Pattullo Bridge contract shouldn’t exclude non-union workers: ICBA
Posted March 25, 2018 7:34 am.
Last Updated March 26, 2018 11:56 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association says he’s worried about possible changes to BC’s labour code now that Premier John Horgan is suggesting only unionized contractors will build the new Pattullo Bridge.
Chris Gardner is expecting that to drive up the cost of the nearly $1.4-billion crossing linking New Westminster with Surrey.
“What generally happens is costs escalate and construction timelines are not met and ultimately the taxpayers pay the price. Big construction projects should go out to tender and the companies that have provided the best value and will do the work safely and have a strong track record, they should win the work.”
Gardner says he couldn’t believe it when he heard Horgan promise all Pattullo Bridge construction work will go to unionized contractors.
“To put that into context, that’s 13 per cent of the construction workforce in BC who are members of unions that supported Premier Horgan. For him to stand up and say only those workers are going to get the opportunity to work on the Pattullo Bridge is not fair and it’s irresponsible.”
Gardner adds that’s partly why concerns are being raised about possible changes to the BC Labour Code which hasn’t been updated since 2002.
He’s suggesting BC’s longterm economic prosperity could suffer if proposed changes don’t reflect the need for flexibility, choice, and innovation.
Construction on the new bridge is set to begin next summer. The new structure, which will replace the aging, existing span, is expected to open in 2023.
Staff with the premier’s office have provided a written statement:
Our government is delivering on our commitment to review the labour code to support a growing and sustainable economy with fair laws for businesses and workers. The labour code has not been reviewed in 15 years, and the economy and workplaces have changed a lot in that time. That’s why the review panel asked for online feedback, and is now inviting in person feedback as they travel the province to hear from British Columbians.”
