Unionized construction workers reach deal for labour stability on Site C

VICTORIA – B.C. Hydro and the province's unionized building trades workers have reached an agreement over the construction of the $9-billion Site C hydroelectric dam.

The deal means union members will work alongside non-union workers and with independent and First Nations contractors.

Hydro president Jessica McDonald says the agreement allows labour peace at an open site and takes steps to ensure that B.C. Building Trades unions will take part in the construction of the megaproject.

The unions have waived the practice of signing project labour deals that restrict other non-affiliated groups from working on the site.

Tom Sigurdson, head of the B.C. and Yukon Building Trades Union, says the compromise reflects members' desire to work on the project at union wages and benefits while respecting the employer's mixed-worker model.

Site C will be the third dam on the Peace River in northeastern B.C., and is expected to be completed in 2024.