The province of Manitoba is reverting to a construction supervision system that includes more supervision on construction sites to address concerns about workplace safety. This decision comes after the death of worker Michael Skanderberg in 1999, who was killed on the job while working unsupervised. The province had previously changed the apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio to 2-to-1 in 2020, but the current administration is reversing it back to the original 1-to-1 regulation. Economic Development Minister Jamie Moses stated that there will be exceptions in remote areas where the number of journeypeople may be a challenge, but the primary focus will be on maintaining high levels of safety.
Unions have shown support for the province’s decision to change the apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio, which is set to come into effect next week. IBEW 2085’s Dave McPhail highlighted that the lower ratio not only led to unsafe situations, but also resulted in experienced workers losing job opportunities. He mentioned that some contractors were stacking their crews with double the number of apprentices, leaving skilled workers waiting for work. This practice of having more apprentices than Red Seals was primarily for cost savings, according to McPhail. He also noted a 30% drop in the number of people obtaining their Red Seals since the 2-to-1 supervision ratio was introduced four years ago.
Tanya Palson of Manitoba Building Trades emphasized that the legislation will have a positive impact on both safety and outcomes in the construction industry. She stated that being an apprentice is not the end goal, but becoming a Red Seal journeyperson is. Palson mentioned that the 2-to-1 ratio had negatively affected the completion rates of apprenticeships, and returning to the 1-to-1 ratio will help improve these outcomes. Overall, the changes in the apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio are expected to benefit both workers’ safety and the success rates of apprentices in completing their training.
The decision to revert to the original 1-to-1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio in Manitoba has been welcomed by various stakeholders in the construction industry. The move is seen as a step towards enhancing workplace safety and ensuring that apprentices receive adequate supervision and training while on the job. The previous 2-to-1 ratio had led to concerns about safety and the quality of work being performed, with experienced workers feeling marginalized as a result of the increased number of apprentices on construction sites. By reinstating the 1-to-1 ratio, the province aims to strike a balance between providing opportunities for apprentices to learn and grow while also prioritizing the safety and well-being of all workers in the industry.
The response from unions and industry representatives to the province’s decision has been largely positive, with many expressing appreciation for the government’s commitment to prioritizing safety and training in the construction sector. By addressing the concerns raised about the 2-to-1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio, Manitoba is taking proactive steps to create a more supportive and conducive environment for workers at all levels of experience. The changes are expected to have a significant impact on the completion rates of apprenticeships and the overall quality of work being produced in the construction industry. Moving forward, it will be important to monitor the implementation of the new regulations and assess their effectiveness in achieving the desired outcomes for both workers and employers in Manitoba.
In conclusion, the decision to revert to a 1-to-1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio in Manitoba reflects a commitment to promoting workplace safety, supporting the development of skilled trades workers, and ensuring the success of apprentices in completing their training programs. The changes are expected to address concerns raised by unions and industry representatives about the negative impact of the 2-to-1 ratio on safety and outcomes in the construction industry. By prioritizing the supervision and training of apprentices, Manitoba aims to create a more sustainable and productive workforce that is equipped to meet the needs of the province’s growing construction sector. The positive response to the announcement from various stakeholders demonstrates the importance of collaboration and consultation in developing effective policies that benefit both workers and employers in the province.
