But the quiet reality is that enlightened employers and trade unions can protect their own interests, while respecting the others' needs. In our experience, Canadian trade unions exhibit a high level of internal democracy and genuinely represent the interests and wishes of their members. This sometimes makes it difficult for trade union leaders, as individuals subject to elections, to exhibit publicly the flexibility and reasonableness required to achieve responsible collective agreements. Again, it is a question of achieving a balance. However, the submissions we received from representatives of both management and labour convince us that trade unions continue to demonstrate creativity, responsiveness and democracy.
Labour unions deserve recognition for their role as representatives of employees.
While many workers do not choose collective representation, many others freely do. As spokespersons for such a significant segment of Canada's working population, unions are entitled to a full seat at the table when labour and related social and economic policies are being decided. Employers too deserve recognition for what they do. Capital can be used in many ways, and a country should be grateful when it is used to employ people. Without management and labour working together, we cannot sustain the domestic consumption, the job creation and the production that are essential to support our social and economic well-being.