Alberta construction employers and building trades unions have agreed to new collective agreements that preserve Alberta’s place as the most stable and competitive construction market in Canada.
The new four-year agreements between Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) and the 16 affiliate unions of the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) are the result of a collaborative and professional collective bargaining process that focused on preparing Alberta’s construction sector for nation-leading growth. The industry collaboration and resulting collective agreements have brought stability to the construction industry through to April 2029.
“If you’re looking to build or invest in Canada, Alberta is the place to do it. Alberta has Canada’s most stable and collaborative labour market for the unionized skilled trades, with competitive jobs. Our employers are willing to invest in today’s workers and the youth of tomorrow. And our unionized labour force is dedicated to quality, safety and efficiency.”
-Joe McFadyen, President of Construction Labour Relations Alberta
Prior to the onset of bargaining, CLRA, the BTA and union leadership agreed to prioritize a streamlined and equitable bargaining process. A negotiations advisory council was created in August 2024, which was essential for early identification of common issues and principles for the unionized building trades.
This approach meant collective agreements could be negotiated with the individual trades and trade divisions that reflect the common industry issues while also allowing for the negotiation of specific terms and conditions for each individual trade.
McFadyen attributed the industry council’s success to the trusted relationships between owners, the BTA and its affiliates, and the CLRA’s longstanding experience guiding construction employers through labour negotiations.
