Advocating for choice, competition, and open tendering
Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba is the only association that uniquely represents non-union contractors in Manitoba. The association has 170 plus member companies. In addition to providing a very comprehensive benefit package we provide construction, human resource, wellness training and advocacy on labour relation issues.
While we look forward to working with the new government there are a number of labour relation issues that are on the horizon that impact our members. This piece focuses on Bill 7.
Bill 7 is a repeal of the current Public Sector Construction (Tendering) Act which came into law under the former conservative government in 2021. Project Labour Agreements (PLAs) tend to favour Building Trade Unions as opposed to non-union contractors. The act up for repeal represented choice, competition and open and fair tendering. Merit members pay fair wages, benefits, comply with health and safety legislation and are invested in workforce development.
In Manitoba, non-union construction workers represent 70 per cent of the industry. The direction toward PLAs that favour a small portion of the industry is not a good direction to go. All employers should have an opportunity to work on projects without a labour model imposed on them by the ideology of government.
Fair, transparent and open bidding should be a cornerstone value in a democracy. Whether you are a union or non-union shop, you should have a fair shot at work put out by the government. The repeal of this bill is a step backwards and will have a negative impact on our members.
Learn more at meritmb.com.
Merit Contractors Association ofManitoba
112-131 Provencher Blvd
Winnipeg
204.888.6202
meritmb.com