The age-old image of porta-johns scattered across sprawling construction sites may soon fade into the past, according to an announcement by Premier David Eby. He outlined forthcoming legislation that mandates flushing toilets at work sites in British Columbia hosting 25 or more employees.
The Premier’s remarks were made during a convention hosted in Victoria for the BC Building Trades Council. The Council, a coalition comprised of more than a dozen construction unions and representing approximately 45,000 workers, has raised severe concerns over the lack of sanitary washroom facilities at job locations.
Premier Eby underscored his commitment to improving the conditions at construction job sites. “The fundamental ability to utilize a washroom which is clean and functional, a toilet that may be flushed and isn’t in a state of disarray, is a fundamental requirement for a decent worksite,” he expressed. This is a part of an effort to promote construction work as a viable and respectful means of employment and community-building.
Although the Premier did not specify a timeline for when the new regulations would be implemented, he confirmed that Labour Minister Harry Bains would spearhead this initiative.
The BC Building Trades Council only recently revived their “Get Flushed” campaign, aimed at advocating for functional toilets at construction sites. The campaign initially commenced amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to “significant” health and safety concerns as stated by the Council.
Brynn Bourke, the council’s executive director, declared last Thursday, “The harsh reality is that the majority of individuals wouldn’t tolerate porta-potties, and construction workers should not be an exception. They have dealt with subpar and undignified washroom conditions for far too long. We need the government’s intervention.”
It’s pertinent to note that Quebec has already enforced a similar requirement since 2015 for construction sites hosting 25 or more employees. Bourke’s assertions were backed by numerous construction workers. Peter White, an Ironworker, stated, “Being compelled to use porta-johns is belittling and dehumanizing.”
The Premier acknowledged the pivotal role of the BC Building Trades Council in pushing for this vital change. “It is primarily due to the BC Building Trades Council’s advocacy on this issue that we are initiating this endeavour,” Eby concluded.
