Worksharing, Jobsharing, and Part-Time Employment: An Examination of the Theory and the Issues

One answer to unemployment is to spread available opportunities among more people. This book examines the advantages and disadvantages for labour, management, and government of two related types of innovative work arrangements: worksharing – the shortening of the work week to prevent layoffs; and jobsharing – the conversion of full-time jobs into permanent part-time positions to suit changing employee preferences.
The effect of such a plan is studied in relation to costs to the government, unemployment rates, work incentives, and employer’s labour costs. The impact on junior and senior employees, and on the union, is also considered.
In relation to jobsharing, the authors predict a continuing increase in the number of persons preferring permanent part-time employment. This comes from the rising number of multiple-earner families, changing values about male and female roles in the labour force, and the desire for a more flexible and gradual approach to retirement. The authors conclude with recommendation for policy changes to encourage worksharing and accommodate jobsharing.

Noah M. Meltz is a member of the Centre for Industrial Relations and the Department of Political Economy at the University of Toronto. Frank Reid is a member of the Centre for Industrial Relations and the Department of Political Economy at the University of Toronto. Gerald S. Swartz is an economic consultant, formerly in the labour and manpower fields with the federal and Ontario governments.