FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2004

Vancouver…The spokesperson for BC construction unions expressed shock and sorrow today after learning that at least thirteen construction workers had been killed on construction sites for Olympic venue and related infrastructure in Greece. On Wednesday thousands of workers protested the fatalities outside the Greek National Parliament in Athens. Unofficial estimates put the fatalities at close to forty.

“According to the news reports officials estimate that an additional 200 workers were injured” said Wayne Peppard the BC Building Trades Executive Director. “When the festival begins tonight there will be mourning in the homes of those who have lost loved ones due to work related accidents” Peppard said.

Greek union leaders blame the deaths on conditions that pressured workers to cut corners to get venues finished on time. Long hours (up to 14 hours per day), poor safety regulations and inexperienced workers all contributed to the tragedy. “All of this could have been avoided” Peppard said. “At the Sydney Olympics there was just one fatality and venues were completed over a year before the Games began.”

Latest estimates also show that the Greek Games will cost over $10 billion, more than double the original estimate. “Greek taxpayers will be paying for these Games for years to come” Peppard said.

“Worker fatalities and cost over-runs can be avoided by sitting down with the stakeholders before construction starts to work out a comprehensive agreement. Training, labour supply, job safety and craftsmanship are just some of the benefits of reaching a labour accord to build Olympic venues” according to Peppard.

Yesterday, John Furlong made a commitment to complete the Vancouver 2010 venues 24 months before the Games begin. “I am encouraged by John Furlong’s comments” Peppard said. “Our athletes will have an advantage by training on the facilities that will be used in the Games.” In the coming months Peppard hopes to sit down with the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee to discuss what can be done to assure safe construction, training opportunities while making sure that Vancouver’s Games are built on-time and on-budget.

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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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