A Special Project Order (SPO) has been issued for the construction phase of the West White Rose Project (WWRP), in accordance with Section 70 of the Labour Relations Act. A SPO provides labour relations stability for the duration of construction by approving the establishment of a labour relations framework that is uniquely tailored to the requirements of a particular project. Such orders have been used on several large construction projects in the province.
The SPO provides legal sanction for the collective agreement negotiated between the WWRP Construction Employers’ Association Inc. and the Council of Construction Trades Inc. and confirms their commitment to no strikes or lock outs throughout the construction period.
The collective agreement also includes provisions related to diversity, gender equity and local hiring including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stating that the parties agree to promote and support initiatives for employment diversity, and provide full access to employment opportunities for qualified females and members of underrepresented groups. Under the MOU, the parties will also implement proactive programs and practices that contribute to the creation of an inclusive work environment.
The West White Rose oil field is located in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin, approximately 350 kilometres east of St. John’s.
Quotes “Labour stability is a key component of the on-time, successful completion of any construction project, especially a project of this magnitude. This Special Project Order will help ensure the West White Rose Project, the largest oil and gas production project to move forward in Canada this year, is a success.” Honourable Al Hawkins Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
“First oil of the West White Rose Project through the wellhead platform is expected in 2022 and will provide substantial direct employment and business benefits to the province, as well as more than an estimated $3 billion in royalties, equity and taxes.” Honourable Siobhan Coady Minister of Natural Resources
“The WWRP Construction Employers’ Association Inc. is very pleased that the SPO for the West White Rose Project has been filed. Construction of the concrete gravity structure, which will be built by the SNC-Lavalin- Dragados-Pennecon General Partnership (SDP), is expected to employ, at the peak, around 700 skilled trade construction workers. Some early work has already begun and most of the hiring of trade labour, which is taking place through the Council of Construction Trades Inc., will begin in 2018.” Gregory Anthony WWRP Construction Employers’ Association Inc.
“We are pleased to be a part of this project, and look forward to having our members continue demonstrating their world-class skills and ability. We have significant experience on resource development projects and look forward to working with the General Partnership on this Husky Project.” Vic Slaney President, Council of Construction Trades Inc.
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Learn More Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Husky Announce White Rose Extension; More than $3 Billion in Royalties and Equity for the Province – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/exec/0529n02.aspx
Minister Coady Announces Positive Development as Husky Energy Awards Major Contracts Related to the West White Rose Project – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/nr/0809n04.aspx
Special Project Orders – www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/labour/pdf/spo_protocol_final.pdf
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Media contacts Ryan Crocker Advanced Education, Skills and Labour 709-729-1795, 725-9595 RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca Nancy Hollett Natural Resources 709-729-5777, 685-3372 NancyHollett@gov.nl.ca Gregory Anthony WWRP Construction Employers’ Association Inc. GAnthony@coxandpalmer.com 709-570-5532 Vic Slaney President, Council of Construction Trades Inc. President, Labourers’ International Union of North America, Local 1208 709-726-6256