Canadian unions applaud Council's call for changes to labour laws

JOINT NEWS RELEASE
PROGRESSIVE CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (PCA)
CHRISTIAN LABOUR ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (CLAC)
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The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) and CLAC  are fully behind Sault Council’s latest effort to end construction labour monopolies. Council has passed a motion by Councillor Matthew Shoemaker that calls on Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano and Ontario Labour Minister Kevin Flynn to work to amend Section 126 of Ontario’s Labour Relations Act. 

This would open up construction tendering, so that all qualified contractors and workers have the chance to work on City construction projects.

“We applaud Council and Councillor Shoemaker for taking the next step in ending the 30-year reign of construction labour monopolies,” said Ian DeWaard, Provincial Director, CLAC. “Council recognizes that it’s time all qualified local workers, regardless of union affiliation, are allowed to work on projects in their own communities.”

Currently Sault Ste. Marie is designated as a “construction employer” which prevents up to 70 per cent of qualified contractors from bidding on local projects. This lack of competition drives up construction costs. Based on the City’s own infrastructure estimates over the next three years, taxpayers could save up to $8 million by changing the way future construction projects are tendered.

“Sault Council’s stand could have major benefits beyond this City,” said Karen Renkema,  Public Affairs Manager at PCA. “A small change in Ontario’s labour laws translates into huge tax savings and a giant step forward in gaining greater fairness for taxpayers, workers and contractors across the entire province.”

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA member companies are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada, employing more than 25,000 skilled construction workers who are represented primarily by CLAC. PCA promotes fair and open construction tendering in ALL Ontario municipalities.

CLAC, formed in 1952, is one of Canada’s fastest-growing unions. Operating through 15 member centres, it is the country’s largest national, independent, multi-sector union representing over 60,000 workers in almost every sector. Based on values of respect, dignity, and fairness, CLAC is committed to building better workplaces, better communities, and better lives.