Why Manitoba’s jobs agreement works

Opinion

Premier Wab Kinew’s announcement of the first Manitoba jobs agreement has drawn criticism from predictable corners of the construction industry, such as the MERIT Contractors Association.

They argue these agreements are “sweetheart deals” for unions, that they exclude non-union workers, and that they inflate costs.

They’re wrong on all counts — and dangerously so for anyone who cares about public value, project stability, or fairness for workers.

Let’s be clear: the jobs agreement doesn’t shut anyone out.

Any qualified contractor can bid on these projects — union or non-union, large or small.

The only difference is that, once on site, everyone plays by the same rules: a single collective agreement that guarantees industry-standard wages, benefits, and conditions for all workers.

That’s not exclusion — that’s fairness.

Construction is built on contracts. Contracts are the language of this industry. And unless a purchaser ties the desired outcomes to the conditions on the job, those outcomes rarely happen.

If we want Manitoba workers building Manitoba projects, apprentices trained, and equity targets met, those requirements must be built into the contract. That’s what the agreement does.

For too long, Manitoba has relied on tendering practices that reward the lowest bid, rather than the greatest value.

That model has held down wages and benefits, and too often favoured firms that take profits out of province. It’s time to shift the focus from low cost to high return — prioritizing quality, skills, and community value.

The jobs agreement flips the script. It ensures every worker on a publicly funded site earns a fair wage, receives pension and health benefits, and works under proven safety standards. It targets 10 per cent of all project hours to apprentices and 20 per cent to equity-deserving groups — so public dollars build not just schools and hospitals, but careers for Indigenous Manitobans, women, and newcomers.

Critics love to wave imaginary price tags, claiming agreements like this add 15 per cent to costs.

But research from across North America shows that project labour agreements — the model on which the Manitoba agreement is based — deliver projects on time and on budget, with no loss of competition.

In fact, they reduce risk by preventing strikes, lockouts, and jurisdictional disputes. Manitoba Building Trades unions have also relinquished their right to organize on these projects — a significant concession that ensures labour peace and project stability, while protecting the rights of non-union contractors.

Unionized construction delivers value because it delivers certainty.

Our members complete registered apprenticeships at higher rate than the national average, have better safety records, and show higher productivity and lower turnover than the industry average. Independent benchmarking shows union projects are four per cent more cost-effective overall — a direct return on investment for taxpayers.

And Manitobans will get to see the results for themselves.

The outcomes of this policy — from apprenticeship hours to equity participation to final project costs — will be public. This is a transparent, measurable framework.

When the time comes, if the MERIT Contractors Association want to share their own apprenticeship hours, equity hours, and project cost performance against initial estimates, we’ll gladly compare notes.

When the government invests public dollars, Manitobans should expect more than concrete and drywall.

They should expect training opportunities, equitable hiring, safe work sites, and community benefits that last long after the ribbon is cut. Those outcomes aren’t accidental — they’re contractual.

The jobs agreement is not a political favour. It’s a policy choice rooted in accountability, stability, and fairness. It ensures public dollars build public good.

And it treats all workers with dignity.

If we believe Manitobans deserve good jobs, safe conditions, and a fair shot at the projects their tax dollars fund, then the jobs agreement is not just good policy — it’s the future of responsible construction.

Tanya Palson is the executive director of Manitoba Building Trades.