The Subordination of Labour in Canadian Mining

Class Relations in Canadian mining are explored as changes occur first as a result of the formal subordination of labour through capitalist penetration of petty commodity production then through the real subordination of labour within capitalism. It is argued that the once autonomous position of craftsmen and tradesmen in the surface and underground operations of hardrock mines are being subjected to de-skilling as capital uses technology and the division of labour to maximize its control. Parallel with the mechanization of mines and the automation of surface operations is the introduction of "people technology" in the form of modular training schemes, also designed to maximize capital's control and ease its ability to replace workers.