New construction unions council awaiting final approval

A new council has been proposed by two Canadian unions to assist in the recruitment of skilled labourers nation-wide in times of shortages. 

FTQ-Construction and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) proposed the Canadian Construction Unions Council (CCUC), which is designed to promote labour mobility when shortages occur – with priority given to local workers, increase job stability, and promote sharing best practices with workers across the provinces. 

The proposal has been approved by both organizations’ leaders but still requires approval by members of FTQ-Construction.

If approved, the CCUC will be the largest group of unions in the construction sector in Canada, representing 80,000 workers across the country. 

FTQ-Construction is comprised of 17 unions and represents more than 70,000 construction workers, while the CEP represents more than 120,000 workers across various industries, including communications and telecommunications, energy, forestry and paper.

“Activity in the Canadian construction industry labour market is keeping a good pace, but each province or territory will continue to experience slowdown periods,” stated FTQ-Construction President Arnold Guérin. “That is why, in order to counter the effect of labour shortages, the two labour organizations want to offer greater mobility to their members and thus contribute to full-time employment.”

CEP national president Dave Coles stated that his organization is proud to join with FTQ-Construction.

“The CCUC is an innovative project that will directly benefit all workers by offering multiple job opportunities,” said Coles.

According a recent press release posted by the CEP on its website, the CCUC would become the first nation-wide construction union organization with no ties to the U.S.