Three of Manitoba’s leading construction industry associations say the provincial government has acknowledged that the Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA) requires changes, marking a significant development in an ongoing dispute over the policy.
The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA), the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM), and the Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) announced that recent meetings with senior provincial officials resulted in what they described as “real movement” toward revising the agreement.
The organizations have opposed the MJA since it was introduced last September, using formal complaints, freedom of information requests, direct discussions with government officials, and advocacy campaigns to push for amendments.
According to the Manitoba government, the Manitoba Jobs Agreement is designed to prioritize Manitoba workers on major publicly funded infrastructure projects. The policy aims to promote higher wages, stronger safety standards, apprenticeship opportunities, workforce development, and greater project stability by establishing consistent employment conditions for both unionized and non-unionized trades.
However, the three construction associations have consistently argued that the agreement contains significant shortcomings and raises concerns for contractors working on provincial infrastructure projects.
In a joint update provided to members, the associations said the provincial government has now accepted that the current agreement should be revised. They also stated that officials recognized the industry’s long-standing position that any future amendments should be developed in partnership with the associations representing contractors.
According to the organizations, the government has committed to launching a consultation process with them before signing any new version of the Manitoba Jobs Agreement.
While describing the commitment as a positive step, the associations emphasized that the province has not yet proposed any specific amendments to the policy.
Until changes are finalized, the current Manitoba Jobs Agreement remains fully in effect. Contractors working on projects covered by the agreement must continue to comply with all existing requirements.
The associations said they intend to hold the provincial government to its commitment and will continue updating members as consultations progress and potential revisions to the agreement are developed.
