MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2003

VANCOUVER…… Construction workers’ unions have called the selection of Carole James as the new NDP leader “a breath of fresh air.” The comment was made yesterday by Building Trades Executive Director Wayne Peppard, in response to the announcement of the results at the NDP leadership convention. “Construction workers, as with workers from all sectors in the BC economy, have been under constant attack by Gordon Campbell’s Liberal government,” Peppard said. “Cuts to benefits for injured workers, cuts to staff at the Labour Relations Board, elimination of standards for apprenticeship training, putting public safety at risk by cutting regulations for the construction of critical safety systems, these are just some of the mean spirited neo-liberal policies brought in by Gordon Campbell since he became Premier,” Peppard said.

“Workers in BC are looking forward to working with James to restore dignity and respect for workers, their collective bargaining process and protection against employer threats and intimidation during organization campaigns,” Peppard said.

“Business and labour need a healthy construction industry in order to take advantage of the many opportunities in the province in the coming years,” according to Peppard. “James is a team builder, she understands the importance of collaboration. We’ve got to start working together to get on with the job. James has the skill and the grit to re-unite our industry,” Peppard concluded.

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For further information contact Wayne Peppard at 604-916-0027 (cellular)

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For further information contact 

the BCYT-BCTC office:  604-291-9020

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