Published in the Edmonton Journal Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The critical work performed by essential services workers – from health care, to grocery, truckers and more – has never been so obvious.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown us our well-being depends on their work, we thank them, and advocate lasting wage boosts for all on the front lines.

However, a group of essential workers is being overlooked. These are the skilled tradespersons continuing to build and maintain Alberta through the pandemic.

From constructing retail space and public transit, to those in camps up north, they’re working to ensure our economy flows as smoothly and safely as possible.

Yet compensation is being cut, with threats of more to come. This is wrong. These workers are critical to our economic security and should be compensated as such.

The need for industry to find savings is understandable, but we must do everything to ensure we’re not picking the pockets of hard-working Albertans in the process.

Terry Parker

Executive Director, Building Trades of Alberta