Brampton Board of Trade
| 1 minute

The Open Period is coming for Ontario’s Construction Industry. Here is what employers need to know about Union Raids & Decertifications.

By Mike MacLellan and Danielle Jager

It’s kind of like the Olympics. Every three years we get to watch exciting high-stakes battles between seasoned competitors. Except instead of nations competing in sports, we have trade unions competing for the support of workers in the construction industry. Ok so maybe it’s not THAT MUCH like the Olympics…

What is the “Open Period” in Ontario’s Construction Industry?

The construction industry’s “Open Period” occurs in the final two months of the collective agreement. Most agreements are synchronized, meaning that for most employers in construction, the open period occurs at the same time every three years for two months.

The upcoming “Open Period” will be from March 1, 2022 to April 30, 2022.

During the Open Period unionized employees in the construction industry can apply to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (“OLRB”) to decertify their current bargaining agents and end the application of the applicable collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”) through a Termination Application. Rival unions can also apply to the OLRB to raid the current union’s representation rights through a Displacement Application. The ultimate decision of whether an application succeeds will be made by the OLRB based on support for the application by workers who were employed by the employer and doing work under the collective agreement on the application date.

While the decision to decertify or raid a union lies respectively with the employees or alternate trade unions, it is still important that a construction employer be aware of their rights and responsibilities should either application be filed.

The Employer’s Role During the Open Period

Click here to read full article

Upcoming Events

The Brampton Board of Trade has developed a dynamic series of events tailored to the needs of Brampton businesses. Whether it’s to recognize the individual and collective success of Brampton businesses or to share best practices in a webinar or workshop, our events are designed to connect Brampton’s business community and foster your growth and development.

With ongoing forums, networking events, and Signature events such as our Business Excellence Awards, another event is always around the corner.

View Upcoming Events