FRANCAIS

September 28, 2006

The second phase of wage schedule revisions under Manitoba’s Construction Industry Wages Act, designed to help retain tradespeople and strengthen the industry’s sustainability, takes effect Oct. 1, Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced today.

“The new schedules developed in partnership between government, business and labour have helped revitalize Manitoba’s construction industry,” said Allan. “They are helping us retain the skilled workforce so essential to the province’s long-term economic sustainability.”

The first phase of the initiative, which included new wage schedules for building projects in Winnipeg and a single rural schedule, came into effect on June 1. Effective Oct. 1, the rates for projects in Winnipeg will be increased and the rural schedule will increase wages to 90 per cent of the Winnipeg rate. The second phase of increases in rates for projects covered by the heavy construction schedule will come into effect Jan. 1.

The changes to the wage schedules affecting building projects in Winnipeg will see general average increases of 21 per cent over the two phases while projects covered by the heavy construction schedule will receive a general average increase of 33 per cent over the two steps.

“These increases reflect the reality of today’s extremely competitive national construction industry,” said Allan. “I appreciate the support of labour and business in helping Manitoba restore its ability to compete and pursue economic growth opportunities.”

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