How to Become a Construction Union Member in Canada

It is believed that the only way a worker, especially in the construction industry, can get the best services from their employer is by joining a union. The current construction industry has a variety of skilled personnel who have joined unions. But what are the most prominent trade unions in Canada and what workers join these unions? Craftsmen, or rather artisans, in Canada, include masons, electricians, carpenters, welders, plumbers, and roofers. A worker can join a union, depending on the trade that suits his or her profession.

Why Workers Join Labor Unions?

Many workers in Canada prefer joining trade unions because they come with lots of benefits, including but not limited to training on matters about remunerations and salary increment, the rights of employees, and pension plans. Ultimately, joining a union is important for a member since it provides a platform for a job opportunity, especially when they meet other workers and prospective employers during seminars and reconciliatory meetings. One needs to consider the following requirements when joining a constructive union.

Apprenticeship Path

The apprenticeship channel is a union-sponsored way of joining a union in Canada’s construction industry. When one enrols through apprenticeship, he or she is provided with training that suits his or her trade. Also, the trainee is eligible for a salary while still in training and possible union membership. To be a fully accredited member, one has to take two to four years of classroom instruction, depending on the type of union, and job training majoring on a specific trade. After the training is complete, the trainee is given a certificate that confirms him or her as an eligible trader and a union membership.

All construction unions in Canada have local and regional offices that offer enrollment opportunities for apprentices. To ensure that the process is not a scam, apprentice unions work hand in hand with the Department of Labor to provide the public with the right information concerning the standard and program that a union has to comply with. People should note that regional offices are fully equipped with resources that are needed when enrolling in a construction training program.

Join Through an Employer

This mode of joining a union is easy for employees working in a construction industry that has an existing union contract. At times some constructive industries bar union activities within the company premise. It is advised that one should not contact a union representative until he or she understands the correct procedures that need to be followed. The law does not force an employer to inform his or her employee on how to join a union, but it is an individual’s responsibility to contact the local or national union for information on how to go about it.

Skilled Tradesperson Application

This requirement is for those individuals who have worked in the construction industry for many years and loaded with plenty of experience. A person can apply directly for union membership based on his or her trade. Most unions have different experience requirements that have to be met by individuals who want to join them but is mainly considered during this application is work experience and the level of education that must fit the membership profile.

At times, some unions consider giving membership opportunities to individuals who are yet to complete an apprentice program. This may seem okay, but constitutionally, it is wrong because one has to be certified to work in a conducive environment and with reasonable payment. Construction unions that require its members to be fully experienced include those representing carpenters, boilermakers, bricklayers, and roofers.

Conclusively, the requirements for joining a construction union are essential for workers because they help them understand what union suits their trade and how to become fully accredited members. Training is also an important factor for a worker because it provides them with the knowledge and skills needed in their current and future employment. It is not uncommon for the government and private enterprises to increase salaries after a strike. In most cases, employees are advised to learn more about and understand a union before enrolling.