Organizing wins across Canada

Canada’s unionized construction industry is expe­riencing significant victories for workers. From prevailing wage requirements on green infra­structure projects, to tax deductions for travellers, to new federal legislation designed to expedite nation-building projects, the future is bright for SMART members and the broader labour movement.

As Canada gears up for a wave of megaprojects from coast to coast, it is more important than ever to remain focused on organizing. Organizing victories ensure SMART has the capacity, skill and strength to meet the demands of high-profile, intensive projects, while protecting the wages, benefits and working conditions that members deserve.

Across the country, SMART locals are rising to this challenge by prioritizing organizing and expanding their reach. On the West Coast, Local 280 (Vancouver) has grown its membership by 35%, thanks to successful organizing campaigns involving 15 new companies. Their most notable victory was organizing a roofing company with over 50 members, marking a significant step forward for both the local and broader construction industries in B.C.

In Northern and Eastern Ontario, smaller locals are also ramping up their efforts. Local 504 (Sudbury) and Local 269 (Kingston) have hired full-time organizers for the first time, a sign of their commitment to signing nonunion companies and preparing for the influx of new projects.

Meanwhile, in Southwestern Ontario, Local 562 (Kitchener) achieved a breakthrough after years of determined efforts, welcoming 56 new members who made the switch from the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC). The turning point came when CLAC compared their current wages and benefits, which highlighted the clear advantage of SMART member­ship. Even with a recent $18/hour raise from CLAC, the workers realized they were still behind SMART’s collec­tive agreements. Ultimately, this move wasn’t just about higher wages; it was about joining a union that provides meaningful representation and long-term security.

But our largest organizing victory came in Windsor, where Local 235 mobilized 450 SMART travellers to support work on the NextStar Energy megaproject. At peak, the site had 950 union members working, a clear demonstration of SMART’s capacity to scale up orga­nized labour.

Looking ahead, more megaprojects are on the horizon. From the PowerCo (Volkswagen) battery plant to multiple hospital builds across the country, these proj­ects offer incredible opportunities for SMART members to develop their skills, secure steady employment and sustain rewarding careers in their local communities.

But seizing these opportunities requires organizing. It is only through continued organizing efforts that we can ensure all construction workers, regardless of their location in Canada, can reap the benefits of union repre­sentation. Better wages, safer worksites and stronger worker protections start with a commitment to grow our union. Together, we’re building more than infrastruc­ture; we’re building a stronger future for every SMART member across Canada.