Trades Can Anticipate Opportunity Despite Continuing Pandemic Business Uncertainties
As the COVID-19 pandemic moves into its third year, businesses in Ontario have undergone many openings and closings as per the government and health industry leaders. Some businesses have thrived by taking advantage of increased consumer online spending or demand for home renovations. Businesses deemed essential including grocery have also benefitted due to lower competition during lockdown restrictions. Other industries like entertainment, hospitality, and restaurants have suffered immensely and many have had to close their doors.
Trade union jobs have fallen somewhere in the middle. While they have at times experienced restrictions with jobs paused due to anti-spread measures during the initial lockdown period, they have mostly remained essential.
Demand remains high and prospects for opportunity in union jobs are positive with construction projects moving steadily ahead. Supply has really been the greatest challenge with a greater number of tradespeople retiring, compared to tradespeople joining the workforce. The industry needs to replace 310,000 construction workers retiring to meet the demand, which is greater than ever. According to BuildForce Canada, by 2030, the average Canadian construction worker will be 42 years old.
Construction Demand Strong Amidst a Zigzagging Economic Landscape
Projections for continued growth in the construction industry bodes well for trade union jobs. According to Research and Markets report, the industry is anticipated to grow 6.5% surpassing previous forecasts. The reasons can be attributed to government spending on infrastructure and upgrades of healthcare buildings to address the rising demand. Clean and renewable energy projects along with a continued boom in residential construction are also factors.
Health and Safety Remain Top of Mind
Key health strategies have been implemented by the construction industry in order to maintain safety. In particular, construction sites have taken these measures:
- Providing access to first-aid kits, clean washrooms (hot water and soap), sanitizer, cleaning materials, etc.
- Wearing PPE on-site
- Having staggered shift times, including breaks and entrance/exit points
- Limiting the number of workers on-site
- Holding meetings in large outdoor spaces
- Responsive and flexible scheduling
- Ongoing tracking and monitoring
It’s important as ever for workers to follow the below measures:
- Safe Distancing: Social distancing has been one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of the virus. By maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet/2 metres apart from another person, workers can feel safer from particle transmission (coughing or sneezing).
- Maintaining Personal Hygiene: A huge part of transmission is caused by touching your face, nose, eyes, and ears. By washing your hands and sanitizing, you will be killing those potentially dangerous germs.
Opportunity Knocks for Union Jobs
The pandemic has shifted the way in which companies do business, and trade union jobs have not been immune to the impact. With retirements and a labour shortage, the construction industry has its work cut out for itself. However, the demand is very high which means more opportunity, better wages, and greater security for those looking to join the union.
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