With the B.C. election underway, businesses across the province are assessing what the future of skilled labour will look like. One question that should be top of mind is how we can ensure that the workforce building our critical infrastructure is not only skilled but also diverse, safe and reflective of local needs.
The role of unionized labour in securing these outcomes is often overlooked in favour of short-term solutions, such as temporary foreign workers. While these workers fill important gaps, relying too heavily on them poses risks for businesses and the broader economy. By focusing on the value of local, unionized labour, we create a stronger, safer and more stable foundation for growth.
When businesses hire unionized labour, they are investing in safety. Unionized workers have access to extensive training and safety protocols that are regularly updated, reducing the risk of workplace accidents. In industries like construction and skilled trades, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity.
B.C.’s workplace safety records have shown that unionized sites often outperform non-unionized ones when it comes to accident prevention and compliance with health and safety standards. For businesses, this translates to fewer disruptions, reduced liability and a reputation for caring about their workforce.
In a province where infrastructure is growing rapidly and demand for skilled workers continues to rise, ensuring a secure and sustainable labour supply is critical. Unionized labour offers that stability, providing businesses with a reliable workforce that is highly skilled and certified to the highest industry standards.
Temporary foreign workers have filled important gaps in the past, but over-reliance on this solution is problematic. These workers are often more vulnerable to exploitation, and there is a risk that local skilled workers may be pushed out in favour of cheaper, temporary labour. This creates not only instability in the local job market but also challenges for businesses that need experienced, long-term workers who understand local regulations and standards.
Unionized labour has also made significant strides in building a more diverse and representative workforce. As industries in B.C. evolve, there is a growing recognition that diversity is a strength, not a burden. The skilled trades are no exception. Unionized environments offer structured pathways for women, Indigenous workers, and people from underrepresented groups to enter the workforce and build meaningful careers.
This is especially important as businesses recognize the value of diversity for innovation and productivity. A workforce that draws from all segments of society is better equipped to bring fresh ideas, solve problems more creatively, and build stronger community ties.
The modernization of the skilled trades is another area where unionized labour is leading the way. As technology advances, unionized workers are upskilling and embracing innovation. From new construction technologies to improved materials and techniques, today’s skilled tradespeople are more than capable of adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing industry.
For businesses, this means that hiring unionized workers is not just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. Unionized workers have access to ongoing training and professional development, ensuring that they remain at the cutting edge of industry advancements.
Ultimately, the argument for supporting unionized labour is about creating certainty for businesses. Local, unionized labour provides a stable, highly skilled and safety-conscious workforce that businesses can rely on. This contrasts with the uncertainty that comes with short-term solutions like temporary foreign workers, who may lack the long-term commitment and local expertise needed to drive sustained growth.
With the B.C. election day on the horizon, businesses need to ask themselves what kind of workforce will best serve our needs in the long term. This is not just a moral imperative—it is a business imperative.
Doug Parton is the business manager and financial secretary-treasurer of Ironworkers Local 97, which represents 2,300 ironworkers.
