The Ambiguous Future of Professional and Technical Workers in Manufacturing: Some Hypotheses

Abstract

In the current period of dramatic industrial restructunng afflicting virtually all advanced capitalist countries, much attention has focused on the steadily worsening situation of blue collar workers (Blackaby 1979, Frobel, Hein richs & Kreye 1980; Bluestone & Harrison 1982; Massey & Meegan 1982; Massey 1984; Martin & Rowthorn 1986) By contrast, the position of pro fessional and technical workers in manufacturing is perceived as relatively secure if not enhanced by the very same processes of economic restructunng, including the application of new production technologies in traditional sec tors and the rapid growth of new, 'high tech' industries. This security is derived from two main sources which show every sign of strengthening in the near to medium term. First is relative scarcity of supply, which stands to be exacerbated by rapid demand growth for workers in these categories (Leontief & Duchin 1986) Second is a classic skills monopoly which allows these workers considerable autonomy and discretion over their work practices. The combination of high occupational status, high income, and a high level of independence in the workplace means that these workers tend to identify with management rather than labor. Indeed, in some cases they are management. Although they work for salaries and are generally not owners of capital, they provide a good example of what Wright refers to as a contradictory class location (Wnght 1985)