Labour and Contrators Meet with BC government to share success of progressive labour and construction

VICTORIA, May 3, 2016 – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) today met with various BC Ministers, MLAs and senior staff, sharing the benefits of progressive labour and Open Managed Sites.

“We appreciate the chance to share the benefits of our progressive labour model, in particular Open Managed Sites, with the BC government today,” said PCA President Paul de Jong. “No longer is construction in BC done in a polarizing ‘union’ or ‘non-union’ manner. There is a third way that now represents roughly half of all industrial construction in Western Canada.”

PCA is an association of construction companies across Canada who have in common at least part of their labour force being provided by CLAC.  CLAC is a progressive union that represents nearly 45,000 workers in Western Canada, and has organized workers in Canada since 1952.

“We’re proud to stand up for our members in a collaborative and cooperative spirit and work for their best interests as well as the best interests of the companies they work for,” said CLAC Regional Director Wayne Prins.  “Our progressive labour model has a robust training to employment approach, maximizes the number of British Columbians who can work in BC and brings value to taxpayers by making projects competitive.”

The Open Managed Site model also works directly with First Nations and develops apprentices. Having built some of BC’s most prominent public works projects, like the Port Mann Bridge, the Sea-to-Sky highway and the South Fraser Perimeter Road, PCA and CLAC want to bring their expertise in heavy industrial projects in other parts of Canada to help build BC future industrial projects – such as LNG, pipelines and Site C.

“We believe our model is a no-brainer,” said Prins.  “And the more we get to tell our story, the more owners – including governments – agree and want to make it possible for our companies and workers to build a better BC for the future.”

“We’re here to tell a story of diversity, inclusivity, collaboration and cooperation – and it’s a success story,” said de Jong. “We believe this is a story that British Columbians – and their government – can truly embrace.”

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About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. PCA member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada.

PCA’s goal is to ensure that Canada has a fair and open construction industry, cooperative labour relations, and a robust, inclusive and highly-capable workforce. PCA believes in open competition in which no sector is given artificial and unfair advantage over another on the basis of union affiliation or lack thereof.

About CLAC

Formed in 1952, CLAC 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.

 For further information or media inquiries contact Mike Martens, Director of Public Affairs at mmartens@pcac.ca or (403) 200-7598.