Cape Breton unionized construction workers on strike to restore pandemic concessions

Unionized construction workers in Cape Breton have initiated a strike on Monday, aiming for wage increases following what they describe as significant concessions made during the pandemic to sustain the industry amidst challenging circumstances.

Picket lines have emerged at various major worksites across Cape Breton Regional Municipality, including the university, hospitals, and a long-term care home, which the unions have deemed as “critical infrastructure.”

The President of the Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council, Ernie Dalton, stated in a release that the previous collective agreement, signed over five years ago, included substantial wage concessions that were pledged to be rectified in future negotiations. These concessions were made to facilitate a smoother negotiation process and expedite the commencement of much-needed projects.

Despite picketers declining to engage with reporters and referring them to Dalton, who was unavailable for interviews on Monday and Tuesday, he conveyed in a brief phone conversation that he is diligently working towards resuming talks and resolving the strike.

In the released statement, Dalton expressed disappointment that the commitment to restore concessions has not been upheld, with workers being asked to accept reduced wages.

The council represents 14 unions in Cape Breton, with 10 of them seeking a revised collective agreement. Negotiations are conducted with the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association, representing private contractors in the industrial, commercial, and institutional sector. The association did not provide any comments on Tuesday.

The strike has impacted various projects, including the construction of the new medical building at Cape Breton University, where work has come to a halt. According to university spokesperson Lenore Parsley, the building was scheduled for completion in October. While it is uncertain if the strike will affect this timeline, Parsley assured that medical classes will commence as planned in late August.

The Department of Labour affirmed its respect for the right to strike, emphasizing impartial conciliation and mediation efforts to encourage constructive dialogue for a fair and timely resolution. Moreover, the department clarified that only private-sector contractors and their employees are involved, not government workers.

The strike has caused a cessation of all roadwork, including the construction of the roundabout on Kings Road at Keltic Drive in Sydney, as confirmed by a provincial public works spokesperson. Build Nova Scotia, responsible for the region’s hospital redevelopment projects, stated that construction activities are currently on hold, with plans to reassess timelines once the strike concludes to mitigate any potential delays.

Furthermore, work at CBRM’s new wastewater treatment plant in Glace Bay has been halted, alongside the suspension of routine roadwork and maintenance. The impact of the strike extends to private contractors and employees, underscoring the urgency for amicable negotiations to restore normalcy within the construction sector.