British Columbians Should not be Worried about the Costs of Union-only Construction Rules
Responding to the concerns of British Columbians about the rise of costs due to the union-only construction edict, Premier John Horgan advises worried citizens to wait and see how the project of the Pattullo Bridge will turn out. According to the recent project labor agreements, the workers must join unions on the Pattullo project, worth $1.4 billion, as well as on the project aiming at widening the highway from Kamloops to Alberta, with an estimated cost of $555 million.
Defending the new rules, the Premier of British Columbia says that they will provide an opportunity to train a bigger number of apprentices, prevent strikes and help with the stability of costs.
The citizens of British Columbia are worried about the increase in the costs of projects
The main concern of the critics is that the new mandatory union construction rules might result in a rise of costs of up to $4.8 billion, which would add to the government’s three-year capital plan, with the budget of $25.6 billion. This concern was voiced in the form of a letter, sent by nine business and independent contractor organizations.
Opposition fears that these changes might lead to discrimination
The Opposition Liberals went even further, stating that the recent changes might discriminate around 80 percent of the construction industry, which does not belong to any union. According to Liberal MLA John Martin, the new rules are going to favor the main union supporters of the NDP, who will receive all the contracts.
The additional benefits of the labor rules
Responding to critics, Horgan said that this edict will not only guarantee to finish these projects effectively, but it will also promote hiring local people, Native Americans and women. He also added that apprenticeship spots will constitute 25 percent of all employees.
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