In order to appreciate why Newfoundland has such a high unionization rate, the industries which currently have high unionization rates, and the history of Newfoundland Labor movement, need to be considered respectively. The industries which currently have high unionization rates, are Public Administration (70.89%), Health and Social Assistance (65.51%), Educational Services (79.53%), Manufacturing (54.09%), Transportation and Warehousing (46.3%), Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas (46.88%). Industries such as Retail, Finance, Trade, Real Estate and Accommodations, which have a low unionization rate, were not historically part of the Newfoundland Labor Movement.

Labor legislation in Union/Non-Union environment is divided amongst Federal/Provincial jurisdictions and further segregated into Public/Private sectors. Government in each jurisdiction creates special regulatory bodies

Newfoundlanders are historically known to have been the most mistreated workers in North America. Fishermen worked under a truck system, which was merely credit such as food , clothes, and other fishing supplies given by the fish merchants in exchange for fish .The fish was purchased at the merchant’s own set price, hence, fishermen often ended up in perpetual debt. The abuse of apprentices was common, in part, to keep the supply of tradesmen low which was the crafts union strategy. The railway workers were required to sign away their rights under the Employers Liability Act (Robert Reid) and worked for extremely low wages. Wharf laborers were convenient strikebreakers for employers who could switch them to longshore work. Some Employers sent “spies” into mines to uncover identities of men who were trying to organize a union and to encourage miners to be more efficient by setting a good example. Public service employees were not unionized since most were patronage appointments for supporting Government members, also the attitude was they were professionals and organizing to enhance own self-interest was unethical.

The abuse and exploitation of Newfoundland workers particularly in it’s major industry the fishery and later in other natural resource industries and the construction industry, is the main reason why Newfoundlanders chose collective action in such a forceful manner. These early unions brought about dramatic change and had a powerful influence toward improving conditions in union and non-union environments. Included in appendix I is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of union and non-union environment. Thorough analysis of this summary will confirm the writer’s belief that proper working conditions, sufficient pay, high morale, efficient performance and production can be achieved in a non – unionized environment. This is evident in St.John’s with two competitive grocery stores, Dominion and Sobeys. Dominion is unionized (Retail Wholesale Canada, Canadian Service sector division, Local 597) and has had a recent labor dispute and strike. Sobeys is non-unionized with equal or better working co

Some topics in this essay:
Horwood Sparks, Robert Reid, Harbour Grace, Premier Smallwood, Employers/Human Resources, Canadian Service, Canada Industries, PSAC NNU, America Fishermen, Movement Labor, labor movement, newfoundland labor, unionization rates, newfoundland labor movement, unionization rate, newfoundland workers, public sector, collective action, public service, industries currently unionization, industrial unions, industries currently, trade union act, public service employees, currently unionization rates,