Data quality, concepts and methodology: Construction union wage rates and indexes

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(Table 327-0045: 2007=100 Wage Rate Indexes monthly 1971 to present; Table 327-0003: Wage Rates monthly 1971 to present)

Introduction

These series measure changes over time in the current collective agreement rates for 16 trades engaged in building construction in 22 metropolitan areas. Union wage rates by trade are also published for 22 metropolitan areas for both the basic rates and rates including selected supplementary payments. Indexes are provided (Table 3) for those cities where a majority of trades are covered by current collective agreements.

Characteristics

General

Two rates are indexed: basic rates, indicating the straight time hourly compensation; and basic rates including supplements, such as vacation pay, statutory holiday pay and employers' contribution to pension plans, health and welfare plans, industry promotion and training funds.

Prices used

Wage rates used for these indexes are derived mainly from those published by the various construction labour relations associations across the provinces. Summaries of the signed agreements are provided to Statistics Canada.

Adjustments to prices

None. Rates used are those published in the collective agreements.

Weight base

The weights used for the 2007 based indexes were derived from the 2006 census data. As before, a fixed- basket Laspeyres index formula is used for the 2007 based indexes.

Index formula

Price indexes are base-weighted.

Revisions

Wage rates and indexes are subject to revisions for 30 months.

Historical data

Details on rates (1971 onwards) and indexes (1971 onwards) for individual trades are available monthly on CANSIM. For the 1981=100, 1986=100 and 1992=100 series, composite indexes by major trade group and region are also generated and stored on CANSIM. The databank numbers are available both in the CANSIM directory or on request.

Reference documents and further reading

Catalogue no. 72-002-X
Employment, earnings and hours

For further information, contact Dissemination Unit at telephone: 613-951-4550, toll-free: 1-888-951-4550, fax: 613-951-3117, e-mail: ppd-info-dpp@statcan.gc.ca, Producer Prices Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6.

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