Job Enrichment in a Union Environment - A Progress Report

This paper describes the implementation and results of a job enrichment program at Gates Learjet Corp. The first such program at Learjet, it was set up in a small plastics shop which was relatively isolated from the rest of the plant. With the support of the union and subsequently the shop supervisor, the program was eagerly accepted by the employees. Since its inception, the shop has operated three to four people under budget with an efficiency rate of over 100%. As a result of its success, Learjet plans to introduce job enrichment into other departments. The paper details the planning for the program and some of the problems encountered.