Could this one change give vulnerable B.C. workers more power?

For more than 30 years, unions in B.C. have been fighting for sectoral bargaining — a process to bring workers and employers from similar businesses to a single negotiating table.

Instead of organizing hundreds of fast-food outlets, for example, one model of sectoral bargaining could require representatives of the businesses and workers to negotiate a framework agreement for the industry.

Employers say it would create instability and hurt small businesses and the economy.

But unions and labour researchers say it would let precarious workers access unions, reflect the realities of a changed economy and level the playing field for employees.

Last year both sides brought their concerns to a three-person panel appointed to review the B.C. Labour Relations Code and propose changes on a vari