The B.C. and Yukon Territory Building and Construction Trades Council filed a lawsuit against BC Hydro on Monday, which claims conditions BC Hydro is imposing on companies bidding for work on the $8.8 billion project would prevent unions from organizing non-union workers on the site. It also said they would bar unions not already present on the project from accessing the job site or worker accommodations.
Premier Christy Clark has become involved with the Site C labour dispute, stating publicly that BC Hydro went too far in its bid to curb union powers from organizing on the Site C dam project, the biggest public infrastructure project in the province’s history. “I believe they should have the right to organize,” said Clark. On Tuesday she called BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald and as a result McDonald agreed to withdraw those parts of the proposal.
This is an important issue to be aware of because it is likely that many T8 citizens will be involved with dam construction and operation, and should know their rights as union members.
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