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News and Knowledge Centre

Welcome to our News and Knowledge Centre Blog. Here you will find articles of interest in human resources, industrial relations and the labour market.

We discuss human resources strategy and policy, collective bargaining, recruiting, and investigation trends and cases.

In the spirit of curiosity, innovation and collaboration, we hope you enjoy exploring the articles and commentary we have developed for you. We look forward to our engagement and discussions in the areas of human resources, recruitment, labour relation and collective bargaining together.

Unusual Suspects Commodify Labour Due to Talent Supply Shortages

Unusual Suspects Commodify Labour Due to Talent Supply Shortages

by | May 15, 2022 | , , , , , , , , ,

Reactions to Talent Supply Shortages
I often interact with labour leaders. Recently I noticed a pattern among specific labour leaders and progressive commentators that concerns me.
Many notice a shortage of talent supply. That is a fact, and paying heed to that is necessary.
What gives rise to concern is some leaders’ reaction to it. Two often-heard reactions arising are:
because of the shortage, union bargaining power has increased, and thus, employers must pay more, and
how dare you think about supplementing the supply of temporary foreign workers.

One Dish, One Spoon

One Dish, One Spoon

by | Apr 18, 2022 | , , , , , , , , , , ,

I wish my workplace operated like this. What can we learn from the Dish with One Spoon Agreement?

The dish was a shared land from which each community ate, and they ate from one spoon. There was a shared responsibility to ensure the dish was never empty. No knives were at the table, meaning that we must keep the peace.

Decoupled: Wages and CPI are on a break from one another.

Decoupled: Wages and CPI are on a break from one another.

by | Apr 9, 2022 | , , , , , ,

With CPI trending between 3.1% and 3.7%, are wages following suit? The answer is no. CPI is inflated due to disruption in energy transition, increased government spending and cash injections from the Bank of Canada, and pandemic shifts, all of which increase the risk for employers and do not translate to job creators being able to afford increased wages for their employees.

Alberta Labour Wage Settlements and Negotiations Update -Q1 2022

Alberta Labour Wage Settlements and Negotiations Update -Q1 2022

by | Apr 3, 2022 | , , , , , , ,

Several economic pushes create head-scratcher moments at collective bargaining tables as parties assess where the fair and responsible deal resides and how best to communicate that to rank and file members. This phenomenon presents unique challenges for human resources, labour relations practitioners, and union leadership.

Performance Managing the Narcissist

Performance Managing the Narcissist

by | Mar 12, 2022 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Narcissists are typically self-centred, lack empathy and understanding, and have disproportionate, aggressive or passive-aggressive reactions to criticism. They present a challenge for managers and human resource practitioners to respond while maintaining the health and safety of other employees effectively. Narcissists tend to expect things to go their own way and act out, even retaliate, if colleagues do not reinforce their special status and treatment within the group. They will often not hesitate to depart from past or present truth to defend their self-worth—their self-esteem.

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