August 22, 2007

Trouble brews in Alberta over oil sands labour

Trades set to strike any day

EDMONTON

An ongoing trade dispute in the Alberta oil sands is causing frustration among workers, according to unions.

Byron Anderson with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488 says workers are starting to struggle financially since their last two-year contract expired May 1. He says the union’s 9,000 members have asked for a 25 per cent pay increase over two years, but that contractors have turned that offer down.

Members of another union, the boilermakers, will vote on their latest offer Sept. 10.

But assistant boilermakers business manager Morgan Fedak with Local 146 says even though union members have been offered more money, he doubts they will accept the four-year deal.

“I don’t think it’s a money issue. It’s a quality-of-life issue,” Fedak said, adding, “Our membership is ready to strike right now.”

Fedak said even if a deal is not accepted and ends in a strike, jobs could be threatened if foreigner workers are hired to replace striking labourers. He said the majority of boilermaker Local 146 members work in Fort McMurray.

The boilermakers, plumbers and pipefitters are among several construction trades yet to ratify agreements with the Construction Labour Relations Association, which represents contractors.

Last month, unions representing refrigeration mechanics, millwrights, plumbers and pipefitters voted to strike.

Under provincial labour laws, if three-quarters of the construction unions settle, all the others lose their right to walk off the job.

Anderson said these rules are hampering efforts for his union to negotiate a fair deal. “We just feel it should go to strike or arbitration, but it’s not going anywhere.”

The Construction Labour Relations Association was unavailable for comment.

Print | Email | Comment