BC Ministers Shirley Bond and Bill Bennett reconfirmed to CLAC and the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) today the BC government’s commitment to build Site C using the open managed site model.
“We came here today to talk to Ministers Bond and Bennett about the importance of open managed sites so all workers in BC can have the ability to participate in large public infrastructure projects,” said David Prentice, BC Provincial Director for CLAC. “Allowing all workers to participate in Site C and other projects ensures fairness and a competitive environment. CLAC welcomes the government’s commitment to give all workers the chance to work on Site C and other public infrastructure projects.”
An open managed site model allows project owners to adopt an open posture toward labour models and construction employers. Both unionized and non-unionized workers get access to the project without having to join or pay dues to another union.
“PCA is pleased to have Minister Bond and Minister Bennett reconfirm that the BC government supports open managed sites and will ensure it is the approach for projects like Site C,” said Paul de Jong, President of PCA. “ We look forward to continuing to work with the government to build a more prosperous BC.”
CLAC and PCA members were also in attendance for today’s meeting with the ministers to show their support for open managed sites.
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.
About 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.
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