Globalization In Canada Essay

Introduction Unions were formed as a result of being vexed with unfair capitalist workplace practices. In order to achieve fair pay, insurance, safer work practices and many other benefits for the working population, labor movements were organized through strike against employers. Historically, unions have been successful in attaining monumental feats such as minimum wage, health and safety acts, maternity leave and overtime pay (Canadian Labour History 2015). In Canada, labour movements have been organized to protest against unfair employers since the 1980s and continues to this day. Although Canadian unions achieved some great feats, starting from the Trade Union Act in 1872 to the Occupational Health Act, they have been on a continuous decline in the recent years, especially in the private sector (Canadian Labour History 2015). In

Increased global trade has intensified competition in amongst businesses all over the world. Finding and capitalizing on the most efficient sources of finance, trade and production is what gives a business or even a country a competitive edge over other international entities. Corporations have reacted by targeting the labor market and reducing money being spent on labor intensive activities. This led to a series of global events and trends ranging from downsizing of labor forces to outsourcing manufacturing activities to developing countries with lower wages and even automating processes through technological advancements to minimize use of labor. Global economic changes caused countries to shift away from the Industrial Age activities of manufacturing which was predominantly unionized. The shift in manufacturing is evident from the outsourcing of production capacities to countries like India, Mexico and China where minimum wages are very low which would result in cost savings pertaining to payroll and