A strong union can be a great ally for individuals looking to start or switch to a career in the trades. The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada – commonly referred to as UA – is a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems.
In Sault Ste. Marie and across the area, UA Local 800 has been training qualified pipe tradesmen longer than anyone else in the industry. The UA boasts the premier training programs available in the industry today, including five-year apprenticeship programs, extensive journeyman training, organized instructor training, and certification programs. One of the current realities for organizations like UA Local 800 is that many young men and women aren’t always exactly sure what a career in the trades is all about.
“It seems there are advertisements everywhere now telling young people to get a job in the trades, but ‘the trades’ is such a general term,” said Adam Mick, Assistant Business Manager with UA Local 800, which represents Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Welders. “When applicants come through our doors for the first time, typically they don’t know exactly what they’re applying for.”
UA Local 800 fields a large volume of calls from people who are interested in trades represented by the union, In such cases, the local provides all the relevant information potential candidates required to help them make informed decisions about pursuing a career in the trade of their choice.
“Our most typical request at the door is, ‘how do I become a plumber?’ Everyone knows what a plumber is. Another common request is, ‘how do I get hired as part time labour?’ There are government funded programs helping people decide what trade suits them, there are ‘worker ready’ programs available to someone looking to change careers, there are job fairs, skills competitions and so on,” he said.
According to Mick, one of the most important things for people to realize is that joining a Building Trades Union like UA Local 800 is undoubtedly the starting point of a career.
“Of course, we talk about apprenticeships, we boast about the apprenticeship model and how well it works, but really that is all part of recruitment,” he said. “What actually retains members though is the opportunity that comes with joining, the excellent pay, and the pension contributions.”
UA Local 800 is well-established in its representation of Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Welders. With each of these trades there are many avenues that can lead a member to a successful future. According to Mick, some members prefer to travel for shut down work, or projects in the ICI sector in other areas of the province and country. Some members prefer to stay local on commercial projects, industrial work or plumbing service. Regardless of their choices, a career in the trades can provide a lucrative and stable career.
“We have people with over 65 years membership in UA Local 800,” he said. “Pension contributions are paid on the member’s behalf and are above the base rate, currently in Zone 2 Sault Ste. Marie, $10 per hour worked is invested for the member. In Zone 3 Sudbury, $9.98 is invested per hour earned. In both cases, overtime means more money in pension, which means a more secure future for UA retirees.”
Mick said the union’s contract is renewed every 3 years, with the current contract being negotiated in 2025. “”in 2025, we will see not only the base wages increase, but the pension contributions as well.”
Anyone thinking of joining the trades or looking for work in the industry should reach out to the union to discuss the variety of opportunities available in the various trades. For more information, visit United Local 800 online.