Manitoba Building Trades and Province Sign First Manitoba Jobs Agreement

Yesterday, the Manitoba Building Trades, alongside the Government of Manitoba, has signed the first Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA) — launching with the construction of four new schools across the province. The four new schools project will see two built in Winnipeg in the Devonshire Park and Prairie Pointe neighbourhoods, one in West St. Paul’s Meadowlands neighbourhood, and one in southwest Brandon.

The MJA to build kindergarten to Grade 8 schools is the first step in establishing a new policy to support local labour on major public infrastructure projects $50 million and above across the province. The agreement ensures contractors prioritize Manitoba workers and sets standards for wages, benefits and working conditions. It also includes targets for apprenticeship hours to support workforce development while delivering projects on time and on budget.

The Manitoba Jobs Agreement is designed to serve as a framework for all major provincial infrastructure projects, from hospitals to hydro, helping ensure that taxpayer dollars support Manitoba workers, families, and communities.

This agreement reserves 10% of project hours for apprentices, giving young Manitobans real pathways into the trades and commits that 20% of hires come from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous Manitobans, women, and newcomers.

The MJA will apply to all contractors and workers involved in the school construction projects. The policy will apply to large construction projects funded by the Manitoba Government.

Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a series of similar initiatives to be unveiled in the future. As new opportunities arise, we’ll be sure to keep OE987 members informed and engaged every step of the way.