23 - Wednesday, September 16, 1987 — North Shore News ndustrial relations experts in demand BRITISH COLUMBIA has the most volatile labor scene in the country. With the BOC. labor situation such a tinderbos, it's not surpns- ing that demand for senor execu. tives with solid labor relagons ox- perience is at an all-time high in the provinee. And while B.C. crniplovers need caecutives who can maintain har- mony on the shop floor. fewer and fewer top munavers are willing to move to BoC. and be faced with labor strife as an inevitable fact of daily business. “More and more companies iell us they’re searching for a presi demt, CEO or general manager who's experienced in dealing with unions — somecne who's sensinve insassessing and fulfilling the needs of Jabor."" said Clarke Jackson, a Vancouver-based pariner with The Caldwell Partners International, Canada’s largest’ executive search firm. In B.C., the firm has found that demand for industry executives who have come from a union en- vironment has doubled in the past year. Actually, industrial relations ex- perts are a hot commodity right across the nation. In the past year, The Caldwell Partners Interna- tional has filled 17 per cent more manufacturing positions with ex- ecutives possessing solid labor relations experience than in the previous year. ‘“Without a doubt, a CEO in almost any resource or manufacturing-based company who has been successful with labor, stands tall and is in high demand,’’ said C. Douglas Caldwell. “Companies are looking for in- dividuals who are very capable of dealing with people on the front line. There certainly aren't 100 many qualified and experienced executives who are suitable for in- tense and often radical union shops. They're out there, but we have to search hard to find them," he said. EX PERIENCE IN THE TRENCHES “Non-union companies in ail businesses are seeking executives who are well experienced at dealing with unions. They want to be aware of potential labor problems long before they materialize,’’ said Jackson, who's had more than 20 years experience as a search con- sultant. ‘‘Due {to the current business scenario in B.C., more and more executives experienced in labor relations are required in senior management.’’ Although a number of business programs in Canadian universities now offer courses in industrial relations, Jackson contends that practical experience in the tren- ches, such as negotiations with unions and labor groups, is essen- tial. “To make it today in B.C., a labor specialist must have an equal balance of personnel and industrial relations experience,’’ he said. DEFUSING THE MILITANTS Despite the fact that union rolls are down across the country, or- ganized labor can still flex its mus- cles. The forestry industry en- countered a bitter four-and-a-half month strike last year. ‘‘It appears that union militancy has not gone away,"’ said Jackson. Management’s best interest, of course, is to maintain a good working relationship and avoid wildcat strikes or walkouts. Today’s industrial relations ex- pert must skilfully communicate company needs to employees in a non-adversarial fashion. “Employers don’t want warfare,” said Jackson. ‘‘And there are no management moves underway to decertify unions. Employers want peace and employee cooperation." Jackson points out that employers on the west coast usual- Iy request labor specialists already working in the province and preferably in the same field. Corporations operating in B.C. ON SALE OME WEEK ONLY ALL RACQUET CLOTHING Yo OFF exccuuves who know the trade, territory and major com- petitors. However, these days, due to the scarcity of seasoned labor negotiators, more industrial cela- tions people are being recruited from outside the province. want REG. $44.99 7 ON and REG, $39.9 ALL RACQUET AND SPORTS BAGS Coquitlam Centre Brentwood Mall 2929 Barnet Hwy. Port Coquitlam 464-5122 Foe ar dec etre Qomtes 8 ot Cosme Sno Norgate Plaza 4567 Lougheed Hwy. 1329 Marine Drive Burnaby (Across from 299-1481 Save-On Foods} North Vancouver 980-5781 9 Wa rernrane es rage 3 iemnt quanites Sf Os “OGe OAT soe TION NET De ceOHuDe of oye toes “We're drawing from all over the country, but principally trom Ontario,” said Jackson. Once on board, the labor cela- tions specialist often has to con. duct negotiations with a spate of ulons. ON SALE One major food company will have to renew 21 different con- tracts this year. ‘tA talented Negotiator has to make sure the fine print in all collective agree- ments fits in with overall corporate objectives,” said Jackson. 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