The Building Trades of Alberta has filed advance notice on behalf of its 18 affiliates and 60,000 members, to challenge the constitutionality of Alberta Labour Bill 32, The Restoring Balance in the Workplace Act, and its Regulation that unfairly targets unions, employers and charities through new rules around the election of union dues for “core” and so- called “non-core” activities.

The new rules took effect in Alberta on Aug. 1, 2022.

“This Regulation adds a tremendous amount of red tape to unions, our contractors and employers, and will severely impact the capacity of building trades unions to advocate for affiliates, members’ rights and our ability to donate to charities and non-profits across Alberta. They also inject the government into the private operations of legal, democratic and transparent building trades unions,” said Terry Parker, Building Trades of Alberta’s Executive Director.

The new rules around union dues election will also inhibit the building trades’ ability to support the industries and projects that put members to work, like pipelines, new oil and gas developments, green infrastructure and much more.

The Regulation also hinders our efforts to promote and advocate for women, Indigenous and new Canadians in the skilled trades, like BTA’s ‘Path Forward’ Indigenous Workforce Initiative and our work to increase accessible, affordable and quality childcare through Build Together, Women of the Building Trades of Alberta.

This legislation will harm efforts to push for better compensation, benefits, pensions, and improved alcohol and drug treatment as well.

These new rules will also obstruct our ability to give back to the communities we live and work in; something that is incredibly close to BTA’s more than 60,000 members and our families.

“BTA and its affiliates have proudly given millions to many worthwhile organizations across Alberta over the years that support and help those in need; from Stollery Children’s Hospital to women’s shelters, STARS, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, food banks, Fresh Start and many, many others,” adds Parker.

The Building Trades of Alberta is seeking several constitutional remedies, including a declaration that the legislation is invalid pursuant to Section 52 of the Constitution, and a permanent injunction declaring the legislation inoperative, unenforceable, and stayed on a permanent basis.

We remain committed to keeping affiliate members informed throughout this legal challenge.

For more information, please contact Tyler Bedford, BTA Director of Communications and Relations at: tbedford@bta.ca