Hard Hat - Summer 2015

Uniting Alberta Regional Council ofCarpenters and Allied Workers across Alberta

Summer 2015

Orange is the New

BLUE

Will an NDP government be more union-friendly?

Trade Secrets

Young up-and-comers in the building trades shine at Skills Canada provincials

What’s your BTA? Building Trades of Alberta supports unions and scores of charitable causes

Saying no to harassme sexual n workplac t in the e to appren ; Steps ticeship;

UP TO

58 SHEETS

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Executive Secretary Treasurer’s

REPORT

The Winds of Change Martyn A. Piper

I

would be remiss in this edition of

Hard Hat if I did not share some thoughts and comments about the politically historic evening of Tuesday May 5, 2015. Who would have ever guessed that on this day a new political reality would be born in Alberta and we would witness such a massive shift of support from 44 years of Tory dynasty to a party that has, at least in my Canadian lifetime, been the moral conscience of Albertans but lived very much on the political periphery.

Candidly I am very excited about this change. Unfortunately, it comes at a very challenging economic time, given the price of oil and the resulting loss of revenue to the provincial coffers, the potential for more oil on the global market once the dust settles on the Iran nuclear agreement, the situation in Europe relative to the Greek fiscal crisis, but regardless, governments have to lead and put in place policies for both good times and bad.

The New Democrats, in my opinion, did not get elected by any one special interest party; certainly they have always been the party of choice for most unions and union members, but clearly historic voting patterns in Alberta would suggest otherwise. You have to give kudos to people like Brian Mason and Ray Martin and many others including Premier Rachel Notley’s father, Grant, who carried the torch for so many years against all odds,

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HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

always standing up for the disadvantaged and visible minorities, ensuring the maintenance of good social programs, public health care and schools and advocating for fair labour and employment legislation. They have always campaigned on fair payback to the people of Alberta for resource extraction along with sustainable and responsible development and preservation of the environment.

Of course, there will be many special interest groups knocking at the door now that the ND’s are in power, demanding that their agenda be delivered on. However, we must all be mindful that despite the prospective wish list, this new government has to be conscious of governing for all Albertans, as clearly they were elected on a rejection of the old regime and not necessarily on any one policy platform of their own, as inviting as they were. The election platform that was put forward was fiscally sound, responsive to Albertans needs, and provided new and fresh ideas about how to govern in an honest and legitimate fashion. Early indications are that Notley and her caucus will deliver on promises made and in fact some have already been put in play. Mistakes will be made and there will be disappointments along the way; however, what an opportunity to harness all of the energy of all the bright new young talent and the more seasoned MLAs along with a caucus made up 50 per cent women, all of whom are representative of Alberta’s population makeup.

There no better time to introduce yourself to your local MLA, offer to get involved and support where you can. They will need all the help they can get at the constituency level and they need to be educated on our issues. If I can be of assistance prepping you for that first visit, give me a call.

Have a great rest of the summer.

Undeliverable mail should be directed to ARCCAW 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Email: lhelmeczi@albertacarpenters.com Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40063788

Contents PUBLISHED FOR Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters & Allied Workers 15210 – 123 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0A3 Tel: (780) 474-8599 / Fax: (780) 474-8910 www.albertacarpenters.com PUBLISHED BY Venture Publishing Inc. 10259 – 105 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1E3 Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 Phone: (780) 990-0839 Fax: (780) 425-4921 www.venturepublishing.ca PUBLISHER Ruth Kelly ARCCAW EDITOR Martyn A. Piper

10 Orange Crush Alberta finally has a union-friendly government. What changes can the building trades expect to see?

By Martin Dover

15 Apprenticeship 101 How to research and earn an apprenticeship gig in Alberta

By Martin Dover

18 Students Hone Their Skills Snapshots and highlights from the 2015 Provincial Skills Canada Competition

By Steven Butterworth

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM CONTENT Mifi Purvis EDITOR Shelley Williamson

22 Building a Legacy The Building Trades of Alberta is more than just a union affiliate – it’s a charity-driven organization

By Nadia Moharib

ART DIRECTOR Charles Burke ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Andrea deBoer

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PRODUCTION TECHNICIANS Brent Felzien, Brandon Hoover CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Len Bryden , Steven Butterworth , Martin Dover, Nadia Moharib, Martyn Piper, Ted Remenda, Brandi Thorne CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS Arnab Biswas , Brian Bookstrucker, Vinson Lim, Darryl Propp VICE-PRESIDENT, SALES Anita McGillis

Note from the Executive Secretary Treasurer

By Martyn Piper

6

Site Lines Building Trades of Alberta funds Neurosurgery Book; UBC By the Numbers; Tribute to Bill Alton; and more

By Brandi Thorne

21 Geared Up

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Kathy Kelley

25 Kids Zone

Contents © 2015 by ARCCAW Inc. No part of this publication should be reproduced without written permission.

Important Phone Numbers

Edmonton 780-471-3200

Fort McMurray 780-743-1442

Calgary 403-283-0747 Carpenters Training Centre 780-455-6532 Carpenters Health and Welfare 780-477-9131

Carpenters Pension 780-477-9131

Industrial Workers 403-283-0747

Millwright Local 1460 780-430-1460 Local Union 1325 and 2103 Dispatch 1-888-944-0818

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14 On the Level

DIRECTOR OF SALES Allyson Kurian

SALES ASSISTANT Julia Ehli

26

DEPARTMENTS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ben Rude PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Betty Feniak Smith

Summer 15

FEATURES

26 Meet the Journeyman 27 Meet the Apprentice 28 Training & Apprenticeship Report

By Len Bryden

29 Local 1460 Millwrights Report

By Ted Remenda

30 Parting Shot 31 Training & Events; In Memoriam

10 ON THE COVER: Will the new NDP government play nice with Alberta’s trade unions?

PHOTO: Darryl Propp SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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Site Lines

News in Brief

A roundup of news and events from around the region

In Memoriam William (Bill) Alton passed away on Monday May 18 at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. He was 70.

He is survived by his wife Connie, his son Christopher and his daughter Adrienne. “In many ways I related to Bill like an older brother. I felt like he always had my back,” says Martyn Piper, executive secretary treasurer of the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers.

Piper had known Bill for more than 10 years, and says he was his “go-to” guy at the union where he worked. “We are only eight years apart, but his maturity, wisdom, counsel and encouragement always provided me with great comfort,” says Piper.

A long time Liberal, Bill realized a long-time desire by running in the provincial election earlier this spring, a campaign which his wife, Connie, says he enjoyed. “He was very caring and intelligent. He just enjoyed his last years so much,” says Connie.

Bill also enjoyed working as a musician in a rock-and-roll band, a porter for a railroad company, a bar singer and even a stint working in a museum. Despite a lengthy work list, Piper describes Bill as a family man first and says he valued his family above all other things and was proud of all their achievements, both individually and collectively.

Truly having a life well lived, Bill will be missed by all who knew him.

Trading Tools for Skates

PHOTOS: ANDY DEVLIN, OIL KINGS HOCKEY

Members of the Local 2103

TEAM EFFORT: Team 2103, shown from left to right, back row, are: Bruce Payne (manager), Tyler Statham, Steve Potter, Evan Adair, Ryan Curry, Michael Vogel, Matt Lefley, Derek McGregor, Trevor Hamilton, Justin MacNeil, Tylan Stephens, Aaron Forsyth, Andrew Dayfoot and (coach) Ed MacKinnon. Front row: Lucas Harden, Sean Whelan, Nick Luyben, Bill Turko and Allan Short.

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HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

emerged from the Battle of the Trades Hockey Tournament with an impressive second-place showing, after a hard-fought game with the Labourers Local 1111 played out in Chestermere. Ed MacKinnon and Bruce Payne led the 2103 team to the finals, which also saw goalie Sean Whelan and team captain Tylan Stephens named as two of four most-valuable players.

Along with teams having fun battling it on the ice against other building trades, the event raised more than $6,000 and 1,600 pounds of food for the Veterans Food Bank. Congratulations!

Navigating Neurosurgery The Building Trades of Alberta’s charitable arm is no stranger to supporting a good cause. So when moms Wendy Beaudoin, Melissa Da Silva and Melody Willier – all of whom have children who are pediatric neurosurgery patients – needed support for their project, The Compass, the BTA was happy to oblige.

The Compass was written by Beaudoin, Da Silva and Willier, along with Dr. Vivek Mehta, divisional director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and was intended to help improve the journey for families of children diagnosed with brain or spinal cord disorder at the Stollery. The 178-page book, which includes personal stories and technical information about brain and spinal cord injuries as well as a workbook and space for notes, was developed through the Neurosurgery Kids Fund, which is supported by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, and published by Venture Publishing.

A digital Compass app for iPads will be released this fall.

Warren Fraleigh, president of the Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation, says the move to donate $100,000 toward producing the book was a no-brainer. “The Compass guidebook for families and parents is about helping people; this is a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the Building Trades of Alberta,” he says. For more about the BTA, see page 22.

Flapjacks and Sunshine Calgary’s Local 2103 took some time to connect with the community during this year’s Stampede, by serving up a free pancake breakfast to members and their families. The sun was shining on the first Saturday of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth as dozens of Calgarians young and old came out in their cowboy best for the annual event outside the union hall.

SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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Site Lines

News in Brief

BY THE NUMBERS

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Stats at a Glance

Sept. 7

1881

The date for this year’s Labour Day, a holiday in Canada and the U.S. – behind which UBC founder, Peter J. McGuire, was the driving force.

The year Carpenter, the UBC’s trade publication was first published. It is still in print and is considered one of the oldest continuously published magazines in North America.

13,000 The number of millwrights who have attended gas or steam turbine classes at the ITC.

3,500 The number of part-time and full-time instructors affiliated with UBC.

$45 billion

A roundup of news and events from around the region

The amount in assets that the union’s 100 affiliated pension funds control.

130 The number of years the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, one of the largest and strongest unions in North America, has been in existence. The UBC represents millions of carpenters, millwrights and other specialty craft professionals in Canada and the U.S.

1.2 million The square footage of the $100-million UBC International Training Center (ITC) in Las Vegas. The world-class facility, opened in 2000, also sits on 14 acres.

11 AM – 3 PM Northeast parking lot, 15210-123 Avenue NW, Edmonton

Indulge in hamburgers, hotdogs and other fun treats while the kids enjoy magicians, clowns, face painting, balloon animals and other featured attractions. Enjoy a basketball toss, a hockey shootout, football toss and two bouncy houses.

All family members are welcome!

ALBERTA REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS AND ALLIED WORKERS NEW VENUE: Edmonton Garrison Memorial Golf and Curling Club 298 Falaise Ave, Lancaster Park, Edmonton, Alberta

M Seponday , 201t. 21, 5

15th Annual

• Registration: 8:30-9:30 a.m. • Shotgun Start, Texas Scramble: 10 a.m.

REGI ST RAT I O N FO RM REGISTRATION FEE: $130/player (includes green fees, power cart, prizes and BBQ steak dinner) Name: Phone: (

)

Fax: (

)

Enter team(s) of golfers at $520/team (4 players at $130 each). Team would include: (All foursomes will be chosen from pairs or singles) 1)

Phone: (

)

2)

Phone: (

)

3)

Phone: (

)

4)

Phone: (

)

FOR CORPORATE DONORS: Our organization would like to offer our support in finding the cure for Juvenile Diabetes by contributing the following cash and/or prizes to the 15th Annual Barrie Regan Golf Tournament: Sponsor a hole: $160 with the right signage at the hole Provide a corporate donation of: $100

$150

$200

$250

$

(other)

Provide prizes: 1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

PLEASE RESPOND BY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 Fax form to: (780) 474-8910 Phone: (780) 474-8599 Make cheque payable to: Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers Mail to: Linda Helmeczi, Alberta Regional Council, 15210 123 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 All proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research

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HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

Orange Crush After more than four decades of Tory rule, Alberta finally has a union-friendly government. What changes can the building trades expect to see?

By MARTIN DOVER • photo by DARRYL PROPP

I

was in complete shock, to be honest, but I was also elated,” says Martyn Piper

as he describes May 5, 2015, a historic election night for Alberta in which the NDP soared to a victory no one saw coming. Ending 44 years of Progressive Conservative government in the province, the “Orange Crush” saw the New Democrats win in 53 ridings, leaving its official opposition, the Wildrose Party, far away in the rear-view mirror with just 21 seats, and the Conservatives all but obliterated with only 10. Along with Piper, the executive secretary treasurer of the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW), the list of visibly shocked Albertans included Rachel Notley, the leader of the NDP and soon the province’s new premier, and Jim Prentice, the man expected to lead his PC government through to at least one more election cycle.

Piper’s union didn’t endorse a candidate, as it supports its members’ right to make their own political decisions. And Piper says that politicians shouldn’t count on all union members to automatically vote for the NDP – if that were the case, Alberta wouldn’t have had a PC government for 44 years. But there’s no getting around the fact that the New Democrats have traditionally been a union-friendly political party, and that its victory could be the beginning of a new chapter in the history of organized labour in Alberta.

The origins of the party, for one thing, are rooted in working Albertans. As Piper says, “Its policies have lent themselves to the average person on the street, whether that’s by way of nursing, delivering affordable health care, supporting public schools or celebrating the right to organize.”

Notley herself became a representative of the labour movement in British Columbia during her time with the Health Sciences Association in Vancouver, before moving to Edmonton in 2002 to work for the National Union of Public and General Employees and later with the United Nurses of Alberta as a labour relations officer. The NDP didn’t promise unions in Alberta anything beyond their general platform – though, like the other contending parties, they reached out to them – but there are certainly parallel agendas.

The swift toppling of the PC dynasty shocked even long-time scholars of Alberta politics.

Ricardo Acuña is the executive director of the Parkland Institute, an Alberta-focused research group based out of the University of Alberta, a position he’s held since 2002. He laughs like he’s retelling an unbelievable story as he describes his reaction on election night: “I found it quite surprising – as someone who’s been looking directly at Alberta politics and policy for 13 years, it wasn’t the results I was expecting to see.”

He cites a moment long before the election campaign as a turning point in the relationship between unions and the provincial government. When Alison Redford won the election in 2011, she worked closely with unions and their supporters, consciously presenting herself as an ally of nurses, teachers and public sector employees. But within nine months, she’d introduced strong anti-union SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

11

Piper. “We’ve become more modern and tolerant.” Indeed, the vote of rejection came from a broad spectrum of professional, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

Acuña calls the PC’s bungling of its relationship with unions “one small drop in the bigger bucket” of political forces that led to the defeat of the previously untouchable government. But that isn’t intended to downplay its significance. Regarding Prentice’s failure to cooperate with unions, he says, “It was one more example of how workers and taxpayers were expected to sacrifice, of how everybody is supposed to sacrifice, except for the corporations. It was just one more thing that resonated with Albertans.” Notley, on the other hand, had long ago figured out how to articulate the challenges and ambitions of unions. And while we might not be able to locate the single straw that broke the camel’s back, this asset of Notley’s certainly helped secure her victory.

On June 29, the NDP announced that it will be hiking the minimum wage up to $11.20 as part of a promise to reach its proposed $15 benchmark. Most union workers in Alberta make more than minimum wage, and Piper says that the jump won’t directly affect his union. He does, however, call the move “long overdue,” and expects the money to trickle down throughout the entire economy. Acuña says that a higher minimum wage can help unions’ bargaining positions, but this isn’t a direct concession to unions. Still, it could be one sign heralding a new era.

Lori Sigurdson, minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour The NDP won’t let unions write the agenda, and Notley’s promise to reverse the PCs’ public-sector spending cuts was more a message to the average Albertan than it was a play to her union supporters. “Part of the legislation aimed particularly at the public sector, and intended to strike message was to say, ‘We’re going to make sure you have stable health care and education,’ ” says Acuña. “It was one of those brilliant strategies a blow against unions’ bargaining power. This set off a downward spiral where they can target a demographic but also use it to attract the public in the relationship between unions and the government. And when Jim at large.” In the same vein, one of the party’s first moves in office was a Prentice entered government in 2014, “he didn’t actually take any steps to improve the relationship,” Acuña says. “It just got worse and worse, so flagship bill, Bill 1, An Act to Renew Democracy, to ban corporate and union by the time he got up and publicly blamed the contract with public sector donations to political campaigns. This sends a message that the government is willing to sacrifice its unions for Alberta’s fiscal situpotential fundraising reveation, those relationships were “We will continue to work with all stakeholders, own nues for the sake of the public – already in trouble. That was the including unions and industry, to grow and that it’s prepared to live without final nail in the coffin.” While the Progressive Conservatives diversify our economy while ensuring a safe and union money. Sure, it’s an easy win, but it also would have been and unions may have always fair work environment for all Albertans.” easy to keep corporate and union had differing agendas, Acuña – Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour donations on the books and to says they were “begrudgingly rest easy knowing that corporate friendly” to one another. “I donations to the PCs – much more plentiful than union donations – will think that really soured in the last couple of years,” he adds. “It’s been a have little effect, given the party now holds a mere 10 seats. significant shift – there hasn’t always been that degree of tension.”

There are, of course, policies that the NDP could enact to secure its Piper says that the roots of the soured relationship can be traced back union base. Piper says that the certification process needs to be more even farther. Since the beginning of the Conservative regime, he says, transparent and equitable, and that the issue of double-breasting – the labour legislation became more regressive. “The playing field became practice of hiring non-union workers alongside unionized employees more tilted as time went on and various interest groups were getting to – needs to be accounted for and remedied. Another issue pertinent to the government,” he says. “Organizing almost became impossible with labour unions across the province is the perceived preferential treatment the last changes to the labour code, and it became a difficult political climate in which to unionize. Beyond giving employers an unfair advan- the government has given to the Christian Labour Association of tage, it also cast Alberta throughout the country as an employer-friendly Canada, wherein they operate by a different set of rules than traditional unions. And Piper says the government should take a look at new ways province, rather than one that welcomes organized labour. And that of indenturing apprentices, specifically through union training, trust did untold amounts of damage to the province’s reputation. The NDP funds or agencies which would ensure oversight and management of victory, then, was as much a vote of rejection of the PC administration, or perhaps more, than it was a vote of confidence in the NDP and Rachel the apprenticeship process. He also cites first-contract arbitration as an important issue for the government to address, as well as the insolvency Notley. “The Alberta of today is not the Alberta of 40 years ago,” says 12

HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

the public and being hostile to industry. There might be nervousness in in funding measures between multi-employer pension plans and public sector pensions. “But people are busy right now,” he adds. “You’ve got to the oil sands, but much of that comes from simply not knowing what will happen next. Once policies are in place – be it the royalty review, a higher give them time to get comfortable.” minimum wage or a corporate tax increase – the industry will no doubt Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour for the be able to better prepare for its future.

Alberta NDP, is certainly busy these days. But she sent Hard Hat a stateThe building trades often feel the ripple effects of the oil and gas ment expressing hope for a renewed relationship with labour unions. “We sector, but Piper insists there’s no reason to panic. “At the end of the day, will continue to work with all stakeholders, including unions and industry, to grow and diversify our economy while ensuring a safe and fair work the resources are owned by the people of Alberta and they deserve a fair environment for all Albertans,” she wrote. “We are committed to an open return,” he says. “Policies like a corporate tax hike or royalty review] affect an industry that’s near and dear to dialogue with business and us, but we have to have responsilabour so we can understand The NDP didn’t promise unions in Alberta ble and sustainable development.” how our decisions affect each, anything beyond their general platform – He says that he’s pleased with and so there are no surprises demographic shifts in the governas we move forward in the best though, like the other contending parties, they ment – almost half of the NDP’s interest of Alberta families.” reached out to them – but there are certainly caucus is made up of women, for Acuña says that the governparallel agendas. example – and that so long as the ment won’t roll over and give NDP sticks to its platform and unions everything they want, delivers on it, unions will have reason to feel secure about their place in the but there are reasons for optimism. “Unions can now know there’s a political climate in the province where their values are shared and where province’s future. Acuña agrees, saying, “The NDP needs to stay true to the government respects the work they do,” he says. “That’s probably the their plans to protect the economy – otherwise you’re going to see unions like the building trades start to panic.” But as the NDP rolls out its signature most significant win for unions.” legislation to mostly positive feedback, that seems like less of a possibility.

“I think the NDP victory should signal to everybody that you can Some workers and business owners in Alberta could be make a change, you can make a difference and your vote counts,” says forgiven for feeling nervous about the change. Many in the oil and gas Piper, drawing on the kind of populist sentiment that is so prevalent in sector have predicted an exodus of business from Alberta’s biggest industry. But Notley was careful to walk the line between advocating for unions. “I’m excited – I think it’s a new day.”

on the level

A WORKPLACE THREAT Preventing harassment is everyone’s responsibility on the worksite and in the office

By BRANDI THORNE

C

oming on the heels of recent class action lawsuits

and investigations surrounding the sexual harassment of women in the RCMP and Canadian military, now seems a good time to talk about the state of play for our female members and their workplaces. Working in a safe and healthy place is everyone’s right and we need all hands on deck to make it happen.

The Alberta Human Rights Commission (albertahumanrights. ab.ca) defines sexual harassment as “any unwelcome sexual behaviour that adversely affects, or threatens to affect, directly or indirectly, a person’s job security, working conditions or prospects for promotion or earnings.” Behaviour ranges from “suggestive remarks, sexual jokes or compromising invitations, verbal abuse, visual display of suggestive images, to leering or whistling, patting, rubbing or other unwanted physical contact, outright demands for sexual favours and physical assault.” “rats” or “troublemakers.” If a sister has the courage to make a comThese definitions do little to encourage an understanding of the effects of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment creates an unhealthy plaint, she often suffers in silence from impending gang mentality and atmosphere in the workplace, and one which affects the entire workretaliation. Our brothers often shy away from any contact with sisters for fear that they may be accused of something untoward or get caught force. For victims, the consequences can be serious and debilitating. up in an issue that may compromise them and therefore prefer to not Sometimes the employee experiences pressure to the point that it work with women at all. It’s a sad testament to our industry. drives her to leave her job, or experiences such emotional stress that it The Alberta Regional Council has pledged to do better for its inhibits her ability to perform a job to acceptable standards. Sexually harassed women are reported to suffer anxiety, depression, headaches, members. In collaboration with the Sisters in the Brotherhood, the leadership has committed to sleep disorders, weight loss or gain, If a sister has the courage to make a developing a process for dealand nausea. This culmination of poor health can lead to time away from the complaint, she often suffers in silence from ing with complaints. Included job with unpaid leave. impending gang mentality and retaliation. in this process will be a mechThe consequences for women, as a anism to ensure job stewards group of workers collectively, are also serious. If a workplace culture and business agents are included at the onset of any investigation. tolerates any form of sexual harassment then the victims face a diffiWe are in the early developmental stages of putting together a sexual harassment policy, for which we hope to get employer input cult decision about staying, going, or worse yet considering a and buy-in. Once it’s complete, we hope to train front-line supervinew career. sion, stewards and members on how to unite to bring about safe and In a relatively short period of time, two very serious incidents of sexual harassment have been brought forward to our union leadership, tolerant workplaces and to provide tangible guidance when these unsavoury events occur. but the reality is that there are many more that go unreported for As a member, you play an important role in securing this change. fear of retaliation or discreet blacklisting. Often, these incidents go unreported to management or to union representatives simply because Just as safety personnel preach about hazards on the job and use catch phrases like “If you see it – you own it,” we must all unite under the the victim does not want to make waves. harassment banner with the same amount of vigour and courage. So I The culture we work in does not do enough to encourage people to would ask you to please, when the time comes, get involved in ridding come forward; in fact, in many ways it discourages them. Sisters who have reported sexual harassment on the job have often been branded as our workplaces of sexual harassment.

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HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

APPRENTICESHIP 101 Key steps to becoming an apprentice – and how to pay for it – in Alberta

By MARTIN DOVER An apprenticeship training program spans from one to four years in Alberta, and combines on-the-job training, work experience and technical training in a trade. Apprentices spend about 80 per cent of their time learning on the job from a qualified tradesperson. The remaining 20 per cent is spent in technical training. Hard Hat magazine sat down with Chad Hoflin, apprenticeship trades consultant with Alberta Apprenticeship, who broke down how to pursue a career in the trades in these five easy steps:

STEP 5:

GET TO WORK.

STEP 4:

FUND YOUR FUTURE. Once you

STEP 3:

APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

STEP 2:

TALK TO TRADES AND EMPLOYERS.

STEP 1:

PICK A TRADE, any (designated) trade.

Figure out which trade or trades interest you, and once you pick a handful of options that might be a fit, then it’s time to hit the pavement and start looking for someone to hire you on. While it can be as easy as Googling, “What does a carpenter do?” another couple of spots to find job postings and details on trades are: Trade secrets.alberta.ca and Jobbank.gc.ca

There’s no better way to learn what a job entails than to speak to someone who does it.

Find a local union hall for a trade represented in its membership, go to work sites, and read trade magazines like this one. Ask family and friends. Cast the networking net wide.

Note: You must be employed to become an apprentice, so your future career starts with an employer.

Once you have selected the trade you want to pursue, be it carpentry, millwrighting or another of the province’s 50 designated trades, and you have an employer on board, apply online for your apprenticeship at Tradesecrets. alberta.ca. Remember to list all your relevant skills on your resume, even if they were part of a volunteer position or a hobby.

are registered as an apprentice, you are already eligible for funding. As of January 2015, apprentices can not only collect Employment Insurance while they train for their apprenticeship, but they also qualify for a $4,000 interest-free loan to help cover costs while in school. You may also qualify for one of 400 scholarships of $1,000. Visit Trade secrets.alberta.ca for details.

After you have found a trade and an employer and have signed an agreement, you are ready to start pursuing your dream job in the trades, which is an, “earn while you learn occupation.” In a 12-month program, apprentices work 1,360 hours on the trade and attend an eight-week school portion to meet the first-year requirements for carpentry.

Millwrighting is also a four-year program, and apprentices must put in a 1,560 hours in the first year, and attend an eight-week training program.

SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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PHOTOS:BRIAN BOOKSTRUCKER

Students Hone Their Skills

By STEVEN BUTTERWORTH This year, says Bourke, out of 45 students competing in the competition, 28 represented carpentry in both the secondary and post-secondary levels. For the millwright camp, four competed at the post-secondary level. Another highlight was the Try-a-Trade booth, which has been rolled out by the ACTC for six years in a row. Bourke explains that the well-attended feature gathers industry representatives, who give details on what a job in their trades might offer, and then construct projects for the eager participants to try with supervision. Bryden says the goal was to incorporate past and current students in setting up the Try-a-Trade event. “We always involve our current students, particularly the carpentry and scaffolding students, to set up the event and all of its aspects, including building the scaffolding for the booth.”

More than 14,000 people attended the two-day event, most of which were junior and senior high school students.

PHOTOS: VINSON LIM

COMING OFF OF ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PROVINCIAL Skills Canada Competition (PSCC) held in May of this year, Skills Canada Alberta provided the youth of the province with a window into the carpentry and millwrighting trades. “It was our most successful provincial competition to date,” says Shawna Bourke, director of communications for Skills Canada Alberta.

At this year’s PSCC, carpentry and millwrighting jobs got great coverage thanks to a new initiative sponsored by the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW) called Launchpad. “Launchpad is a five-minute introductory video that is designed for young people to welcome them to the Skills Canada event and give them a brief overview of what they are walking into terms of trade information,” says Len Bryden, director of training and apprenticeship at the ACTC.

SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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PHOTO: BRIAN BOOKSTRUCKER

PHOTO: VINSON LIM

PHOTO: BRIAN BOOKSTRUCKER

PHOTO: VINSON LIM

PHOTO: VINSON LIM

STUDENTS HONE THEIR SKILLS (Continued)

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HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

Geared Up

By STEVEN BUTTERWORTH

Work smarter, not harder

CUT WITH CONVENIENCE Looking for the optimal mitre saw to make your woodworking applications a breeze? Well stop looking. DEWALT has done it again with its new 20V MAX Lithium Ion 71/2-inch sliding Mitre Saw (DCS361). For your ease of use, it features an integrated XPST blade light which casts a shadow that shows where the blade will cut, and a stainless steel mitre detent plate that makes turning the saw easy. Plus, with a battery, the DCS361 is only 31.6 pounds and with its built-in side handles, it’s easy to carry around the jobsite.

The DCS361 also features 10 positive mitre stops, fast and easy cam lock, rubber feet for no-slip and a no-scratch grip, a high visibility bevel scale, adjustable bevel overrides and a mitre pointer on the left side of the table which provides maximum visibility and versatility. Whether you’re using it for flooring, toe moulding, door or window casing and other woodworking applications, the DEWALT DCS361 Mitre Saw is the right tool for you. Both the bare unit and the kit are available from $399 and $499 where DEWALT products are sold.

EXTEND THE SYSTEM If you’re in the market to expand your arsenal of tools, then PORTER-CABLE has just what you need: the 20V MAX Hammer Drill and Radio with Bluetooth compatibility, which are extensions to the range of 20V MAX Linked System tradesman cordless core tools that run off of the same battery system.

Ideal for using on brick, block and concrete materials found in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and residential building applications, the 20V MAX Hammer Drill, with its powerful motor and high performance transmission (delivering 330 watts), are able to

maximize drilling and fastening applications with ease. It’s lightweight (3.7 pounds with a battery) and features a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck that minimizes bit slippage, LED light, battery fuel gage, belt clip and two magnetic bit holders.

The second half of this duo is the 20V MAX Radio with Bluetooth compatibility. Designed to be compact and durable, it features four operation modes (AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth and auxiliary) as well as 12 presets (6 AM and 6 FM). “The professional wants tools that deliver the right mixtures of performance and ergonomics, and features that make the tool easy to use without a huge price tag. The entire 20V MAX* Linked System, now including the Hammer Drill and Radio with Bluetooth compatibility, is that system,” says Evan Joseph, brand manager for PORTER-CABLE. The Hammer Drill is available $179 at Lowes and Amazon.ca, while the Radio Bluetooth is available at BMR and Amazon.ca for $99.99.

GO CORDLESS DEWALT has heard the pleas of carpenters and has delivered. New to DEWALT’s line of 20V Max line of power tools, the DCF630 20V Max brushless lithium-ion drywall screwgun appeases drywall carpenters who have been looking to do away with their power cords. Ideal for both residential and commercial drywall hanging applications, the DCF630 is already making waves in the market.

“Performance and productivity are handsdown two of the most important things to drywall users when looking for a new screwgun, ” says Greg Weston, marketing director at DEWALT Canada.

“Many drywall professionals have been hesitant to switch to a cordless screwgun solution because previous offerings have been significantly slower than a corded offering, had limited runtimes, were heavier and were a lot more expensive. I am pleased to say that our new 20V Max brushless screwgun eliminates virtually all of these trade-offs.”

Featuring a DEWALT brushless motor (providing a full day of run-time on two fully-charged 2.0AH batteries), a light total weight of 3.4 pounds (with battery pack), an adjustable driving depth nose cone that locks to the tool, a trigger lock-on switch, bright LED light with a 20-second delay, a belt clip and most importantly, a collated screw auto-feed magazine attachment.

The DCF630 is available as a bare unit for $149 and kitted for $249 (with two 2.0AH batteries) or $289 (with two 4.0AH batteries), where DEWALT products are sold.

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COMMUNITY MINDED: Warren Fraleigh, executive director of the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) presents Prostate Cancer Canada CEO Rocco Rossi with a donation at a recent charity event, the Do It For Dads walk.

Building a Legacy The Building Trades of Alberta is more than just a union affiliate – it’s a charity-driven organization funding causes from neurosurgery for kids to prostate cancer research

By NADIA MOHARIB

T

alk about building a legacy of goodwill.

Since 2003, the Building Trades of Alberta’s (BTA) Charitable Foundation has put more than $6 million into worthwhile causes across the province.

Representing more than 75,000 unionized skilled tradespeople, last year alone, the BTA gave more than a half- million dollars towards supporting everything from prostate cancer and diabetes research to filling food bank shelves, packing school lunches and even backing a bluegrass festival.

To say the foundation has met expectations is an understatement.

“From a legacy perspective, we are happy with what the charitable foundation has grown in to,” says Warren Fraleigh, the BTA’s executive director and the charitable foundation’s president. “I doubt very much many would have imagined what it would have grown in to today.”

While the foundation is a fairly new addition to the BTA, the organiza-

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tion dates back to 1906. Back then the industry was very different – with safety protocols in their infancy or non-existent, taxing grunt work and working conditions a far cry from what they are today.

“It didn’t look anything like it looks today, that’s for darn sure,” Fraleigh says.

Over the years, like-minded people wanting to grow union markets banded together while looking for a louder voice. “In days gone by, labour leaders were very singularly focused and now they are more progressive, while looking at the big picture instead of the small one,” Fraleigh says. “We are always talking about ways building trades can work collaboratively to get the job done. Tradespeople work beside everyone every day. Whether it’s a plumber, a carpenter, a scaffolder or a millwright, (the BTA) is an organization that really harmonizes all those entities.

PHOTOS: DARRYL PROPP

DO IT FOR DADS: Edmonton participants helped raise donations for prostate cancer research.

As well, the foundation has partnered with the Stollery Children’s “We are working really hard to market and brand ourselves for the Hospital, donated to the Ride for Sight, Little Warriors, Seeds of Hope skilled trade jobs in Alberta,” he adds. “We try to sell ourselves in Ministry and literally gone to the dogs supporting Dogs with Wings, industry.” a charity which allowed the foundation to name one of its working While lobbying on behalf of workers has evolved, one issue has remained a top priority since the association’s inception: “There is noth- canines, Seymour, to acknowledge its contribution.

“One of our favourite charities is STARS Air Ambulance,” Fraleigh ing more important than folks getting home at the end of the day and in says. “It is really a fitting charity for us. We never know when one of our the same condition as when they left,” Fraleigh says.

Now representing 16 different unions – and more than 30 compulsory members will need that service. They benefit and the community at trades and designated occupations – the BTA works with company own- large benefits.”

As time has evolved, getting ers and contractors on issues ranging from strategic use of manpower “We pride ourselves on being state-of-the-art workers to give has become more to investing substantial dollars into training for journeymen and apprentices,” streamlined. “I think we’ve been doing charity work informally for as education and training. “We pride says Warren Fraleigh, executive director of long as we’ve been around,” he says. ourselves on being state-of-the-art “At one point in time, our members for training and leadership for jourthe Building Trades of Alberta. would stand outside liquor stores neymen and apprentices,” he says. on Father’s Day looking to collect donations to contribute to diabetes While some work sites are small, with a half-dozen workers, there research.” are a number of big players on board the BTA, including Shell Canada, There were also work site lotteries, or brass pools, which were most Suncor, Syncrude, Imperial Oil, TransAlta, Dow Chemical and often winner-takes-all with no guarantee of any funds going to charity Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Far from stagnant, the organization – and also deemed to be gambling and thus illegal. The creation of the continues to forge new relationships, most recently with North West foundation formalized fundraising by making it legit, ensuring it abides Redwater Partnership. by provincial rules. Since 2003, lotteries held on job sites see 70 per And when it comes to its charitable arm – within reason, of course – cent of proceeds go to the winner and the remaining 30 per cent to the no job is too big or too small. With recent Do it For Dads walks, the BTA has raised about $65,000 for prostate cancer over the last eight months, foundation.

And workers buy in, too. One of the top draws at the Shell Scotford site in addition to the $180,000 earmarked for prostate cancer research in last year. The organization has also helped to raise more than $2 million in Fort Saskatchewan (which had a workforce of more than 10,000 workers), for instance, saw proceeds to the winner hit the $400,000 mark. to be donated to diabetes research.

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“It’s a sense of caring and community and doing the right thing outside of our normal activities,” Piper says. “It also gives the public and members of our affiliated unions some recognition. So, there is a lot to be proud of.”

While the haul for charitable dollars fluctuates, Fraleigh estimates the foundation allocates in the range of $300,000 to $500,000 annually.

“If you look at the roots of organized labour, the intent of the building trades union is really to look after each other. We have a saying, ‘We are our brother’s keeper.’ Not only do we work towards creating a better life for our members but in society in general and that includes areas in society that need propping up,” he says. “Name a charity and we’ve probably contributed.”

PHOTO COURTESY STARS AIR AMBULANCE

BTA’S 2014 DONATIONS

STARS-STUDDED: Among favourite causes for the Building Trades of Alberta’s charitable foundation to support is STARS Air Ambulance.

The BTA also counts golf tournaments and bonspiels in its fundraising arsenal. “At the time, when we were just starting to formalize some of the draws on sites, no one knew how enduring it would be,” Fraleigh says. “We continually look for new sites and new opportunities. A lot of workers actually give us a call and say, ‘Can we get a lottery on our site?’ ” Although the formula is fairly simple, a lot of work goes into the lotteries. “Whether it is the guy buying the tickets or the folks selling tickets or our owners or contractors that support the events taking place on site – it’s all just a good thing to have happen,” he says. “Members know contributions they make go towards charity, so they are happy to participate.”

The foundation recently began a draw at the North West Refinery in Redwater and, with its estimated peak of 5,000 workers, hopes to see a significant contribution to its coffers.

The foundation’s board of directors is tasked with doling out donated dollars – reviewing applications to ensure they go to credible charities.

“We will choose charities that fit well with the goals and objective of building trades,” Fraleigh says. “We really like project-driven work that demonstrates tangible results and helps build a legacy for the BTA.” On that front, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital received $200,000 a year over five years for an impressive, state-of-the-art renovation culminating in the Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre.

While the charitable foundation is a success just in living up to its mandate, says Martyn Piper, executive secretary treasurer of the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW), it also makes a statement about the industry as team players beyond the work sites.

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Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation: Prostate Cancer Canada: Neurosurgery Kids Fund of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation: Youth Unlimited/YFC Calgary: Canadian Diabetes Foundation: STARS Air Ambulance: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: Calgary Worker’s Resource Centre: Dogs with Wings: Wood Buffalo Food Bank: Educare: Special Olympics Alberta: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada/Edmonton: Threads of Life: Blueberry Bluegrass Festival:

$200,000 $80,000 $50,000 $35,000 $30,000 $30,000 $25,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $5,000 $5,000 $2,000 $1,000

BTA FAST FACTS 1906 The Building Trades of Alberta began with the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council, and was successful in its application for its charter. Charter members were the Lathers Local 205, Plumbers Local 488, Typographers Local 604, Bricklayers Local 1, Painters Local 1016 and Carpenters Local 1325.

1946 From the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council, the Edmonton Building and Construction Trades Council was created.

1976 The Northern Alberta and District of MacKenzie Building and Construction Trades Council was formed and received a charter.

The Building Trades of Alberta is allied with Canada’s Building Trades Unions – a more-than century-old national organization which is an alliance of 14 building and construction unions, representing more than 500,000 skilled building trade workers.

Kid Zone Spot the Differences There are at least six.

Differences: Moustache on big stump, stars on big mushroom, nose on big mushroom, two leaves on small stump’s arm, cowboy hat on small mushroom, black and white spots on small mushroom, flag on bike

X T R E E H O U S E M S O J R

Word Search

W D R T Z Q Y W Y Y T B E O Z Q L E P T M M X D Y Y P O N N

The warmer weather has us thinking about building projects that inspire summertime fun. Whether it’s a small craft project you can make yourself or a dream project you could help an adult build, there are plenty of ideas here to build some great memories this summer.

L A P V O J F S N N S I A U H

Search up, down, forward, backward and diagonally to find these hidden words:

B H I N A I S B E D E C T L A

Birdbath Birdhouse Chalkboard Go-kart Hammock Kite Lawn chair Lemonade stand

R I E F I W R X A O C A S Q T

Periscope Picnic table Pinwheel Racetrack Sandbox Toy boat Treehouse

Z W O V Y V O A A B H C T N P B N C T B W N N T I K N H W K R C S N O P K D S R K I J Z C

I A R O T N T O D H K T Z E R

D R P G G H A H N U O B S V E B C X P D E K F O S M L J Q C A B F U L E O N M E M E L F A T A B F B L G W E S A X Y F R H G D R A O B K L A H C H B W SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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Meet the Journeyman

By ALLISON BADGER

Reaching New Heights Journeyman scaffolder’s work ethic has allowed her to realize her career and personal dreams

V

iola Sandfly recalls the wood-burning fireplace

in her childhood home and her hard-working father, who gathered enough wood to last the family a few winters. Sandfly grew up in Pierceland, Saskatchewan, where she was tasked with many chores from an early age. From cleaning the house to weeding the garden, she’s thankful for the work ethic she gained from her upbringing, attributing her strong-willed nature to her father. Being independent started at a young age for Sandfly, who moved out when she was just 15 years old. Now, Sandfly is a journeyman-level scaffolder with Local 1325, and she has worked for the scaffolding company Safway for five years.

In her teen years, Sandfly cooked, cleaned and babysat to pay her rent. She also worked at restaurants and hotels while still attending high school. At 17, she moved to Cold Lake to live with her sister. After working at a gas station and cleaning rooms at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, she took over her sister’s management job at a local bar. She says running a busy club and managing the staff was something that empowered her.

fish, snowboard and play softball. She enjoys the money that comes along with working in the trades and she attributes her wages to finally realizing her goal of home ownership last November. In addition to being self-sufficient, she says she counts “meeting new experienced people and teaching the green apprentices the right way to do things,” among her favourite aspects of scaffolding.

“They were preaching all these good things about the union, and I was like, ‘How, and when can I join?’ ” Viola Sandfly says.

PHOTO: ARNAB BISWAS

Sandfly quit her bar management position after her father was killed in a crash by a drunk driver and started working for Seven Lakes Oilfield Services. After two-and-a-half years as a labourer Sandfly wanted more, so she pursued a career in scaffolding. While she started out with a non-union company, she was soon influenced by union members’ visits to the jobsites. “They were preaching all these good things about the union, and I was like, ‘How, and when can I join?’ ” Sandfly says. In 2009, she moved to Edmonton and joined Local 1325.

Being a member has been a great experience for her, allowing her to attend such memorable events as the Sisters in the Brotherhood Conference and the 300-hitter program – both at the world-class International Training Center in Las Vegas.

When it comes to hobbies, Sandfly simply says: “Everything outdoors, that’s me.” In her spare time, she likes to camp,

VIOLA SANDFLY 26

HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

Meet the Apprentice

By ALLISON BADGER

Double Duty Pursuing two trades concurrently offers this apprentice twice the career options

B

efore pursuing work in the trades, Mark

Holzendorff moved from his native Collingwood, Ontario, to Whistler, B.C., where he worked various kitchen jobs. It’s not that he was particularly interested in carpentry or scaffolding when he was younger, but as he watched others around him begin to make more money in the building trades, he decided to give it a try himself.

Holzendorff is now a fourth-year carpenter apprentice.

He received training from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and worked for Vision Pacific, a construction company that builds luxury properties in and around Whistler. After the 2010 Winter Olympics, jobs were increasingly sparse in Whistler, so Holzendorff relocated to Fort McMurray in search of work. There, he was encouraged to join a union, so he did: Local 1325. Holzendorff says he has gained friends he would otherwise not have met and mentorship on his new career path. He describes the people he is surrounded by as career-oriented and safety-focused.

equations. He previously completed his Level 1 scaffolding course in the smaller Calgary training centre.

The son of a school teacher and a shop owner, Holzendorff acknowledges his own career path has followed a different trajectory than that of his parents. He’s looking forward to completing his dual apprenticeships and becoming a journeyman, which he hopes will be just the beginning of his journey in the trades.

Pursuing two apprenticeships is challenging, but Holzendorff sees each field as having its own rewards.

“Every day you work, it’s best just to take your time and make sure that everything’s done in the proper procedure so that everyone goes home safe,” he explains. It was also through this union membership that Holzendorff became interested in his next trade, scaffolding, which he has also been working at since 2011.

Pursuing two apprenticeships is challenging, but Holzendorff sees each field as having its own rewards. “With carpentry, what you do is create a finished product. You’re hoping it’ll be there for 100 years,” he says, adding that every time you see it, you can acknowledge having created something. “But with scaffolding,” he adds, “it’s a temporary platforms and a different type of gratification, because most people on the streets wouldn’t have a clue how to assemble these decks for the other trades so that they can work safely.”

Holzendorff is currently in a Level 2 scaffolding class at the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre (ACTC) in Edmonton, where he works on building scaffolds and calculating math

MARK HOLZENDORFF SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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REPORT

Training and Apprenticeship

Local Talent in the Spotlight

W

e just completed another very successful annual Alberta

Provincial Apprenticeship Contest, and I can attest that we have some of the most talented, skilled members in our ranks! Six skilled carpenters and six of our finest scaffold erectors competed for cash and prizes, with carpenter Michael Yewchin and scaffolder Loren LeRouzic each taking first place in the end. Michael will be moving on to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) National Competition in Saskatoon this September to represent Alberta. I want to wish the best of luck to Michael in the national contest, and congratulate all contestants who participated in the provincial event in early July.

This contest is the foundation of this Training Trust Fund (formally known as the Alberta Apprenticeship and Competition Fund), which was founded in the 1980s to fund a yearly contest This year’s provincial Skills to showcase Alberta’s best and to our contractors Canada event was the best brightest and the general public. We have joint UBC/Alberta Regional grown into a multi-million Council/Alberta Carpenters dollar fund, with hundreds of trained each year in Training Centre-represented members many disciplines, as well as event to date. seven shops, 11 classrooms, four centres in three cities, and up to 25 full-time and temporary staff members at any given time.

This year’s provincial Skills Canada event in June was the best joint UBC/ Alberta Regional Council/Alberta Carpenters Training Centre-represented event to date, and we reached out to up to 12,000 attendees. The Regional Council sponsored part of the event, and as usual, the ACTC was on-hand to for the popular carpentry Try-a-Trade feature for the thousands of students that came through our various booths and displays. This event is a powerful and effective way to tell people who we are and what we have to offer in a very short amount of time. I plan on maintaining our relationship with Skills Canada, as it sends out a positive message of how we fit into industry, and how we support trades and apprentices in the province. For more coverage of Skills Canada’s provincial event, see page 14.

When registered for a class, no matter what that is, please remember to be sure of start times and class locations, and show up prepared to learn. Be professional and don’t come to a class wearing open-toed shoes like flip-flops or sandals.

That also goes for tank tops and shorts; this isn’t the beach, so don’t come dressed like it is. This means bringing all required materials and personal protective equipment (PPE). If you come to a class that requires tools, gloves, hard hat, glasses and steel-toed boots and are without these items, we have members on wait lists for most of our classes, so the unprepared will be moved aside for the prepared. So be prepared.

As always, be sure to keep your safety training updated for the jobsites, and

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HARDHAT | SUMMER 2015

Len J. Bryden, Director of Training and Apprenticeship Alberta Carpenters Training Centre lbryden@abcarptc.ab.ca

start and finish any and all apprenticeship programs offered if you have aspirations for earning top wages and moving into supervision someday. We always have Period 1 and 2 carpentry classes that go unfilled, yet we still have members pulling no-shows and leaving open spaces in all of our programs.

Remember, if you don’t cancel properly, you will consequently be charged for a no-show fee – or even the cost of the entire course – which can be quite expensive.

Be diligent, be smart about your training, and you will have potential for great things.

With hard work comes success, but hard work also requires determination. If you don’t have these things, I would suggest not looking into a construction career or attempting to join our ranks. We are always looking for these qualities in our members. If you think you have what it takes, we will welcome you and expect great things from you.

REPORT

Local 1460 Millwrights

Dispatch System Rolled Out Access to job postings now available 24 hours a day

B

rothers and Sisters, we are nearing full implementation of

both the online and the fully- automated telephone dispatch systems. This means remote access to your personal and dispatch-related information by cellphone or computer 24 hours a day.

Thank you to Brother Neal Hugh, for your tireless efforts in steering development and implementation of the dispatch system and dispatch rules, and apprenticeship classification. We are grateful for what this means to the future of dispatch at Millwrights Local 1460. Thank you to those who are interactively embracing the online dispatch system, logging in regularly and updating their profiles. You are strongly encouraged to confirm that your primary phone number is contained in the “contact preferences” area. Old numbers mean missed calls and missed opportunities.

Benefits of the new dispatch system include:

Ted Remenda, Senior Business Rep Local 1460 Millwrights

• Being able to choose your job preference.

• Being able to login after a job to sign on the “Out of Work” list.

• Being able to view your number on the “Out of Work” list.

• Exclusivity of viewing the job board.

• Ability to monitor and update the contact preferences area on dispatch.

• Ability to monitor and update training information (valuable assets for employment).

Repeat users: The change this system will bring could be compared to the evolution of banking, starting with automated tellers, and PIN numbers, evolving primarily into web-based and telephone access. The dispatch office will continue to address membership comments, concerns and questions. Prior to full implementation, instructions on how to use the online dispatch system and telephone automated dispatch system will be mailed out to you.

Current sign on instructions for first-time users: 1. Visit the website (www.albertamillwrights.com/members) and click on “dispatch.”

2. Use your union ID to sign on (e.g. U12345678).

3. Use your eight-digit date of birth to sign on (e.g. 19671231).

4. Select login.

5. Read the Terms and Conditions and New Rules (e.g. 20-day rule).

6. Select “I agree” and “continue.”

7. Add your email address.

8. Add your new password.

9. Check your inbox, junk and spam folders for Millwrights 1460 confirmation.

10. Open email and click on “click here.” Note: You may have to sign in again to authenticate.

1. Use your email address to sign on.

2. Use your password to sign on.

If you receive an “account locked message”: 1. Click on “I forgot my password.

2. Enter your union ID. 3. Click on “submit password reset.”

4. Check your email, inbox, spam and junk folders for password reset message.

5. Click on the “click here” link. Message will read: Your password has been reset.

6. Enter your union ID and date of birth as your passwords.

7. Once back into the system, select “change passwords.”

8. Enter new password and retype password.

9. Remember to sign in with your new password when you sign in after receiving the “account locked” message.

SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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Parting Shot

CN Tower, Edmonton

The 26-storey CN Tower opened on February 14, 1966 and was Canada’s tallest building west of Toronto. This building exemplifies the modern notion of a tower resting on a podium, first showcased in New York’s (1953) Lever House. The tower-on-podium design is also in other Edmonton buildings of the time, such as the University of Alberta Students’ Union Building and the Campus Tower building at 87 Avenue and 112 Street.

The CN Tower is now owned by Tawa International Inc. and the last of the CN employees moved out of the building in 2008. The tower suffered structural damage to the exterior on July 18, 2009 during a severe thunderstorm, during which two vehicles were crushed by the falling debris.

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UPCOMING

Training + Events

MEETINGS First Wednesday of each month, except for February, May, August and November, when meetings are the second Saturday of the month: Local 1325 meeting Third Thursday of each month: Local 2103 meeting Fourth Tuesday of each month: Local 1460 meeting TRAINING Alberta Carpenters Training Centre The following is a sample of training courses that are open for registration at the time of publication of this edition of Hard Hat. For a full listing or more information on training courses, visit abcarptc.ab.ca or phone the Edmonton office at 780-455-6532 or toll-free at 1-877-455-6532.

All courses are at the Edmonton location unless otherwise indicated.

Aerial Work Platform August 19-20, 2015

Certified Rigger and Signaler August 31-September 4, 2015 Industrial Technical Training September 21-October 4, 2015 September 28-October 11, 2015 OSSA Fall Protection (one-day) August 11, 15, 18, 21, 25, 29 MILLWRIGHTS TRAINING CENTRE Visit www.albertamillwrights.com for a current listing of training courses available.

In Memoriam ARCCAW notes with sorrow the passing of the following members.

LOCAL 1325 William Alton May 18, 2015 Age 70 Bryan Ferguson June 4, 2015 Age 61 Elmina Gionet May 2, 2015 Age 61 Gustav Gurske April 14, 2015 Age 84 David Haly January 17, 2015 Age 84 Marvin Kirk April 23, 2015 Age 61 Shane Matthon March 7, 2015 Age 31 Teague McEwan April 26, 2015 Age 23 Peter Milward March 21, 2015 Age 65 Jamie Norman April 21, 2015 Age 31 Anthony Organ May 25, 2015 Age 46 Nathan Smallwood March 27, 2015 Age 23 Konrad Szwedowicz May 15, 2015 Age 30 Local 1460 Paul Green July 19, 2015 Age 64 Joe Roy Joyce June 22, 2015 Age 74 Mike John Vandette June 11, 2015 Age 57 Local 2103 David J. Niznik May 6, 2015 Age 53

SUMMER 2015 | HARDHAT

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