IUOE News Fall 2013

Feature Article
B.C. Premier meets with labour
leaders on LNG workforce
LNG projects prove that government’s cooperation with
labour unions is fundamental to success.
On September 9th, 2013, B.C. Premier Christy Clark held a
round table meeting with prominent local labour leaders
including IUOE Local 115 to discuss strengthening relations
between her Liberal government and the province’s unions.
The meeting comes at a time when the Premier realizes
that cooperation and input from the unionized workforce is
crucial. Top of the agenda was her cabinet’s commitment to
LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) projects and its recentlypublished
Workforce Strategy and Action Plan, which
proposes the challenges and opportunities associated with
assembling a suitable LNG workforce.
The Plan has adopted the mandate to
“Build the capacity within industry,
labour supply partners and communities
to address current and future natural gas construction and
operations workforce requirements.”
Some 75,000 permanent and 60,000 temporary jobs are
reportedly up for grabs if the long-term LNG projects are realized
over at least the next five years. However, even at this
preliminary stage, the Plan recognizes the shallow pool of
skilled labour in B.C., stating “...northern B.C.’s labour force
will simply not be able to meet the labour demand generated
by the growth of the province’s natural gas industry.”
Premier Clark’s meeting may be a critical first step in
addressing the realities that labour unions face every day;
ensuring an adequate, skilled workforce is available where and
when needed - something LNG investors also look for.
“We need to put aside our differences and get to work,
20 News October 2013
“People don’t care about
politics. They care about jobs”
Unions partnering with the Liberal government to address labour
issues is something all agree to as critical for the province.
starting the dialogue where we can work cooperatively, solving
the problem” said the Premier. “People don’t care about politics.
They care about jobs.”
B.C. Federation of Labour President
Jim Sinclair agreed that the meeting was
an important step in improved relations,
saying “We’re committed to continuing
dialogue into finding real answers that put British Columbians
to work at decent paying jobs with the skills they need.”
Clark also proposed a committee of employers, labour and
government representatives to focus on making sure British
Columbians are “first in line” for LNG jobs, calling offshore
sourcing an “absolute last resort.” A draft terms of reference
document has been proposed for the committee, and may be
finalized by September 30.
“We will continue to work with the Premier and government
in taking the next steps toward ensuring B.C. and Canadian
workers are looked after and prosper along with the province”
says Local 115 Business Manager Brian Cochrane. “We will
work in partnership with any organization or government
which demonstrates a genuine commitment to these goals.”
B.C. Premier Christy Clark
On September 9th B.C. Premier Christy Clark
met with prominent labour leaders, including
Local 115’s Business Manager Brian Cochrane.
The meeting discussed potential agreements
between her Liberal government and the
unions to meet the labour demands of the
proposed LNG projects in Northern B.C.
To stay updated on this story, visit the news
section of www.iuoe115.com