(Canada) Electricians' union shocked by shortage of work

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/business_agriculture/story.html?id=5d9d57bc-0a0c-43ae-9ee8-701b4f7d8b33

Electricians' union shocked by shortage of work
Neil Scott, Leader-Post
Published: Thursday, June 14, 2007

More than 200 unionized electricians in Saskatchewan are out of work and waiting for assignments, according to an official with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

That may be surprising news -- perhaps even shocking news -- in a province that has a booming economy and reported shortages in skilled workers.

But Stan Shearer, business manager with the Regina-based Local 2038 of the IBEW, said as of Wednesday there were 218 unemployed electricians who are affiliated either with Local 2038 or with another IBEW union local based in Saskatoon.

The two union locals together represent about 650 members, Shearer said Wednesday.

"There's not the work here,'' Shearer said, adding the shortage of work has left many members of the electricians' union sitting on the sidelines for extended periods.

There is also an issue because many electrical contractors are non-union, Shearer said.

FULL story at link.