May, 2017 - IUPAT District Council 38

May 26

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Building Trades Attend the Canadian Legislative Conference

The week of May 14 was an important one for Unionized construction workers from across Canada, as the Legislative Conference of the Canadian Building Trades was back in Ottawa for our annual opportunity to lobby on behalf of our members. Meetings were held with representatives from the New Democratic, Conservative and the governing Liberal Parties, in an effort to advance the interests of Union Trades workers from all of the construction crafts.

However, probably the most significant piece of business that was conducted during this conference was the unveiling of a brand new Monument on Parliament Hill. This monument is dedicated solely to Union construction Trades workers, in recognition of our all of our contributions to the growth of our communities, not just as builders of buildings and infrastructure, but as an integral part of the fabric of Canada itself.

We were especially pleased to have the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, on hand to help with the official opening of the monument. The Prime Minister spoke at length about the value the 500,000 members of the Canadian Building Trades bring to the lives of all Canadians. It was refreshing to hear our Prime Minister speak without hesitation about his respect for Union construction workers and the integrity of the apprenticeship programs that we oversee.

To give you a sense of just how important this occasion was, most of the General Presidents of the major North American Building Trades Unions also attended this event. The monument is the first in all of North America dedicated specifically to Union Building Trades and the General Presidents wanted to be in attendance on such a momentous occasion.

: The Painters Brush onone of the tool boxes

: Plaque dedicating the Monument

: The giant Plumb Bobs lined up on the Parliament buildings

: Prime Minister Trudeau addresses the crowd

: The prime Minister cutting the ribbon

: The prime Minister speaks with an apprentice

May 24

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Mentorship Video Unveiled at National Building Trades Event

By Patrick Byrne | Uncategorized | No Comments

Last month we posted a story about members of District Council 38 participating in a National Building Trades campaign to heighten awareness about the importance of mentoring apprentices. At last weeks Canadian Building Trades Legislative Conference, the finished product was unveiled to everyone in attendance.

The video was so well received that a couple of follow up features will be added to the campaign using DC 38 members once again. Click on the link and check out the video below. We believe that you will be genuinely impressed with the passion of the “Mentors” and the gratitude of the “Mentees” on display for all to see.

https://youtu.be/OgoBnkuxrEk

May 01

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DC 38 Attends the National Day of Mourning

By Patrick Byrne | Uncategorized | No Comments

Across Canada, April 28 has been designated the Day of Mourning.

Every year workers, families, employers, and communities come together at ceremonies held around the province to remember those who have lost their lives to work-related incidents or occupational disease, and renew our commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces.

Once again representatives from DC 38 attended the ceremonies held this year at the Sanctuary in Hastings Park, Vancouver, and at the Legislature in Victoria.

Since 1997, the BC Federation of Labour, the Business Council of British Columbia, and WorkSafeBC have co-hosted a public commemorative ceremony for the Day of Mourning in Vancouver, B.C.

In 2001, WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of Labour, and the Business Council of British Columbia dedicated a permanent workers’ memorial in the Sanctuary in Hastings Park, Vancouver. There are approximately 45 permanent worker memorial sites sponsored by WorkSafeBC in British Columbia.

On Fri, Apr 28, 2017, people across B.C. stopped to recognize and remember the more than 140 British Columbians who died last year as a result of workplace accidents or work related illnesses.

District Council 38 will continue to attend these services as long as workers continue to be injured or killed on the job, in an effort to hold those responsible to task for each tragic death or life altering injury.

May 01

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DC 38 and the FTI Attend Delta Schools Trade Fair

By Patrick Byrne | Uncategorized | No Comments

It was hard to tell who was having more fun, the kids or the DC 38 Reps and FTI Instructors!

Unquestionably though, a good time was had by all, as the FTI brought along some of the specialized equipment used in their apprenticeship programs, to the Delta Schools Trade Fair. Kids from all over the Delta school district, from grades seven to twelve were literally brought in by the bus load to attend this year’s event.

One of the things we here at District Council 38 as well as the FTI have long recognized, is that we need to heighten awareness about the value both of our organizations bring to the greater community. Thankfully interest in all of the trades seems to be on the rise and many educational organizations are starting to pay attention to the construction trades.

Many parents who visited our display booth expressed their gratitude for our reintroducing today’s youth to the value attached to an apprenticeship leading to a Red Seal certificate. Several openly acknowledged that the good wages and benefits that come with a career as a unionized tradesperson had them pushing their kids towards a career in construction.

As many of our members start the move toward retirement, there is a looming demand for more young people to take up an apprenticeship. The timing for many of the Delta school kids couldn’t be better as there will continue to be a need for more skilled tradespeople and those good paying jobs in the coming decades.