour market and social policy on social inclusion through paid employment is broadly appropriate, provided macro-economic conditions promote high employment and the 'caring needs' of households are recognized. However, positive outcomes for workers critically depend not just upon finding any kind of job, but upon finding 'good jobs in good workplaces.'While there are many dimensions to 'good jobs', the paper highlights pay, and access to opportunities for the development of skills, capacities and capabilities.

'Good jobs in good workplaces' are needed if individuals are to be socially included in the sense of being able to develop their talents and capacities, to actively participate in society, and to enjoy a broad equality of life-chances. However, 'precarious employment' and dead end jobs are a major risk for many Canadians - those with relatively low levels of formal education; women, especially single parents; recent immigrants; aboriginal persons; persons with disabilities. A key issue for labour market policy is the increased segmentation of the job market between 'precarious jobs' and 'core jobs.'

Macro-economic factors and the 'social safety net' can play a major role in countering the growth and social implications of precarious work, as well as the problem of work intensification in core jobs. However, the task of creating 'good jobs' cannot be left to the market and social policy alone. Labour market regulation which impacts at the level of the workplace is also needed.

The example of many European countries shows that labour market regulation through collective bargaining and minimum standards helps achieve better employment outcomes, at no cost in terms of labour market adaptability, employment and productivity. The task of redistributing income and opportunities to promote inclusion is made much easier if labour markets produce relatively equitable outcomes in the first place.

The paper highlights the need for greater knowledge of workplace conditions and calls for policy measures which would gradually lead to the development of a more inclusive Canadian labour market model. An important start can be made by establishing a 'living wage' and workplace based training entitlements for all workers.

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