Construction sector trade union regulations adjusted

SYDNEY — The provincial government has created Trade Union Act general certification regulations which apply to the construction sector only.

The new rules will require certification applications be made Monday to Friday, when it indicates a more representative number of employees tend to be on a worksite.

The labour board will no longer consider a Saturday, Sunday or holiday as the date of application for purposes of certification.

“Employees have a right to fair workplaces where they can have their voices heard,” Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette said in a new release, on behalf of Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “This change is about striking the right balance and increasing the likelihood that the majority of the workforce is represented.”

Currently in the construction sector, when more than 50 per cent of employees working on the date of the certification application demonstrate support, a workforce can become unionized without a vote. The government news release cited weekend work as an example of when a smaller group of employees can trigger the unionization of a larger workforce.

The province indicated the changes follow consultation with stakeholders representing nonunion construction contractors, unionized contractors and trade unions in the construction industry.

The changes are effective immediately.