CME: Workplace Review Recommendations would impact jobs

Toronto, May 23, 2017

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is concerned that the cumulative cost of the proposed Workplace Review Recommendations issued today by the Ontario government will have a negative impact on competitiveness and discourage investments in the province. Therefore, the reform could end up costing the province well paid, highly skilled manufacturing jobs in the long run.

“The best way to raise standards in a global economy is through retaining and attracting manufacturing investment, skills training and fostering innovation,” said Ian Howcroft, Vice-President of CME’s Ontario division.

“Adding cost at the entry level only puts future growth and jobs in jeopardy, including those higher quality jobs that we want to grow.” Ontario manufacturers have advocated for the adoption of a manufacturing strategy, targeting reductions in non-wage related costs such as energy and taxation, combined with support for innovation and skills training to move businesses and individuals into higher value-added activities.

While CME supports increased flexibility around hours of work that employees are looking for; this progress will likely be overshadowed by the totality of added cost and complexity if all the recommendations are fully implemented. CME urges the Ontario government to proceed with consultations and economic analysis of these recommendations to avoid unintended consequences. We are committed to work with the government to find solutions that mitigate costs to businesses and foster high quality manufacturing jobs in Ontario.