Ontario — As the April 30 contract expiry date draws closer, negotiators in Ontario’s Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction sector report cautious progress. With just five weeks left, talks are expected to significantly pick up pace by mid-April.
In total, 25 trades are currently bargaining with employer associations to renew their three-year agreements. Many hope to avoid a repeat of 2022, when the sector faced five strikes and widespread rejection of proposed deals.
“Construction is an industry where we’re known for getting the job done,” said Mike Gallagher, representing the International Union of Operating Engineers. “We don’t hesitate to tackle tough issues and find practical solutions.”
Electrical Settlement Seen as a Key Benchmark
It’s common for many trades to delay final decisions until the electrical sector reaches a wage agreement. In 2022, the electrical settlement arrived early, but this year, it is pending a crucial final offer selection process set for April 9, where a neutral party will select between the employer’s and union’s proposals.
Wayne Peterson, Executive Director of the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario, remarked,
“I don’t expect much movement until the week of April 14.”
Multiple unions and employer representatives have kept negotiations under wraps, citing added uncertainty due to potential U.S. tariff threats impacting the construction supply chain.
Pre-Cast Sector Offers Highlight Wage Gap
In the pre-cast sector, employers have proposed a $1 annual increase for each of the three years, while the union is pushing for a total increase of $5 over the contract term.
“In Toronto, $3 spread across three years equals about a 7.5% wage increase, while $5 translates to nearly 12.5%,” explained Anthony Bombini of the Pre-Cast Employer Bargaining Agency.
Aside from wages, discussions also involve contract language around travel compensation, job security, and work conditions.
Negotiators Prioritize Confidentiality
Recalling the turbulence of 2022, when inflation and labour shortages fueled dissatisfaction, both sides are determined to keep negotiations confidential until full agreements are ready.
“It’s crucial that information doesn’t leak prematurely,” Gallagher noted. “Members deserve to see the full proposal — not scattered or incomplete details.”
Electrical Talks Await Final Decision
Earlier this year, the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) finalized a joint non-wage agreement. However, wage and travel-related issues remain unresolved.
IBEW executive James Barry confirmed that the union is fully engaged as the final offer selection process continues.
With the deadline rapidly approaching, both unions and employers stress their commitment to reaching fair settlements and preventing disruptions to Ontario’s construction sector.