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The government of Manitoba has signed a workforce agreement with Manitoba Building Trades that will see large provincially funded construction projects prioritize the use of Manitoba workers.
(Photo: Rapeepat Pornsipak / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)
The Manitoba government has signed its first Manitoba jobs agreement (MJA) with Manitoba Building Trades, which the province says will create good jobs in the province through the construction of four new schools, two in Winnipeg, one in West St. Paul, and one in Brandon.
“Manitoba workers are the driving force of our economy,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We’re creating Manitoba jobs for Manitobans, by making sure that our province is built with good, family-supporting jobs in the trades. This starts with putting Manitobans to work to build four new schools to the highest standards for our kids.”
The premier says the MJA to build kindergarten to Grade 8 schools is the first step in establishing a new policy to support local labour on major public infrastructure projects that have a value of $50 million and above across the province. The agreement ensures contractors will prioritize Manitoba workers, and it sets standards for wages, benefits and working conditions. It also includes targets for apprenticeship hours to support workforce development while delivering projects on time and on budget, noted the premier.
“This is a win for Manitoba workers and for our entire industry,” said Tanya Palson, executive director of Manitoba Building Trades. “We’re proud to work with the Manitoba government to make sure our public infrastructure projects are built at the highest standard, while creating good-quality jobs for workers across the province.”
The MJA will apply to all contractors and workers involved in the school construction projects, as well as large construction projects funded by the Manitoba government.