Participation in action: How it was applied at Alcan, Kingston Ontario, Canada

Abstract

At Kingston Works both parties to this agreement have attempted to evolve an approach to the operation of the plant that is somewhat different from the traditional approach for large industrial organisations. This approach is based on the belief that conscientious employees, properly informed and carrying out their duties in an intelligent manner, are the best assurance of an effective operation from the point of view of our customers, the shareholders of the company and the people who work here. Thus, both parties to this agreement have worked together to set up plant procedures which reflect these convictions and which give freedom to employees to discharge their responsibilities without unnecessary restrictions. This approach, and the response of employees to it, made it possible some years ago to eliminate time clocks. Later on, the traditional hourly pay system was discontinued and since that date all employees at Kingston Works have been paid on a salaried basis. Both parties take pride in the progress that has already been made in developing an improved working climate which benefits both the employees and the company and intend to continue their efforts in this direction during the life of this agreement.

Citation

PEACH, D.A. (1975), "Participation in action: How it was applied at Alcan, Kingston Ontario, Canada", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 109-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb003453