Collective bargaining is vital to securing fair treatment, benefits, and a safer future for thousands of building industry employees. “Collective bargaining gives employees a voice,” explains Danie Hattingh, spokesperson for business at the Building Industry Bargaining Council (BIBC). The financial benefits include: Fair wages: Industry-standard pay rates set through collective agreements. The BIBC found skilled workers on commercial projects being paid EPWP rates, well below industry minimums and without benefits. It has also worked with government and industry stakeholders to clarify EPWP exemption guidelines, ensuring skilled workers receive proper wages and benefits.