PCA says "Sims Report" on labour relations flawed

Report contains inaccuracies, omissions, and mischaracterisations and does not provide appropriate guidance to legislators

EDMONTON, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), the voice of progressively unionized construction employers, expressed its concerns over the recently released "Sims Report" on labour relations and the process surrounding the report's release.

"PCA has strong concerns with both the substance of the report and the process by which it has been presented.  We don't feel like all the facts are on the table," said Paul de Jong, President of PCA. "Rather than rushing to pass legislation, we urge the government to slow down this process."

‎The report, released by the government yesterday, contains a considerable number of inaccuracies, omissions, and mischaracterisations. In particular, PCA believes that it presents a flawed and one-sided account of the construction industry. 

PCA today also called on the Government of Alberta to release the Hope-Chomyn Report. This report is the precursor to the Sims report and is referenced by Sims in his report but has never been made public.

"We ask that the Hope-Chomyn Report be released to stakeholders, MLAs, and the public as we believe it may have reached different conclusions than the current report. However, without seeing the report, we have no way of knowing for sure," added de Jong.

"Any legislative changes that are being contemplated should be reflective of the industry as a whole, and be put forward in an open and transparent way that allows for full and fair opportunity for consideration and response," concluded de Jong.  "PCA is prepared to discuss our concerns in greater detail, but only once all the facts are on the table.  In the meantime, we ask that the government not rush legislation on this subject."

About the Progressive Contractors Association (PCA)

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada's construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. Our member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada.

PCA's goal is to ensure that Canada has a fair and open construction industry, cooperative labour relations, and a robust, inclusive and highly-capable workforce. PCA believes in open competition in which no sector is given artificial and unfair advantage over another on the basis of union affiliation or lack thereof. PCA looks forward to continuing our positive working relationship with the Government of Alberta to create a more responsive, open, and competitive system for workers.

SOURCE: Progressive Contractors Association of Canada

Media inquiries: Paul de Jong, [email protected],  403-620-3781