The first academic labour relations centre funded by both unions and business
opened its doors at Ryerson University last week as a hub of collaboration, research and innovation. In a symbolically appropriate move, union leader Buzz Hargrove and management professor Maurice Mazerolle were appointed co-directors of the new
Centre for Labour Management Relations at the Ted Rogers School of Management.
"I think one of the most important issues to look at is job security and the dangers associated with crowd sourcing work in the new economy," said Mazerolle in introducing the centre's research mandate. "The modern workplace has reshaped the way in which we define work to the extent that there are now challenges in understanding new roles and relationships."
The centre's
mandate is to be a research facility that brings together managers, labour, students, employees, academics and government players to study such issues as pension sustainability, avoiding strikes and wage and benefit cuts. During its first year, the centre will be hiring academic associates.
"The timing of the creation of the centre couldn't be better," Hargrove said, noting the economic landscape.
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Kathleen Powderly, publicist, for Ryerson University