The world of work has changed dramatically over the last fifty years and our members have experienced these changes first-hand. Fifty years ago, the majority of our members were hired by local employers fresh out of high school or college, and stayed working for that employer until they retired – with a solid pension and health care benefits that allowed them to live with dignity.
Today, there are fewer jobs in traditionally higher-paying sectors like transportation, telecommunications, and resource extraction1. The jobs that remain in these industries are less stable as employers increasing rely on contracting out (or contracting in, through the use of temporary agency employees) in an effort to reduce labour costs and increase profit2. At the same time, wages have stagnated, benefit coverage is more restrictive, defined benefit pension plans are being eliminated for younger workers and pension benefits cut for senior employees.
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