Workers’ coalition campaigning for better industry jobs
A coalition of building and construction trade unions says it will campaign for progressive leadership and good jobs in the industry.
Let’s Build Canada comprises the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, and Canada’s Building Trades Unions.
“Without strong leadership coming out of the 2021 election, we risk Canadian workers being left behind by a changing economy. Without a clear vision of a new, fair post-pandemic future from forward-thinking leaders, we risk trading good wages for low wages and good benefits for no benefits,” said Matt Wayland, Director, Let’s Build Canada. “Good jobs are too important to the future of Canadians, our families and our communities for them to be at risk. This election, we need to vote for good jobs.”
During the federal election, the coalition says it will advocate for candidates and political parties to commit to supporting Canadian workers and well-paying, middle-class jobs. This includes supporting labour mobility in the construction industry, building green jobs and a just transition for energy workers, and government programs and initiatives to support the workforce.
“For many Canadians in the construction industry, work means having to travel away from home, with all the expenses that entails. Often, the men and women building our power plants and hospitals need to pay for these expenses out-of-pocket without any tax deductions or support from the government,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “There are good jobs available across Canada. The post-pandemic recovery should include policies that get Canadian workers to and from the jobs without breaking the bank.”
The coalition intends to play an active role in the election through its www.letsbuildcanada.ca website.