A strong and supportive trade union is more than just a safety net – it is a foundation for building a lasting career in whatever trade its members pursue. By advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, access to ongoing training, and long-term benefits, unions give tradespeople the stability and resources they need to grow in their profession, feed their families, and enjoy the camaraderie of belonging.
With the backing of a union, workers can focus on developing their skills, advancing in their field, and planning a secure future. That’s certainly at the core of support offered by United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada – commonly referred to as UA. As an actively registered member of UA Local 800, every individual from apprentice to journeyman is entitled to a broad palate of support service throughout their career.
“Whether you’re a welder, a fitter, or a plumber, we like to hold onto our members for life,” said Lucas Virtanen, Direction of Training with UA Local 800 in Sudbury. “It’s not just a job. When you join Local 800 you’re starting a career. We have members who have 50-year pins who started their apprenticeships at 18. Along the way we’ve provided upgrading, training, mentorship, and help completing their apprenticeships to reach journeyman status to help them be that much more employable.”
There are many people who have misconceptions about the value and impact of union membership. For example, some uninformed critics argue unions can drive businesses away by demanding higher wages. However, research in Canada shows unionized workplaces often have higher productivity, lower turnover, and safer environments. That’s especially true in the trades, where organizations like UA Local 800 put the interests of their members first.
“We’re constantly looking at the latest technology to stay ahead of the curve and help out members be leaders in the industry,” said Virtanen. “We offer many different avenues of training and support services, so you don’t have to stay a welder, fitter, or plumber on the tools. We have courses available so you can become a foreman or supervisor or move from the job site into the office or the classroom. There are endless opportunities for growth and advancement throughout your career provided by the union.”
Since its foundation in 1889, the UA has been a constant source of support for its members in its affiliates like Local 800. According to Virtanen, a welder who has moved into the role of Training Director, many people who are considering careers in the trades aren’t always aware of the how union membership can help them ensure a long-term career.
“It’s one of those things. If you’re not in this world and you don’t have family working in it, you may not understand how it all works. When we bring in new members, we have to educate them to let them know all the opportunities available,” he said. “There are definitely lots of opportunities within the trades as we have baby boomers aging out and going into retirement. The pay, the benefits, everything we offer, being part of the local, the brotherhood, the sisterhood, the comradery, working with like minded people. The whole culture of being a member is a positive.”
Robert Blunt, the Assistant Training Director with UA Local 800, agrees with the fact UA Local 800 provides career support far beyond the apprenticeship. For example, new members are offered a course called Foundations, an introductory pathway to their apprenticeship programs and all the ways UA Local 800 helps a career member along his or her career. The union also offers a M.A.P. initiative and has an established Standard of Excellence that gives members a clear indication of the quality of work and skill level to which they can aspire.
“The Standard of Excellence is one of the best things the UA has ever come out with,” said Blunt. “Because it doesn’t just make the worker responsible for certain things, it also makes the companies responsible and management responsible. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to work hard and earn a fair pay and you want the clients to be happy. That starts right from day one.”
When you’re looking at a career in trades consider becoming an actively registered member of UA Local 800. For more information, visit United Local 800 online here.