Celebrating 115 Years of MBT

March 12, 2024

A Message from the Executive Director: 

It is with immense joy and gratitude that Manitoba Building Trades commemorates the 115th anniversary of our council. As the Director of MBT, I am honoured to reflect on our incredible journey together and celebrate the collective achievements that have defined us over the years and physically built Manitoba into the province it is today. 

While our council’s early days can be traced to the early 1880s, its official inception date was March 9, 1909, when the local body disbanded and reorganized under the Build Trades Department at the American Federation of Labour. This affiliation began a journey fueled by solidarity and a shared commitment to workers’ rights. Today, as we celebrate 115 years of existence, we look back on a path laden with significant milestones, victories, and a legacy of resilience.

Very few organizations have been subject to industry volatility, quite like the Building Trades. This fact is demonstrated in the rise and fall of our organizations’ prominence over the 20th century and into the new millennium. Yet throughout the cycle of construction booms and busts, our council has remained committed to our purpose of overcoming industry challenges, advocating for the rights of workers, and making a lasting impact on the lives of all Manitobans. 

In the early 20th century, Building Trades members dedicated their livelihood to building critical infrastructure and landmarks like the Shoal Lake Aqueduct and the infamous Hudson’s Bay building. Our fight for workers’ rights ranged from an instigating presence in the 1919 General Strike to advocating for Winnipeg’s low-cost housing scheme in the 30s to public outcry about the in-human labour conditions at the earliest hydroelectric projects. Throughout the mid-century, Manitoba Hydro Dam Projects were administered through a landmark Building Trades agreement, the 1966 Burntwood Nelson Agreement. Throughout the province and over the following decades, work was completed at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Town of Churchill Facilities, Health Science Centre, Children’s Hospital, Portage Place, and even the Union Centre on Broadway, to name only a few. 

At the turn of the century, our members could be found building downtown’s Red River College Campus, True North Square, the James Richardson International Airport, and the massive earthworks project—the expansion of the Red River Floodway in 2005. Today, most Manitobans are hard-pressed to get through the day where they live, work, and play without seeing or interacting with infrastructure built by a building trades professional.  

This anniversary reflection brings immense appreciation to our 13 affiliated unions in our council and their members. And, we extend our thanks and recognition to our friends and allies, not only those within the labour movement but to our contractor partners – many whose histories in Manitoba run in concert with ours. In reference to the industry issues of the day, we often say, “If you’re not working, we’re not working.” And while the past 115 years have not been without a fair share of strikes, disputes, and labour unrest – we’ve all been at our best when there is trust and collaboration. We can find a balance between advancing and protecting workers while at the same time advocating for investment in building Manitoba’s infrastructure. 

Our continued success is as deeply rooted in our values as our members’ work is rooted in the development of this province. As we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future with optimism and determination, as the challenges ahead require a renewed commitment to our principles. Our vision is a prosperous building sector in Manitoba where all skilled tradespeople are valued and receive the respect, recognition, and safe working environments they deserve for their contributions to our communities’ collective well-being.

Here’s to the council, all building trade unions, and the past 115 years of resilience, progress, and unwavering dedication to the skilled trades. 

In solidarity, 

Tanya Palson 
Executive Director
Manitoba Building Trades