B.C. union move shocks construction industry

April 29, 2022

The British Columbia NDP government is proposing changes that will make it easier for workplaces to unionize, a move that has “appalled” the B.C. Construction Association (BCCA). About 85 per cent of construction in the province is done by non-union workers.
Under major amendments introduced April 6, if 55 per cent or more of employees in a workplace indicate their intent to unionize by signing union membership cards, a union will be certified and no further vote is required.
And, if between 45 per cent and 55 per cent of employees sign union membership cards, a second step consisting of a secret ballot vote is required for certification.
Currently in B.C. and most other jurisdictions, a secret ballot is required to vote on forming a union because this method protects workers from union or employer intimidation.
BCCA said it supports a “moderate and reasonable” approach to labour relations that protects the rights of all employers and employees “without favour to the 15 per cent minority who are union members.”
BCCA released a statement saying it was appalled at the legislative changes which it says are seeking to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.
“This is a time of labour shortage, extreme cost increases, and demand for high productivity in B.C.’s construction sector,” said BCCA. “The province cannot afford to spend valuable legislative time on ideology. Lawmakers have an obligation to prioritize improvements that will directly benefit the industry as a whole.”