SURREY – The latest proposed changes to the B.C. Labour Code, recommended by a review panel appointed by the NDP Government, could significantly harm business competitiveness, drive up costs, and undermine investment at a time when the province’s economy is struggling and layoffs are starting to spread through the homebuilding sector, says the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), Canada’s largest construction association.
“The B.C. economy is facing real challenges – massive government deficits, declining housing starts, rising unemployment, increased business insolvencies, and weak private sector investment,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President and CEO. “Now is not the time to make more sweeping changes to labour laws that would further increase business operating costs, reduce competitiveness, and erode the confidence of entrepreneurs and investors who create jobs in this province.”
In a formal submission to the B.C. Government’s latest Labour Code review, ICBA outlined deep concerns about recommendations made by the Review Panel, including the creation of an Industrial Inquiry Commission to examine construction industry labour relations. ICBA warned this move would bring more instability into a sector that makes up nearly 10% of B.C.’s GDP and that employed more than 250,000 British Columbians at the start of the year.
“Over the past several years, we’ve seen a series of legislative changes that have tilted the playing field in favour of organized labour that are actually hurting workers and killing jobs,” he said. “More than 85% of B.C.’s construction workforce operates outside the traditional union models the members of the Panel focused on. Open shop and progressive union workplaces are where the vast majority of construction, innovation and job creation happens – and they need a stable, predictable environment to continue driving growth, attracting investment, and creating opportunities all of which result in bigger paycheques for workers.”
ICBA’s submission emphasizes the importance of fair, balanced labour laws that respect workers’ rights and encourage investment. “In recent years, the government has made several decisions that have moved B.C. further away from balance – stripping the right of workers to vote in a secret ballot when deciding on whether to join a union is one of the most egregious changes to the Labour Code enacted by the Government,” said Gardner. “B.C.’s labour laws need to be fair, balanced and respectful of workers and not unleash uncertainty and instability in our economy.”
ICBA also strongly opposes any move toward mandatory sectoral bargaining, warning it would destabilize labour relations and put smaller and mid-sized businesses at a severe disadvantage.
“B.C.’s construction industry is a key part of our economy, building the homes, hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and facilities we all rely on,” Gardner said. “Rather than bolster construction and the high-paying jobs that come with it, the Government seems lost, as its finances spiral out of control, with people leaving B.C. in search of opportunity elsewhere, and a housing affordability crisis that is turning into a jobs crisis.”
For a copy of ICBA’s full submission, click HERE.
