b'FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTAND ADVOCACYThe Manitoba Labour Relations Amendment ActChanges Are Coming!There are proposed amendments to Manitobas Labourinterest. In construction, where projects are time-sensitive Relations Act that employers in the construction industryand coordination is crucial, maintaining stability is should be aware of. The Labour Relations Amendment Actparamount. Increasing the threshold ensures union votes has been attached to the Budget Implementation and Taxare only triggered with clear, significant workforce support, Statutes Amendment Act (BITSA), which will be held in thepromoting a stable working environment.fall session in 2024. Unfortunately, since it is attached toSECRET BALLOT: PROTECTING EMPLOYEE AUTONOMYBITSA, there will not be committee meetings where theThe WCA strongly advocates for the reliance on a secret public has the opportunity to raise issues directly related toballot in union certification votes. This method safeguards these amendments. And the amendments are significant. employees from potential coercion or undue influence Below are three major items we see as impacting labourfrom either side of the debate. A secret ballot ensures relations in the construction industry. each worker can express their true preferences without INTERIM CERTIFICATION: A QUESTION OF FAIRNESS fear of retaliation or pressure from colleagues, union A key concern with the amendment is the provision forrepresentatives or employers.interim certification, allowing a union to achieve interimIn construction, where teams work closely on site, the risk certification with only 40-per-cent workforce support. Thisof coercion is high. A secret ballot maintains the integrity disregards the voices of the remaining 60 per cent whoof the voting process, ensuring the decision to unionize have not expressed an interest in union certification. Interimor not is made freely and fairly. This approach aligns with certification creates unbalanced representation, allowing athe democratic principles that should underpin all labour minority to make decisions affecting the entire company.relations laws.Interim certification is not an approach adopted acrossIn conclusion, the WCA urges lawmakers to consider the Canada; for example, Ontario and Alberta do not haveimplications of these amendments on the construction interim certification ability. sector. The construction industry in Manitoba has thrived In the construction industry, this is particularly problematic.on a balanced approach to labour relations, with open-shop Projects involve diverse workers with varying opinions onand unionized companies coexisting in harmony. Ensuring union representation. Granting interim certification basedthat changes to labour relation laws are fair, balanced and on a minoritys interest undermines democratic principles.reflective of the workforces true will is imperative. The WCA believes there should be no provision forThe WCA remains committed to advocating for construction interim certification, ensuring all employees have an equalemployers and employees interests, striving for a opportunity to participate in decision-making. regulatory environment that supports stability, fairness and UNION VOTE THRESHOLD: continued growth in our industry.ENSURING GENUINE MAJORITY SUPPORTAnother issue is the threshold required to trigger a union vote, currently set at 40 per cent. We believe this is too low. British Columbia, for example, requires a 45-per-cent threshold to initiate a union vote. Raising the threshold to at least 45 per cent would ensure a more substantial levelof support before moving forward with such an impactful decision. Darryl HarrisonA higher threshold prevents frequent, potentially disruptive unionization attempts that do not reflect a solid majority 8 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'