b'BCCA UPDATEALL WHEELS GREASEDChris Atchison,President, BCCAhe old saying the squeaky wheel gets the grease isCOMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENTS (CBA)T often true in life, but not when it comes to operatingInfrastructure BC (previously known as Partnerships BC) is an essential construction business in 2021. Allgetting ready to role out a CBA light for public projects. wheels need the grease, all the time. This version will forgo the preferred union requirements of the full CBA introduced in July 2018. BCCA has fought the This year has brought contractors and those who work forCBAs mandatory unionization of workers on the grounds that them no shortage of urgent and unique challenges. In theit infringes on the rights of Canadians to freedom of assembly Southern Interior, as the industry has pivoted and collaboratedunder the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and weve been to manage COVID-19 during extreme heat and wildfire, thoseglad to see the rollout of a much more limited CBA than what fresh challenges rightly demand your urgent attention. was originally anticipated.In the background, the underlying serious challenges to theThat said, these new diversity hiring requirements on smaller productivity and resilience of our industry have not movedpublic projects will include financial penalties for contractors to the backseat. They still ride right up front, demandingnot meeting those requirements. BCCA is working to manage attention because they have the power to derail what youvethe scope and complexity of the plan and has made a robust worked so hard to build.and detailed recommendation to Infrastructure BC.Thats where the BC Construction Association (BCCA) andCOMPULSORY TRADESregional construction associations like the Southern InteriorB.C.s new Skilled Trades Certification (commonly known Construction Association (SICA) come in.as Compulsory Trades) system will require all workers in selected trades to be either registered apprentices or certified Lets take a minute to catch up: journeypersons to work in their trade. BCCA has been at the table with government and other industry representatives to make sure that all sides are heard in the pursuit of a fair PROMPT PAYMENT and balanced outcome. We have amplified the governments B.C. is still lagging behind other provinces on the introductionoutreach across the industry to ensure that contractors across of Prompt Payment legislation. BCCA has kept the pressureall labour groups add their voices, and we will continue on B.C.s Attorney General David Eby, partnering withto advocate on the industrys behalf to find a compromise ECABC and MCABC to communicate industry concernsposition that supports diversification without aggravating the alongside the impact and realities of lack of payment. Weveexisting workforce shortage. made it crystal clear that we expect legislation within the next 12-month period and have proposed a clear and simple planPUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT STANDARDSfor moving ahead. The Attorney General has agreed to townThe rise of subjectivity in procurement practices is a blight hall meetings across B.C. early this fall.on the construction sector that adds unnecessary risk for all parties, from owners to contractors and service providers.The first episode of BCCAs Inside Construction podcast is Prompt Payment or Bust and lays out the case for legislationThere is new urgency: as infrastructure projects lead with real-life stories from well-known B.C. contractors. Find itour economic recovery after COVID-19, public sector by Googling BCCA Inside Construction podcast.procurement should be conducted according to the best 12 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'