The right to fair wages and working conditions extends to trades workers employed on construction sites under federal contracts, and is guaranteed under the Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act and Regulations. Whenever contractors bid on federal construction projects, they must agree to meet the conditions defined in this Act and pay the wages established by the Labour Program in support of the Act and its regulations.
The Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act and Regulations ensure that all workers, tradespeople and subcontractors employed on federal government construction contracts benefit from fair wages and working conditions. Contractors must post a copy of the labour conditions prominently in the workplace, and keep records that demonstrate these conditions are being met, should they be requested by a Labour Program inspector.
Note: The Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act and Regulations were repealed on January 1, 2014. All federal construction contracts that contain a fair wage clause will continue to be governed by provisions of the Act and Regulations for the duration of that contract.