The realities of the new economy have transformed the employment relationship, and new representational concepts must be created to express these realities. Public policy, and international law have recognized the value of unions in their present representational roles. However, organizing the unorganized and representing workers in contract negotiation and administration presents new challenges especially in the more fluid work world of small scale service sector establishments. New public policy choices have to be made about how to give effect and support to the changing role of unions if they are to fulfill the needs and demands placed on them by a changing economy. Minimum labour standards are essential to ensure worker protection, health, and compliance with basic norms for working conditions.
Labour standards can also influence the distribution of regular working hours.
Given the enormous diversity of people's individual circumstances and preferences, it is not appropriate for government to try to legislate uniform patterns of work arrangements yet it is reasonable to try to establish a context of labour market flexibility in which fair choices are available. Public policy should not create biases which accentuate the increasing inequality in working hours, instead, it should level the playing field in terms of fringe benefits and payroll taxation. Less-educated young Canadians are having particular difficulties in the changing workplace and these youth need much more help if they are to make a successful transition to work. Governments can play an important role as catalysts and in developing the research base which the social economy needs. Government needs to exercise leadership and a presence that is both flexible and firm in dealing with the never-ending changes of the new economy.