Canadian Govt Promotes Michelin Plant as Recession Success Story

The photo accompanying this article depicts a world renowned and respected personality. Standing next to him is the Prime Minister of Canada, who of course is also highly respected, even if his global recognition is somewhat lower than the Michelin Man’s. Prime Minister Stephen Harper posed for this photo opportunity together with Bibendum during a visit to Michelin’s Waterville plant in the province of Nova Scotia.

Harper’s visit was arranged to show off the results Canada’s state run “Work-Sharing Program” can achieve. The Canadian government describes Work-Sharing is an adjustment programme designed to help employers and employees avoid temporary layoffs when a reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer occurs.

“By joining the Work-Sharing Program in April 2009, the Michelin tyre factory in Waterville avoided laying-off 95 employees; 578 employees at the plant participated in this programme,” reported the Canadian Prime Minister’s website. “This year the company has removed its hiring freeze and added 91 new employees to its ranks.” The 578 staff who volunteered to reduce their hours received the difference in their paycheques through employee insurance benefits.