British Columbia construction sites just got an upgrade. Thanks to lobbying by the IBEW and other members of the B.C. Building Trades, jobsites with 25 or more workers now must provide flush toilets, a long-awaited improvement to hygiene conditions.
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| The regulation calls for contractors to provide toilets that can be connected to a sewer system or holding tank and use a flow of clean water or a mixture of clean water and chemicals to flush the bowl. It comes at a time when construction is booming in the province and there's high demand for workers.
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"As a construction worker for just about 40 years, I say this has been a long time coming," Kamloops Local 993 Business Manager Jim Bicknell said. "We will now be able to attract and keep workers in the industry, especially women who previously left because of deplorable conditions that many companies had, simply because it cut into their profits to provide something better."
The regulation, which went into effect Oct. 1, calls for contractors to provide toilets that can be connected to a sewer system or holding tank. They are required to use a flow of clean water or a mixture of clean water and chemicals to flush the bowl. The facilities must also have hand-washing facilities and ensure that the washrooms are well-maintained, clean, ventilated and private.
"I love my job, but one of the worst parts of going to work is facing the nasty conditions inside of construction site porta-potties," said Tiffany Madden, a member of Vancouver Local 213 and board member of Build TogetHER BC, which advocates for women in the trades. "This is a game-changer for the construction industry and could even attract more women."
It comes when construction is booming in the province and there's high demand for workers. Providing cleaner and more dignified restrooms is a simple way to attract more people to the industry and keep them, said Brynn Bourke, executive director of the B.C. Building Trades.
The technology already exists. Not only do managers on jobsites often have access to flush toilets, but Quebec passed a similar provincial law in 2015. More hygienic facilities also exist in other countries, as well as industries like film and entertainment.
"I am originally from Australia, where unions have successfully campaigned and won the right to flush toilets on construction sites. So, when I moved to Canada, it was quite the shock to have to use porta-potties," said Matt Baron, a Local 213 shop steward.
"These changes will help attract new workers to the industry that may not have wanted to work here before. It's also one less thing for our sisters to worry about when they're at work," Baron added.
The push to get flush toilets on construction sites dates to the 1970s, Bourke said. A new effort took shape amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when British Columbia was one of the only provinces that didn't halt construction projects.
"Workers carried the economy on their backs during the pandemic," she said. "We learned a lot during that time, and this is one way to make things safer."
In the wake of the pandemic, the B.C. Building Trades issued two reports on the issue and launched its "Get Flushed" campaign, which included a petition and testimonials from its members, including the IBEW.
"IBEW members have been fabulous in helping with the campaign," Bourke said. "They've been great ambassadors on jobsites, as well as lobbying and providing testimony."
Among the testimonials were those from Local 993 members Katrina Harris and Alison Klie, who described highly unsanitary conditions, which are exacerbated for anyone who must sit down or deal with a menstrual cycle — not to mention having to do all that while wearing coveralls. There's also the issue of privacy and having a safe place to use a restroom facility.
"There were many times during my time working on a mine site when I needed a moment to collect myself away from men. The women's wash trailer was a sanctuary of sorts," Klie said. "It was clean and warm and private. It was a safe space for me and for many other women I know, some of whom I met in those very trailers. It's not just about a clean place to go pee."
The response from members to the new regulation has been overwhelmingly positive, said Bicknell and Local 213 Business Manager Jim Lofty.
"Our members are pleased with the changes but frustrated by how long it has taken for this to be dealt with, especially after the many horrific conditions we saw during the pandemic that clearly demonstrated that this was a health hazard," Lofty said.
Flush toilets can only help as the construction industry moves toward becoming more inclusive, Lofty added.
"We often hear of people who end up leaving construction for maintenance or other aspects of the electrical trade, or even leaving the trade altogether because of working conditions that force them to make changes," Lofty said. "Bullying, harassment and discrimination are all things that the industry needs to improve, so that not only young workers, female workers or underrepresented people can improve their workplaces, but all workers can enjoy a respectful place to work."
The province is in the process of bringing everyone into compliance, Bourke said, focusing on sites that have flush toilets for management.
"It's eminently possible to implement this," she said. "It's a minor expense that will bring a lot of dignity.”