Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 511 - Winnipeg

The Manitoba government has amended regulations in the Construction Industry Wages Act to increase the minimum wage for construction workers in the industrial, commercial and institutional sector and the heavy construction sector and to better align with apprenticeship regulations, Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer announced today.

“The construction sector provides critical services that are a key component of economic growth in our province,” said Helwer. “Adequate and appropriate compensation ensures we are able to recruit and retain the skilled professionals needed to support ongoing development. More broadly, we are also continuing to consult the labour and business communities about the minimum wage in Manitoba. We know this is a priority for many Manitobans, due to recent inflationary pressures as well as the ongoing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The minister noted the regulatory changes published today will update minimum wage schedules in the regulations and add new classifications for class A and B gas fitters to address a recent decoupling of gas fitter training from the steamfitter-pipefitter, plumbing and refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic trades.

Minimum wage regulations for these sectors have not been updated since 2017, which is reflected in the decision to provide for a 14 per cent increase over the next three years. This is intended to catch up on inflation since the last increase and keep pace with expected inflation to 2024, the minister said.

The amendment will also change the trainee/skilled-tradesperson ratio to two-to-one from one-to-one, in alignment with a recent change to the apprentice/journeyperson ratio.

The minister noted these changes were unanimously recommended by industry stakeholders following consultation with a working group that includes representation from employers and employees in Manitoba’s construction industry. The changes were posted for a 45-day public consultation on the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal, which concluded in early June.

The first wage increase under the regulation will come into effect on Sept. 1, followed by additional increases on April 1, 2023, and April 1, 2024.