Union public construction doesn91裸聊视频檛 mean more expensive construction, says the head of B.C.91裸聊视频檚 building trades organization.

91裸聊视频淚f that were the case, there probably wouldn91裸聊视频檛 be a union contractor left,91裸聊视频� said Tom Sigurdson, executive director of the B.C. and Yukon Building Trades Council.

Sigurdson was commenting Tuesday on Premier John Horgan91裸聊视频檚 announcement of 91裸聊视频減roject labour agreements91裸聊视频� to cover major public infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges. The first two projects to be administered by the new system are the Pattullo Bridge replacement between New Westminster and Surrey, and sections of four-laning the Trans-Canada Highway from Kamloops to the Alberta border.

Requiring union membership doesn91裸聊视频檛 necessarily mean higher wages, but it does usually mean better benefits and pension contributions, Sigurdson said in an interview with Black Press. And he said it opens up training for employees who have to join an international union to get a job on a B.C. public infrastructure project.

Employees who have worked at a trade for several years without certification can be assessed by the Industry Training Association and either challenge the exam for red seal trade certification or be placed at the apprenticeship level that reflects their skills and experience.

RELATED:

Public construction has been a battleground between traditional unions, non-union companies and non-affiliated unions like the Christian Labour Association of Canada.

91裸聊视频淏ritish Columbians should be extremely wary of any effort to allow a select few unions to determine who has the right to access to work on public projects,91裸聊视频� said Wayne Prins, executive director of CLAC.

91裸聊视频淐LAC is not a union,91裸聊视频� Sigurdson replied.

Bidding for work under the new corporation is not restricted to designated union firms, but if unaffiliated or non-union companies are successful, their employees are required to join the recognized union within 30 days of starting employment.

Sigurdson said non-union companies can bring managers and a set number of employees with them, depending on the job classification, and go to the union hiring hall for the rest.

The government set up a new Crown corporation called B.C. Infrastructure Benefits Inc., and the building trades established the Allied Infrastructure Related and Construction Council to sign contracts for public construction.

Sigurdson said the Building Trades Council is a voluntary organization of international unions that represents most, but not all, trades needed for major projects.

According to the transportation ministry, the Allied Infrastructure Related and Construction Council is 91裸聊视频渁 coalition of B.C. Building Trades members that formed a legal entity that can sign the community benefits agreement on behalf of their members.91裸聊视频� Member unions are:

91裸聊视频� British Columbia Regional Council of Carpenters

91裸聊视频� Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers Council

91裸聊视频� International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local Union 97

91裸聊视频� International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local Union 280, Local Union 276

91裸聊视频� International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Shipbuilders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Lodge 359

91裸聊视频� International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 213, Local Union 993, Local Union 1003, Local 230

91裸聊视频� International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union 213

91裸聊视频� International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local Union No.2

91裸聊视频� International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 115

91裸聊视频� International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 38 Painters 138, Glaziers 1527, Drywall Finishers 2009

91裸聊视频� Labourers International Union of North America Construction and Specialized Workers Union Local 1611

91裸聊视频� Move Up 91裸聊视频� A Movement of United Professionals Local 378

91裸聊视频� Operative Plasterers91裸聊视频� and Cement Masons91裸聊视频� International Association of the United States and Canada Local Union 919

91裸聊视频� United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada Local Union 170, Local Union 516, Local 324

91裸聊视频� United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Floorlayers Local Union 1541

91裸聊视频� United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Millwrights, Machine Erectors & Maintenance 2736

91裸聊视频� United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Piledrivers Local Union 2404

91裸聊视频� UNITE-HERE Local 40