Important Notice Regarding Projects Under the Manitoba Jobs Agreement
The Winnipeg Construction Association is advising all trade contractors to exercise caution and due diligence when bidding or working on projects designated under the Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA).
This bulletin reflects the best information we have at this time. We believe it to be accurate, but it may be subject to change as additional guidance emerges.
For full bidding information please refer to WCA BuildWorks.
Click here to view the Manitoba Jobs Agreement (Four schools bundle)
There is more clarity on the MJA with additional information being provided through the tendering process. Addendum #3 for both the Four New K-8 Schools Construction – TP-0 Mechanical & Electrical Design-Assist and Four New K-8 Schools Construction – TP-1 Piling & Fire Protection was recently released.
Click here for Addendum #3 for the Four Schools
It included additional information about bidding requirements including the Labour Agreements for:
APPENDIX NO. 4b – PLUMBING AND PIPEFITTERS (ICI Mechanical Division)
APPENDIX NO. 4c – PLUMBING AND PIPEFITTERS (ICI Refrigeration Division)
APPENDIX NO. 5 – ELECTRICAL WORKERS (ICI)
APPENDIX NO. 6 – INSULATORS (ICI)
Sheet Metal Agreement
Click here for Addendum #3 for the Piling & Fire Protection
It included additional information about bidding requirements including the Labour Agreements for:
APPENDIX NO. 1a – OPERATING ENGINEERS (ICI Piling)
APPENDIX NO. 2 – GENERAL TEAMSTERS (ICI)
APPENDIX NO. 3a – IRONWORKERS (ICI Reinforcing Division)
APPENDIX NO. 3b – IRONWORKERS (ICI Structural Steel Division)
APPENDIX NO. 4a – PLUMBING AND PIPEFITTERS (ICI Sprinkler Fitters)
APPENDIX NO. 7b – LABOURERS (ICI)
APPENDIX NO. 8b – CEMENT MASONS
As of today, the affected projects are:
- The Four Schools Design-Build Bundle
- The Victoria Hospital Expansion Project
These projects are subject to MJA-specific conditions that differ significantly from standard public-sector procurement. Contractors should be aware of the following implications before participating:
1. Increased Administrative and Compliance Burden
Projects delivered under the MJA include additional reporting, documentation, and workforce requirements that will require more staff time and resources. These can include:
- Detailed workforce reporting and compliance tracking
- Additional onboarding and reporting obligations for subcontractors
- Potential verification of hiring practices and workforce composition
Contractors should carefully review tender documents and allocate sufficient administrative resources to meet these conditions.
2. Unionized Worksite Requirements
The MJA introduces a project labour framework that effectively creates a unionized site environment. Even if your company is non-unionized, you may be required to:
- Work under terms aligned with collective agreements
- Engage with union hiring halls for workforce supply
- Adhere to site-specific labour conditions and practices that differ from your standard operations
This could significantly impact your labour flexibility, cost structure, and project delivery approach.
3. Request and Review the MJA Agreement
Before committing to any project under the MJA, contractors should request and thoroughly review a copy of the Manitoba Jobs Agreement from the Construction Manager. This document outlines the specific workforce, reporting, and labour obligations that will apply to you and your subcontractors. Understanding these requirements in advance is essential to:
- Assessing the true cost and risk profile of the project
- Preparing your team for compliance and reporting obligations
- Making an informed decision about whether to participate
4. Proceed With Caution
We strongly recommend that members:
- Obtain and review the MJA in full before submitting a bid.
- Consult with legal or labour relations professionals if you are uncertain about the implications for your business.
- Factor in administrative, reporting, and labour-related costs when estimating bids for MJA projects.
WCA is actively monitoring the implementation of the Manitoba Jobs Agreement and will continue to advocate for fair, transparent, and balanced procurement practices. We encourage members to contact us with any questions or to share their experiences navigating these new requirements.
The foregoing comments are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice. Members are encouraged to consult a qualified lawyer for advice tailored to their specific situation.