Professor helped to build a ‘cooperation and constructive’ employment relationship culture

Mark Thompson, a respected figure in the field of employment relationships, passed away on July 24 at the age of 86. Throughout his career, Thompson made significant contributions to the study and practice of industrial relations, advocating for the rights of workers and promoting a more just society.

With over half a century of experience in science, arbitrations, international consulting, and advocacy work, Thompson’s influence extended far and wide. He was known for his unwavering belief in the importance of trade unions and his honest, judgmental approach to the field of industrial relations.

Thompson’s work spanned a wide range of topics, from farm workers in the Fraser Valley to negotiations in the public sector, trade unions in Mexico, and workplace safety in Eastern Europe. He was a champion for the rights of workers in various industries, always striving to improve their working conditions and ensure fair treatment.

Jim Stanford, an economist and director of the Center for Future Work, praised Thompson for his role in building a culture of constructive and collaborative employment relationships. Thompson’s deep knowledge and reputation made him a go-to expert for the media during labor disputes, providing much-needed context and insight.

In 1993, Thompson took on a year-long independent committee to revise labor standards in British Columbia, which had remained unchanged for decades. His groundbreaking report led to significant changes in workplace standards, including the implementation of minimum wage laws for previously unprotected workers like farm workers, household staff, and taxi drivers.

Despite facing criticism from employers who believed the reforms were too costly, Thompson remained steadfast in his commitment to improving the lives of workers. He believed that everyone deserved fair treatment and a living wage, and he fought tirelessly to make that a reality.

Thompson’s legacy lives on through the countless workers whose lives he touched and improved. His dedication to social justice and his advocacy for workers’ rights will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more equitable and fair society. Rest in peace, Professor Mark Thompson. His roommate during officer training was later involved in the operation to track down and eliminate the legendary Rebel Che Guevara in Bolivia. The future UBC professor also embarked on various counterintelligence missions in different countries, albeit without the same level of intensity as the search for Che. However, years later, he refrained from visiting those countries out of fear that his name might be on a “spy list,” potentially leading to rejection or worse consequences.

It was in Washington where he crossed paths with Nursing supervisor Mary Carey. Initially, their encounter was somewhat rocky, as she had military police escort him and a friend out of a naval hospital where they had attended a nurse’s birthday party. Despite this unusual start, the two began dating a year later and eventually tied the knot in 1968.

After leaving the army, Professor Thompson decided to settle in Canada, teaching industrial relations at McMaster University in Hamilton for a year before spending two years at the International Labor Organization in Geneva. He returned to Canada in 1971 to join the Faculty of Trade and Business Administration (now the Sauder School of Business) at UBC. He remained a Professor Emeritus at Sauder until his passing. During his early years at UBC, Prof. Thompson played a key role in advocating for collective negotiations within the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

With an impressive portfolio of 80 published articles, numerous visiting fellowships at various universities, extensive research, and over 200 arbitrations, Professor Thompson had a profound impact on industrial relations and collective bargaining. In 1983, he became only the second arbitrator in BC to be admitted to the American National Academy of Arbitrators, with several of his studies challenging long-standing assumptions in the field.

Described as a mentor and excellent teacher, Prof. Thompson was recognized for his balanced approach to labor relations, considering both union and management perspectives. His dedication to educating students, including those with more conservative views, on the significance of trade unions was commendable.

In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Thompson received accolades such as the Gérard Dion Award for Excellence in Industrial Relations, an honorary doctorate from Laval University, and admission to the Order of Canada in 2018. He is survived by his wife, Mary, children James, Julie, and Drew, six grandchildren, and his sister, Peggy Desmond.

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