About UBC Local 2486

TOP 10 Reasons Why you need a Union where you work

 

It’s the way to more stability and security.

 

With the ups and downs, intense competition and fast growth of temporary agencies in the construction industry, you don’t always know where your next job will be—and what kind of pay and benefits you’ll have when you get there. But as a union construction worker, the pay, benefits and working conditions in your union contract are guaranteed—you carry them with you from job to job.

 

 

You get extended health and welfare benefits.

 

Union construction workers have extended health and welfare benefits provided by their contract, and it covers their families too. Dental, prescription drug plans, chiropractic and more provide protection with low deductibles and co-pays. And when you’re in a union, your health benefits are portable—your coverage follows you from job to job.

 

 

You have more retirement security. 

 

Retirement secutiry is hard to come by when you work in construction. But union construction workers have collectively-bargained pensions they can count on. Fully portable multi-employer plans, controlled by union and employer representatives, means union construction workers accrue benefits on every job. Pension surpluses go back in benefits and not to corporations.

 

 

You have access to the best jobs in town.

 

When you form a union where you work, you become a member of the 14 affiliated unions of the building trades—and that makes you eligible to work on high-paying union construction jobs all over town, and in other cities and provinces.

 

 

Safety hazards are reduced.

 

Construction work is extremely dangerous – it has one of the highest injury rates of any major industry, and pressure to cut corners and work fast make it all the more hazardous.  But Union workers get more safety training, have avenues to address problems and make worksites safer, and are more likely to have access to proper equipment.

 

 

You get better training and advancement opportunities.

 

Whether you’re just starting out or experience in your craft, Building Trade unions are by far the most important players in helping you acquire and upgrade your skills. Apprentices get paid while learning basic skills. Advanced training lets you upgrade and keep up with technological change.

 

 

You have respect and partnership at work.

 

Ever been told to do something a certain way, even though you knew it wasn’t the right way? Having a union means having a partnership with your employer and a say in decisions on the job. your view and skills are respected. You work with your co-workers to solve problems. And you have what you need to get the job done right—the first time!

 

 

The same set of rules applies for everyone.

 

Because they’re negotiated by and for everyone on the job, union contracts emphasize equality and fair treatment. They provide a written set of rules that applies to everyone—and on every job—eliminating favoritism and discrimination and guaranteeing that no one can be unfairly or arbitrarily disciplined or dismissed.

 

 

You help build a stronger community.

 

By forming a union where you work, you’re creating more good jobs—and building a more secure future for yourself and your community. When you replace low-wage and temporary jobs with good union jobs, you boost local economies, lift living standards, and strengthen tax bases.

 

 

You also make a lot more money.

 

While rates vary from trade to trade and from region to region, union wages and benefits amount to 25% more than non-union wages and benefits. And when you are paid fairly, you don’t have to work so much overtime and you can spend more time with your family.