Advancing Fair Wages, Safety, and Solidarity for Alberta’s Sheet Metal Workers.
In 1905, the year Alberta became a province, a group of tradesman banded together and joined with the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association to obtain better wages, benefits, safety regulations, and job site conditions.
This Union has continued for over a century – through recessions and booms – without wavering from its purpose of bargaining for and protecting our membership.
In the early 80’s, Local # 8 had a commercial market share of 80%. Since then, Alberta has continuously had the lowest union coverage in Canada - a full 15% below the highest (Newfoundland).
The only way to regain the standard is for workers to unite, and compel employers to bargain with them collectively. Organized companies will then be able to bid competitively, ultimately leading to better working conditions for all.
Local # 8 has administrative offices in Edmonton and Calgary; and holds regular monthly meetings in Calgary or Edmonton, along with Zoom accessibility.
Why Work Union?
Your Right. Your Voice. Your Choice.
Ask questions! Any decision that affects you so much deserves a lot of consideration. Begin by asking your friends at work. Ask the unionized tradesmen at your jobsite. Ask us … we’ll tell you about contracts, dues and benefits. Then, ask yourself how things can change.
One voice is not enough to make any significant changes to your job. It takes a combined voice to have any clout in the workplace. Strength is in numbers and unity.
The important thing is to act together. You have a right to consider unionizing, just as your employer has a right to join contractor associations, and pay dues to them. And, just as he has a right to expect a profit, you have a right to expect fair wages and conditions.
Big companies are making big profits. More Union companies bidding on jobs evens the playing field, and raises the standards for the workers. When non-Union companies bid, they know they can lower costs at their workers' expense.
The Alberta government protects your rights as a worker. It legislates your right to explore your options with a Union without fear of retribution, harassment or intimidation from employers. The only way to maintain and improve standards is to exercise your right to choose.
Local 8 is proud to support our communities through donations to worthy causesAll funding is made from our Benevolent Fund and through motions made by our members at our regular meetings.
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