HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-11-05, Page 119GSS/Wednesday. Nov 5. 1986
Employees require
more out of job
With a workforce in excess of
800 employees, the human
resources department of
Champion plays a vital role in the
company's success.
Under the direction of manager
Don Johnston, the employee
relations department is responsible
for recruitment and relocation of
staff, salary administration, job
evaluation, a management appraisal
system. benefit administration for
all employees, training and
development, safety and the
• identification security program.
While Johnston is manager of the
department that has undergone
numerous changes over the past ten
years, Rose Sager is responsible for
executive recruitment, Rick Rompf
handles quality circles and training
and development and Mike O'Brien
is in charge of the company's safety
program.
An employee with Champion sii ce
1969, Johnston is one of the many
union presidents whose leadership
qualities have been utilized in
managerial positions. He suggests
that his role as president of the
International Association of
Machinists and Aerospace Workers,
has provided invaluable background
for his work in labour relations.
"There's no doubt it's been a real
benefit and it gives me the ability to
know where the union is coming
from," he explained. "I deal with
contracts, grievances, discipline and
arbitration, although we resolve
most grievances at the third stage or
even before. I enjoy the work."
The employee relations
department of Champion evolved
••out of necessity" at a time when
the company was expanding. It also
expanded to meet the owner's
commitment to the employees.
••The Sully family, has made a
commitment to employees and they
want them to enjoy work with little
conflict," Johnston said. "The
company is progressive and one that
advocates people power. We have to
be prepared to listen to employees
and help them. Employee relations •
is really a service to employees."
Employee relations, today, is more
than payroll and benefits
administration and Champion, like
many employers, is involved in
providing a myriad of services for
Employee Relations
Don Johnston and Rose Sager
the employee. The company has
sponsored stress programs, and has
initiated an Employee Assistance
Program that steers employees to
professional help and the
department is looking into a pre-
retirement program.
"You have to make an investment
in the employees,",he said. "You
of employee relations
have to determine and dial with
their problems, you have to help
them prepare for retirement and
deal with stress, nutrition and stop
smoking clinics. The social aspects
have become important."
The company is also paying cloSer
attention to ergonomics, or the
design and comfort "of the work
Continued on Page 24
Looking For A
Masterpiece?
Look
To Champion.
We would like to congratulate
Champion on 100 years of
excellence.
GENERAL MACHINING (i REPAIRS
360 Cambridge Street
Goderich, Ont (519) 524-2723
t
a.