Canadian unions slam Irish recruitment drive

Construction worker unions in Canada have criticised a recruitment drive for hundreds of workers here to take on roles which, the unions say, should be filled by homegrown talent.

A delegation from the north American country will gather in Belfast and Dublin during the next fortnight for yet another “jobs expo”, this time hoping to fill more than 700 vacancies for roles including welders, steel fixers and heavy duty mechanics. As well as the country’s infrastructural requirements, the recruits will also be involved in Canada’s growing oil and gas industry.

The British Columbia Construction Association, which is leading the programme, has said there are not enough skilled, experienced workers in western Canada.