PCA Celebrates the End of Hamilton’s Construction Labour Monopoly

Hamilton (June 26, 2019) – Member companies of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) are already gearing up to bid on local public projects, now that Hamilton City Council has voted overwhelmingly in favour of embracing Bill 66 and opening up construction work to all qualified companies and workers.

“We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Mayor and City Council for taking a strong stand and putting a stop to a labour monopoly that’s flourished for years at taxpayers’ expense,” said Sean Reid, Vice President and Regional Director, Ontario, for PCA. “Today’s decision is all about sticking up for taxpayers and treating workers and local companies fairly. That’s well worth celebrating.”

Since 2005, the International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners has had

exclusive access to taxpayer funded projects in Hamilton. This unfair practice has prevented many qualified local companies and their workers from building local projects.

Hamilton city staff estimate that by opening up competition, taxpayers would realize an average of 21% savings on Hamilton infrastructure projects. They also noted, in the staff report, other benefits including increasing qualified bids and access to contractors for emergency work. 

“Council deserves recognition for embracing Bill 66 and all of its benefits,” added Reid. “Taxpayers will get far better value on construction work, and workers and companies will get a shot at building local projects. Thanks to council’s leadership, that’s finally happening.”

About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

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.

For further information, contact: Katherine Clark, katherine@beaconcommunications.ca 416-453-3288

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