B.C. government faces calls to get involved in concrete strike

B.C.’s labour minister is facing calls to get involved as job action delays construction projects in the province.

A strike involving about 300 workers has taken away 35 per cent of the Lower Mainland’s concrete supply. Workers have been off the job since the end of May.

Larry Clay, the founder and president of Clay Construction who says his is one of many businesses that’ve been greatly affected along with their clients.

“We’re just getting bumped and we’re not getting concrete,” he said.

“We’re waiting to pour concrete, been promised concrete, we’ve been bumped. I got two more that need driveways, sidewalks, and slabs, I got another one ready to do footings and foundation, got another one that we’re starting to dig.”

NEWS RELEASE from ICBA — As construction industry reels, BC Labour Minister Harry Bains must appoint mediator to end concrete strike.

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Following a pandemic that has impacted the industry and the issues with the supply chain, Clay says it’s crucial the province step in.

“Get the workers back to work, because it’s affecting way too many people, trades, homeowners,” he said.

Chris Gardner is the president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association. He is calling on the provincial minister of labour, Harry Bains, to use the power of the labour code to appoint a special mediator “to move quickly so that we can get to a resolution that’s fair and timely.”

The union representing workers, Teamsters Local Union 213, says despite discussions since the start of the year, negotiations have reached an impasse. Working conditions are among the issues.

“These guys work long hours, so all they’re looking for is some assurances that they’re going to be getting their breaks. Up to this point, they’ve been denied their breaks, and these guys are working anywhere from 10, 12, 13, 14, hours a day and without a break,” Barry Capozzi, with the union, said.

In an emailed statement the Ministry of Labour said “[It] respects the integrity of the collective bargaining process, which means allowing the two sides to negotiate freely on their own.”

“Mediation services continue to be available to the parties through the Labour Relations Board if they need assistance.”

Clay warns that without an agreement, taxpayers and home buyers will have the consequences of an already expensive market.

“Because at some point we can go only so far and then it stops and some won’t even get off the ground,” he said.

“Everything from the Patullo Bridge, the Lions Gate Hospital, projectors at YVR, projects being built by B.C. hydro, affordable housing projects, housing projects of all kinds. To delay those projects and to increase their costs will have a significant impact on taxpayers and first-time home buyers,” Gardner adds.