Solidarity Without Borders

Journal: Issue 5 - 2008

Despite the slowdown in the U.S. economy and the impact on many construction markets, the work outlook for BAC members is less clouded in Canada. As a result, delegates to the Canadian Congress have been working with the International Union and the Canadian Building Trades office to move forward with efforts to obtain visas for U.S. members to work in Canada, according to Canadian Congress Co-Chair and Local 1 Saskatchewan President Clarence Medernach.

Medernach noted that while several U.S. members are already working in Canada, recent attempts to expand members’ access to visas had been interrupted by Canada’s federal election, but would be resumed shortly. “Many Canadian members benefited from being able to work in the U.S. when our economy was weak, so we’re pleased to have this chance” to provide reciprocal assistance, he said.