Manitoba introduces bill to end forced unionization on construction projects

MANITOBA—The Manitoba government has tabled a bill to eliminate collective labour agreements on major public construction projects.

Introduced by the former NDP administration, collective agreements required employees and contractors to hire from specific unions. If an exception was made, dues or fees were paid to unions for work carried out by non-union workers.

The proposed act would prohibit those tendering practices, including on projects undertaken by the provincial government, crown corporations, school boards, regional health authorities and post-secondary institutions.

“Our government has been clear that forced unionization is wrong for Manitobans,” said Ron Schuler, Manitoba Infrastructure minister.

Developed with input from stakeholders, the legislation would not impact projects currently under construction.