Saskatchewan Passes Changes to Construction Labour Laws

After various debates and procedural delays, the Saskatchewan Legislature finally passed major changes yesterday to The Construction Industry Labour Relations Act, 1992 (CILRA). We had reported on these proposed changes when they were first introduced last year.

This new legislation will increase competition and opportunities for owners, contractors, and employees engaged in construction in Saskatchewan. Among other things, the legislation permits any trade union to certify construction employers (i.e., not just building trades unions), allows project collective agreements and multi-trade or “wall-to-wall” bargaining units in construction, removes maintenance work from the construction legislation, and addresses union abandonment of bargaining rights.

These changes take effect upon proclamation, which is expected today.

Many Alberta contractors will be well-positioned to take advantage of these changes. McLennan Ross continues to be involved in these developments and would be pleased to assist you with your Saskatchewan operations.

This update is a general overview of the subject matter and cannot be regarded as legal advice. Please contact any member of our Labour & Employment Practice Group for advice on this or any other labour & employment law topic.