After health and education, the Legault government now wants to reform building law.
In an open letter to be published on Saturday, Labor Minister Jean Boulet argues that the law on industrial relations, vocational training and human resources management in the construction industry should be reviewed as it has not undergone reform for many years.
“Times have changed and the approach must adapt to today’s realities,” he writes. We have to think about the future.”
The Minister clarifies his position in particular by referring to the development of the unemployment rate in recent years as well as the beginning of the labor shortage and an increase in certain needs.
There is currently a lack of between 10,000 and 15,000 construction workers to cover all demand.
Quebec will therefore demand greater flexibility from workers and employers in the 25 trade shifts regulated by the province.
“It requires a certain versatility to reduce delays and therefore reduce costs,” says Mr Boulet.
The FTQ-Construction, which represents 43% of workers, is not against such a reform, but has certain reservations.
“We have a shortage of qualifications and skills, so we should start training our people properly and adequately in the construction industry,” says General Manager Éric Boisjoly.
“Employers are more fragmented than the construction trades, and apprenticeship regulations prove that,” he continues. We’ll ask a painter to lay tiles or carpet, he’ll say he won’t do that.”
For his part, the public affairs manager of the Quebec Construction Association, Guillaume Houle, believes that the various industry shifts should not be ignored.
“With 26 shifts, that’s certainly the case,” he said. There are some companies that have rebuilt themselves in recent years by building a name for themselves around the quarterly businesses they represent, and we cannot attack the quarterly businesses. We really want there to be more flexibility.”
The minister will also have his hands full ensuring workers can be redeployed to a region with greater demand.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be unconditional mobility,” affirms Mr. Boulet.
The latter must continue his rapprochement work next week.
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