A project assessed perceptions of manufacturing employers regarding the workplace literacy skills of occupational groups in their industry in Manitoba. A mailed survey was sent to 125 members of the Canadian Manufacturers' Association; 41 completed it. The first part of the survey obtained information about the occupations in manufacturing and required reading, writing, math, and communication skills. The second part gathered employers' perceptions about workplace literacy skills and occupational groups most in need of improved basic workplace skills and determined if they were interested in a further initiative to examine workplace literacy skills. Two-thirds of the respondents identified 9 of 10 common industrial reading documents/tasks as occupational reading tasks. The most common mathematics operations were working with decimals, using metric measurement, and working with fractions. Two-thirds of the respondents used tape measure, calipers, micrometer, and scales. Half of the respondents identified all four types of writing: work orders, complete forms, time cards, and safety reports. All respondents stated listening speaking were used. English as a second language was a concern for 16 companies. Of 41 industries completing the survey, 23 indicated an interest in participating in a further initiative. (Appendixes include the survey, occupational groups needing improved workplace literacy skills, and list of participating companies.) (YLB)