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Political Science Labor & Industrial Relations

Sharing the work

An analysis of the issues in worksharing and jobsharing

by (author) Noah Meltz, Frank Reid & Gerald Swartz

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Dec 1981
Category
Labor & Industrial Relations, Labor, Theory
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781487578305
    Publish Date
    Dec 1981
    List Price
    $20.95

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Description

One answer to unemployment is to spread available opportunities among more people. This book examines the advantages and disadvantages for labour, management, and government of two related types of innovative work arrangements: worksharing – the shortening of the work week to prevent layoffs; and jobsharing – the conversion of full-time jobs into permanent part-time positions to suit changing employee preferences.
The effect of such a plan is studied in relation to costs to the government, unemployment rates, work incentives, and employer’s labour costs. The impact on junior and senior employees, and on the union, is also considered.
In relation to jobsharing, the authors predict a continuing increase in the number of persons preferring permanent part-time employment. This comes from the rising number of multiple-earner families, changing values about male and female roles in the labour force, and the desire for a more flexible and gradual approach to retirement. The authors conclude with recommendation for policy changes to encourage worksharing and accommodate jobsharing.

About the authors

Noah M. Meltz is a member of the Centre for Industrial Relations and the Department of Political Economy at the University of Toronto.

Noah Meltz's profile page

Frank Reid is a member of the Centre for Industrial Relations and the Department of Political Economy at the University of Toronto.

Frank Reid's profile page

Gerald S. Swartz is an economic consultant, formerly in the labour and manpower fields with the federal and Ontario governments.

Gerald Swartz's profile page