Labour Day

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LABOUR DAY 2021 IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

D1

D2 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Happy Labour Day! BC BUILDING TRADES

Construction workers needed — urgently Wanted: 277,000 construction workers by 2027.

From the 40,000 skilled construction workers who have been building British Columbia for more than 50 years. www.bcbuildingtrades.org

Dignity and Justice A Voice in the Work Place These are the principles on which organized labour was founded.

No single union has ever achieved these goals with more success and consistency than the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Best wishes this Labour Day from the membership and officers of

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 31

affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Teamsters Canada, and the Canadian Labour Congress #1 Grosvenor Square, Delta, Be V3M 5S1 Stan Hennessy, President Caley Fieldhouse, Secretary-Treasurer

For Organizing Assistance Tel: 604-527-2722 Fax: 604-540-6073 Email: bhennessy@teamsters31.ca

A

ccording to BuildForce Canada, which monitors trends in the construction sector and provides labour market intelligence to industry, as many as 277,000 new construction workers will be needed this decade alone to meet labour requirements and counter rising retirement rates.

BuildForce recommends stepping up recruitment efforts aimed at new Canadians, women and Indigenous workers to help manage the shortage.

“Labour Day and the start of September is a perfect time for young people to start thinking about career options,” said Brynn Bourke, interim executive director of the BC Building Trades. “A career in the skilled trades is wellpaid and in demand.”

And all trades are not the same.

From electrician to carpenter, to plumber to insulator, to heavy equipment operator, there are options for every interest and aptitude. The skilled trades shortage also means there will be no shortage of work in the coming years.

In fact, current projects being built under the province’s Community Benefits Agreement construction framework mean

jobs and training are prioritized for apprentices, women in the trades, Indigenous workers, and local residents. These projects include the widening of Highway 1, the Pattullo Bridge Replacement, the Broadway SkyTrain and — on the Island — the new Cowichan District Hospital Replacement.

The aim is to have 25 per cent apprentices on these projects, which will help create a steady workforce for the future.

“That means a significant number of workers who are new to the trades will have an opportunity to build their province, and the skills they learn will help secure their future in the industry long after the ribbon has been cut marking the completion of each project,” said Bourke. bcbuildingtrades.org

WORKSAFEBC

Preventing communicable disease in B.C. workplaces

Preventing communicable disease in B.C. workplaces

By WorkSafeBC

W

As an employer it’s your responsibility to: • Identify health and safety risks.

• Put appropriate measures in place.

• Communicate with workers in order to keep everyone safe.

Learn more at worksafebc.com

hile it’s no longer mandatory to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan available for review, employers still need to assess for the risk of all communicable diseases in their workplaces.

As part of the provincial government’s four-step Restart plan, employers no longer need a COVID-19 Safety Plan and can transition to communicable disease prevention.

Communicable diseases like COVID-19, seasonal influenza, norovirus, and many other viruses will continue to pose a risk of illness in the workplace.

The resource “Communicable disease prevention: A guide for employers” can be found on worksafebc.com. It outlines permanent prevention measures employers must always have in place, along with any additional measures that must be taken at times of elevated risk. As an employer, you’ll need to monitor

for announcements from the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) to know what additional measures may be needed.

Some permanent measures to take are the same as those put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. They include policies to support workers staying home when sick, maintaining a clean work environment, regular hand washing, and adequate ventilation in the workplace. Note that as of August 25, the PHO has re-instated a mask mandate as an additional measure. Masks are now required in all public indoor settings for all people 12 years of age and older.

When selecting safety protocols for the workplace, masks can be used in combination with those noted above, as well as other measures found on our Step 3 of B.C.’s Restart: Communicable Disease web page.

For more updates and information about communicable disease prevention and what it means for your workplace, visit worksafebc.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

Unions are the heart of Labour Day

T

he PEA is a union for professionals. Among us are lawyers, foresters, librarians, teachers, engineers, and university staff. Because we specialize in representing professionals, we put your unique education, accreditation, skills, and training at the forefront.

As we celebrate Labour Day we reflect on the changing nature of workers needing unions and the reasons why professionals have been turning to unions like the PEA. Stagnant wages, lack of pension or benefits, and excessive workload and hours are some of the reasons professionals look to unionize their workplace. The pandemic has also changed how the workplace functions and many professionals want the right to work remotely.

Forming a union can help make positive changes and position your workplace for the future.

Collective bargaining enables you to come together and have your voice heard in the workplace.

Especially for young professionals, unions are a way to form a future that preserves your professional integrity and ensures a career founded on fairness, security, and respect.

We value your work and will support your professional needs by enabling higher wages, benefits and improved workplace conditions. You have the legal right to form a union and your job is protected by the BC Labour Relations Code. Become part of the labour movement.

To find out more about joining the PEA visit pea.org/join

UNITED WAY OF VICTORIA

The need to support our most vulnerable is greater than ever before

THANKS FOR CONTINUING TO HAVE OUR BACKS Right from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, through lockdowns to vaccination, healthcare workers and essential service providers have been there for us.

This Labour Day, we formally thank and salute our frontline workers, many of whom are unionized employees, who continue to serve Southern Vancouver Island.

United Way Southern Vancouver Island stands alongside the Labour movement who for decades have stood up for better working conditions and stronger communities.

We also thank all of the unionized workplace employees who give back through United Way. JOIN THE RALLY TO RECOVER AND SHOW YOUR LOCAL LOVE. PLEASE GIVE AT UWSVI.CA

Southern Vancouver Island

Show your local love

PHOTO, LEFT TO RIGHT: MARK BRESLAUER, DARCY LINDBERG, KIRK MERCER.

C

OVID-19 has impacted all of us but not equally: not all COVID stories are the same.

While many people experienced inconveniences, for others, like those already living on the edge of poverty, the pandemic has been devastating.

People have experienced job loss and food insecurity. Many people are unhoused, or at risk of losing their shelter. The demand for mental health services has skyrocketed. There has been a tragic increase in the number of people who have died from accidental overdoses.

The need to support our most vulnerable is greater than ever before.

Working together with the Labour movement, we are committed to building stronger communities. The Labour movement is focused on better working conditions, and for better social, economic and

environmental policies. United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s (UWSVI) vision is a safe and resilient community where happiness and belonging unite us.

UWSVI’s partnership with the Labour movement is critical to our success with many of the gifts we receive coming from unionized workplaces.

This Labour Day, if you are able, please consider a donation to help your neighbours who need it most at uwsvi.ca/donate. We thank you in advance.

Mark Breslauer, CEO, United Way Southern Vancouver Island Darlene Rotchford, President, Victoria Labour Council Darcy Lindberg, Labour Coordinator, United Way Southern Vancouver Island Kirk Mercer, Labour Representative, United Way Southern Vancouver Island Board of Directors

AFFILIATED WITH THE CONFEDERATION OF CANADIAN UNIONS

D3

D4 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

GRAYSON GAMMON IS A FORMER PLAN A STUDENT WHO GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL AND BECAME A LOCAL 1598 MEMBER TO PURSUE A CAREER IN CARPENTRY. HE’S PICTURED WORKING FOR CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION AT THE CAPITAL PARK SITE IN VICTORIA.

BC REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS LOCAL 1598 VICTORIA

Make a Career in the Trades Plan A

by Travis Tambone, Communications Lead, BC Regional Council of Carpenters

T BC Regional Council of Carpenters

Wishing Everyone a Happy Labour Day!

he boom in Capital Region construction continues.

The LNG Canada project in Kitimat – the largest private infrastructure project in Canadian history – is underway. B.C.’s provincial government recently announced the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project as the fourth in a series of major public infrastructure projects (in addition to the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, the Broadway Subway Project, and the four-laning of Highway 1 from Kamloops to the Alberta border). Taking all of this into consideration, B.C. faces a skilledlabour demand; so, who will do the building? Victoria’s Carpenters Union, Local 1598 – which is affiliated with the BC Regional Council of Carpenters – is helping to create B.C.’s future workforce by giving high school students summer jobs today.

While an academic postsecondary education is often considered part of the typical career arc, Local 1598 would like high school students to instead consider entering the trades as ‘Plan A.’ That’s the name of the program where students of participating schools in districts 61, 62, and 63 work for Local 1598’s signatory contractors before returning to high school in the fall.

The program’s starting wage is $17.00 per hour, and participants are given approximately $200 worth of tools, the requisite jobsite training, and can earn up to 16 credits towards their high school diploma. Upon completing high school, Plan A participants can become members of carpenters’ Local 1598 and indenture as apprentices on a path towards a Red Seal certificate, which is recognized worldwide.

Also, apprentices do not incur student-loan debt, as their tuition is sponsored, and they earn a pay-cheque learning their trade the ten months a year they’re not in class. Moreover, Local 1598 members earn top wages dictated by a collective agreement that includes employer-paid training, health benefits, and a pension.

If a Plan A participant were to pursue academia after high school instead of the trades, they’d at least have gained some valuable life and work experience during the program.

And because people often have multiple career changes throughout their lives, it’s worth noting that carpenters who change their careers always retain the rewarding and thought-provoking skills associated with building.

Carpenters take pride knowing their contributions shape the city skyline for future generations. bcrcc.ca

Labour Day is

UNIONMADE Karen Ranalletta, President

Trevor Davies, Secretary-Treasurer

cupe.bc.ca

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

UFCW 1518

Honouring the Vital Contributions of UFCW 1518 Members

THANK YOU UFCW 1518 MEMBERS 谢谢 감사합니다

धन्यवाद

ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ Salamat

Gracias

Hay’sxw’qa si’em

Cảm ơn bạn

多謝

Merci

S

ince the pandemic began, Canada has seen a sudden growth in unionization as workers stand together to fight for better wages, improved safety measures, and guaranteed paid sick leave. At the forefront of this advocacy are UFCW 1518 members, along with the labour movement, fighting to ensure that each worker receives the rights and benefits that they deserve.

Over the past 18 months, governments, companies, and other institutions recognize the invaluable work that frontline workers provide to their communities and the economy.

UFCW 1518 members working in grocery stores, pharmacies, health care and community home support, manufacturing and food-processing plants have been tirelessly working to serve their communities.

Not only did they provide support to people during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they also confronted the heatwave, the wildfires, and all of the other crises, and continued to work despite all the hazards that they faced.

These workers have done an incredible and heroic job, and by standing together in solidarity, UFCW 1518 and its members fought and won: 1. pandemic pay and masks mandate early in the pandemic, 2. paid time off for vaccinations, 3. early access to vaccinations, and 4. WorkSafeBC presumptive coverage.

UFCW 1518 will keep fighting for fairness for our members and for all workers and will continue to celebrate their significant contributions beyond just this moment in time. ufcw1518.com Happy Labour Day!

Why Labour Day is worth celebrating

Your essential work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic helped your communities get through this crisis. Since 2020, you have shown unbreakable solidarity and fought for better working conditions, higher wages and more training opportunities. We will continue to fight for fairness for our members and for all workers. Happy Labour Day!

www.ufcw1518.com

As we celebrate Labour Day on September 6th, please take time to reflect upon those who came before us. Their sacrifices and efforts shall never be forgotten.

HAPPY LABOUR DAY TO ALL!

L

abour Day weekend is much anticipated. Many people look forward to Labour Day weekend because it offers one last extended break to enjoy summer weather. Though summer does not officially end until September is nearly over, for many people Labour Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Monday in September, marks the unofficial end of summer.

But Labour Day is more than just one final chance to embrace the relaxed vibe of summer and soak up some rays. In fact, Labour Day boasts a unique history that’s worth celebrating for a variety of reasons.

WHAT IS LABOUR DAY?

The United States Department of Labor notes that Labour Day is a celebration of American workers that dates back to the 19th century. The day is meant to commemorate the contributions workers in the United States have made to the nation, helping to make it one of the strongest and most prosperous countries in the world.

WHO CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF LABOUR DAY?

Debate remains as to just who should be credited with proposing a day to honour workers, but the official holiday has its roots in the U.S. Some records suggest that Peter J. McGuire, who served as general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and cofounded the American Federation of Labor, deserves the credit for Labour Day. However, the U.S. Department

of Labor notes that many people believe a machinist named Matthew Maguire (no relation to Peter) was the first to propose a holiday honouring workers in 1882.

At that time Maguire was serving as secretary of New York’s Central Labor Union, which later adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The first Labour Day was ultimately celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in accordance with the plans made by the Central Labor Union, which strongly suggests that Maguire does, in fact, deserve the credit for coming up with the holiday.

But the Canadian Labour Congress notes the origin of Labour Day actually came 20 years earlier, when unions started holding parades and rallies in Toronto and Ottawa to celebrate the successful 1872 Toronto printers’ strike.

Labour Day became a statutory holiday in Canada in 1894.

WHY CELEBRATE LABOUR DAY?

Communities across Canada hold picnics, parades and marches to mark Labour Day and celebrate the contributions of workers.

Unions also keep the tradition of using the day to advocate for workers’ rights.

Labour Day weekend might now be seen as the unofficial end of summer. But this Labour Day weekend, celebrants and workers should remember that Labour Day also should be a time to reflect on the value of hard work. –MC

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD TRADES & LABOUR COUNCIL (WEST) Proudly maintaining the Pacific Naval Fleet since 1967

D5

D6 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Happy Labour Day Local 324

The Plumbers, Steamfitters, Sprinklerfitters and Welders Union United Association Local 324 represents world class piping professionals that deliver productivity and safety to the construction industry on Vancouver Island.

Jim Noon, Business Manager

Excellent Health & Pension Benefits Training Available • www.ualocal324.com 919 Esquimalt Road, Victoria BC, 250-382-0415

Our members demonstrate a high degree of quality craftsmanship UA LOCAL 324

W

e at U.A. Local 324 reflect on our achievements since inception in 1902. We are proud of the remarkable work of our members past and present who have dedicated themselves to the movement as staunch advocates for the interests of workers. Our Members demonstrate a high degree of quality craftsmanship necessary to construct residential townhomes, condominium’s, schools, office buildings, water/ sewer treatment facilities, pulpmills and shipyards within our jurisdiction on Vancouver Island.

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, or “UA” as it is commonly known, was a pioneer

that recognized no political or geographic boundaries between Canada and the United States of America.

With expanded training programs and education provided to our members, we are ready to move forward into the future, maintaining the high standards required in today’s highly technical and changing workplace.

By means of a strong strategic plan, U.A. Local 324, will endeavour to keep acquiring a larger share of the construction market and continue growing our membership within our jurisdiction.

We have established a legacy that future generations of UA Local 324 can be proud of and build upon. ualocal324.com

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY

Find a new meaningful and rewarding career

SKILLED TRADES CAREERS ARE IN DEMAND Find a rewarding and resilient career in skilled trades. With over 100 skilled trades careers to choose from, you’ve got options. visit itabc.ca to get started

TRACY KITTLES, ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICE

I

t’s been a challenging year to say the least and the pandemic’s impact on employment has led many to reconsider their career paths.

For Tracy Kittles, her 20 years of experience as a server was unexpectedly cut short when COVID hit and she needed to switch gears quickly to support her children. When a friend introduced her to the world of electrical trades, Tracy was hooked and jumped into an apprenticeship. Career change is on people’s minds and the Industry Training Authority (ITA) is prioritizing accessibility to skills training, to ensure British Columbians have opportunities to reskill or upskill to find meaningful and rewarding careers in skilled trades.

Through combined efforts and funding from the federal and provincial government, ITA is working with many employment service providers across B.C. to highlight the skilled trades as rewarding careers and encourage people to explore trades in a safe and welcoming environment. The supports and resources available through these service providers

range from grants for training to free workshops that provide eligible individuals with an opportunity to try out a few trades to find the right fit for them. A full list of service providers and eligibility criteria can be found at itabc.ca under Indigenous People in Trades Training Programs, Women In Trades Training Programs, and Young Adults And Equity Seeking Groups In Trades Training.

Women, Indigenous people, youth, and under-represented groups have been impacted disproportionally. These programs and supports are created with the goals of encouraging exploration of trades careers and increasing accessibility to trades training and careers for those that face barriers to entry or are not aware where to go when they’re starting or changing their career paths.

According to the Labour Market Outlook 2029, there will be 70,900 skilled trades career opportunities across B.C in the next 10 years. It’s a great time to get started on your trades career. Find your trade at itabc.ca or contact ITA customer service at customerservice@ itabc.ca

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Unique ways to celebrate Labour Day

LABOUR DAY THANKING WORKING WARRIORS

LiUNA Local 1611 celebrates this Labour Day with thanking our members past, present and future

BC & YUKON

Local 1611

Happy Labour Day from your South Island MLAs x

L

abour Day in Canada was created by the labour movement to shine light on the achievements and contributions of workers.

Without hardworking men and women, the economy would not thrive and the prosperity of a nation would be unlikely.

Like many other holidays, Labour Day’s message may play second fiddle to the more widespread celebrations that take place. It’s easy to think that Labour Day commemorates the unofficial end of summer rather than the North American worker, but those who want to celebrate more mindfully can consider these ideas.

• Research local industry and schedule a tour of a factory, farm, or another place of business that ties into this industry.

• While many people are off on Labour Day, essential workers may not be. Bring lunch to a police station or firehouse, or simply thank workers you come across, such as grocery store employees, for doing their jobs.

• Employers can start the threeday weekend early by enabling workers to leave a few hours early on the Friday preceding the holiday weekend.

• Bosses can reach out to employees with words of praise and encouragement. Too often, employees are told what they need to improve rather than what they are doing right.

A few words of gratitude can buoy spirits.

• Organize a company-based competition, like a chili cookoff, pie-eating contest, or video game competition. This can boost morale and strengthen connections among staff.

• Purchase items made domestically to support national industry.

Labour Day is often dominated by backyard barbecues and trips to the beach. Those who want to be more in touch with the meaning behind the holiday can look for additional ways to celebrate it.

–MC

• Active military who are deployed may be missing home, especially during national holidays. Send a care package to them that they can enjoy overseas.

This Labour Day, we honour the immense contributions of the working people of British Columbia. COVID-19 saw healthcare workers' make tremendous sacrifices for the safety of others; It also demonstrated the essential role workers who manufacture and transport goods and meet citizens' needs in the service industry play in maintaining the well-being of our communities.

This year's heatwave and wildfire season again displayed first responders' selfless service front and centre. From long hours on fire lines to facilitating evacuations and assisting vulnerable populations, emergency responders are more than workers: they are humanitarians.

Moving forward, we will continue to put the interests of workers at the heart of our government. We will continue to build on policies such as paid sick leave, the protection of young workers, and having the highest minimum wage of any province.

There is a reason British Columbia continues to lead Canada in economic recovery; supporting workers is not just good for society, it is a crucial part of a healthy economy.

Your South Island MLAs,

FOR ADVERTISING IN TIMES COLONIST SPECIAL FEATURES Aaron Ross • 250.380.5313 aross@timescolonist.com

Susan Hickman • 250.380.5377 shickman@timescolonist.com

Mitzi Dean Mitzi.Dean.MLA@leg.bc.ca

John Horgan John.Horgan.MLA@leg.bc.ca

Rob Fleming Rob.Fleming.MLA@leg.bc.ca

250-952-5885

250-391-2801

250-356-5013

Grace Lore Grace.Lore.MLA@leg.bc.ca

Lana Popham Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca

Murray Rankin Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca

250-952-5885

250-479-4154

250-472-8528

D7

D8 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

PROUDLY CELEBRATING

LABOUR DAY

LODGE 191 BOILERMAKERS

70 Years of Members Standing Together

L

odge 191 dates back to 1898, but the most recent history of this lodge goes back to 1951 when the lodge was reinstated with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers.

For 70 years this elite union of qualified tradespeople has been involved in all types of projects in the shipyards from new construction, renovations, and repair that has made their employers successful.

Local 191 members has seen the up and downs of the shipyard industry and have supplied highly skilled tradespeople to our sister lodges in the heavy construction industry.

This Union is founded on the principle of democracy where all workers are united to secure the working conditions you have today. Local 191 has been able to increase wages along with other benefits, union recognition & representation, hours of work, lunch & coffee breaks, probation, seniority, recall, vacations, bereavement pay, dirty money, and welders gloves to name some of these benefits that the Union has achieved since Victoria Shipyard reopened in 1994 and becoming the sole bargaining agent for Victoria Shipyards. boilermakers191.org

Boilermakers 191 802 Esquimalt Rd., Victoria, B.C.

(250) 383-4196 boilermakers191.org Boilermakers 191 is a metal trades union located in Victoria, B.C. Local Lodge 191 representing working people since 1898 in the following: • Ship Building / Ship Repair • Steel Fabrication of Logging Equipment, Pressure Vessels and Structural Steel • Refitting of Naval Ships, Submarines, Cruiseships & other Commercial Vessels

Happy Labour Day! Thank you to the thousands of BCGEU members and other essential workers on the frontlines of COVID-19.

Workers are the key as we emerge from the pandemic stronger and safer.

Learn more at BCGEU.CA/JOIN

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Happy

y a D r u o Lab

@VLC_BC

victorialabourcouncil

@victorialabourcouncil

D9

D10 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Delivering community in Greater Victoria & Cowichan Valley for almost 70 years

Reporters; copy editors; columnists; artists; circulation, advertising and accounting clerks; sales reps; district managers; drivers; photographers; IT; maintenance; mail handlers; programmers; accountants; job coordinators

Members of Victoria-Vancouver Island Newspaper Guild Local 30223, Communications Workers of America