The Boom, Union Busting, and Temporary Foreign Workers
Plans to Import Workers a "Lose-Lose Proposition"
Alberta is in the middle of a boom. There is no question about that. Due to the pace of economic activity, the labour market is tight. Employers are having to work harder to find workers for their projects.
Most employers are taking necessary steps to recruit and retain desired workers - improving working conditions, increasing wages and offering good benefits. Some employers, however, are taking more drastic steps.
There has been a lot of talk in recent months about "temporary foreign workers" being used to help build massive oilsands projects in Fort McMurray. The employers involved say it is necessary to address the labour shortage in construction.
Too bad the facts don't back up their claims. In reality, the attempt by employers to import workers is an attempt to drive down wages and bust unions.
It is a complex issue with many dimensions, involving the boom, the largest oilsands project in history, company-friendly unions, pretend labour shortages and vulnerable foreign workers. In short, it is a story of the boom, union-busting and temporary foreign workers.
For more background on the issue, click here:
http://www.afl.org/campaigns-issues/tempworker/backgrnd.cfm
