Union Jobs in Canada

What is a Union Job?

 A union job might be any of two different kinds of jobs. One category includes positions that assist the union’s structure, like administrative, organising, and research roles. The other is any occupation that has union representation. When you are employed by a union, you typically offer your members resources and support, such as assisting in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements with a particular employer’s management. Your obligations and responsibilities as a member of a union are based on the nature of your job.

 Top 25 Union Jobs in Canada

 Among the specialised occupations held by union employees are clerical staff, researchers, administrators, lawyers, and organisers. Your responsibilities include going into businesses to talk to employees and offer them support and encouragement if they want to join a particular union. You may also negotiate with employers to improve working conditions, wages, or perks for union members. The following are some job types to look into if you’re interested in union employment:

• Union Millwright

 Millwrights construct, put together, disassemble, and repair equipment. Because they have direct experience with every facet of equipment, millwrights have a solid grasp of how machines function. This occurs both when they are in good operating order and when they require maintenance. According to the Millwright Employers Association, carpentry work has historically been performed by millwrights as well. To assemble the machinery used in manufacturing plants and assembly lines, modern millwrights use heavy-duty tools and blueprints. Annual salary range is $50,500 to $66,000.

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• Union Building 

There are many different types of jobs in the construction business, from project managers and civil engineers to carpenters and electricians. Professionals in construction work on a variety of tasks. There are business projects like building strip malls, office buildings, or industrial facilities; residential projects like single-family homes, small-lot developments, or apartment buildings; and a variety of infrastructure projects like building bridges or public transportation. The nature of the project and your position within the construction sector will determine your obligations. Pay range is  $71,000 to $125,500 annually

• Drilling for Union 

Oil Depending on the role, the main requirements for employment in this sector typically include passing foundational operational and safety courses and having at least a high school degree. You might need to be able to lift up to 100 pounds because many oil drilling jobs involve moving and lifting heavy objects. To operate heavy machinery in some positions, you might need to obtain a licence. Sometimes working long hours, standing for longer periods, disassembling and repairing equipment, cleaning equipment, and transporting equipment are necessary to fulfil the tasks and obligations of oil drilling occupations. A bachelor’s degree in a discipline like engineering or management plus several years of experience are typically prerequisites for senior-level roles. Pay range is $71,500 to $93,000 annually. 

• Union Scaffolding

The majority of scaffolding occupations are in the construction sector, whether they are putting up scaffolding for a brand-new building project or preparing scaffolding for offshore tasks like oil rigging on an ocean platform or bridge construction. A few civil engineers create construction project setups. Surveying locations, determining if an existing design or a new one is appropriate for the project, and evaluating the kind of work that needs to be done are their responsibilities. Testing various materials and perhaps supervising their installation are additional typical duties of an engineer. Pay range is $52,500 to $68,500 annually.

• The Union Plumber

 A plumbing associate’s degree or certificate program must be completed to become a plumber. This trade is taught in many community colleges and vocational schools. Learn on the job by obtaining an apprenticeship. After passing a test demonstrating their understanding of building codes, plumbing systems, and local regulations, the new plumber completes an apprenticeship, which can last up to five years. The majority of states mandate that plumbers obtain a licence, which usually requires completing a test covering the fundamentals of the field as well as regional laws and regulations. Examine your state’s licensure requirements before applying for plumbing jobs. After a few years of expertise in the industry, plumbers who began their careers working for a firm may decide to launch their own venture. The range of salaries is $49,500 to $72,500 annually.

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• Union Bricklayer 

You must have a high school degree or a GED in addition to prior construction or contracting experience to work as a bricklayer. Starting as an apprentice bricklayer allows you to learn the basics of the trade from a more seasoned journeyman mason or bricklayer. Some first start out as general labourers on building projects or even as members of landscaping teams. Along with these credentials, you must possess several other abilities, such as mastery of chisels, specialised saws, and concrete mixing machinery. Teamwork and effective verbal communication are also crucial. Annual salary range is $46,000 to $67,500.

• Union Pipefitter

 After completing an apprenticeship through an authorised trade union program, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the United Association, you can become a union pipefitter. Apprenticeship programs can last anything from one to five years. During this time, you will study classroom skills and get practical experience. Since they undergo a lot of training, candidates who finish union apprenticeships are frequently thought to have a higher level of pipefitting skills. States require additional requirements, such as completing OSHA training and obtaining a journeyman’s licence. This is before you can work as a full-fledged union pipefitter. Annual salary range is $50,500 to $64,500.

• Masonry Union 

To be eligible for union masonry positions, you must have a high school degree or GED at the very least, be able to pay union dues, and support union activities. Masonry abilities are often acquired through an apprenticeship offered by your local union. Apprenticeships contain both classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and they often last three or four years. You can join the union as a full member and advance to journey-level mason after completing your apprenticeship program. This line of work necessitates physical fitness and the capacity to stand all day. This is because you will be handling large bricks and stones. Pay range is $48,500 to $62,000 annually.

• Welder Union

 A welding certificate from the Ironworkers and American Welding Society, and welding expertise are prerequisites for becoming a union welder. Both online and at a union testing facility, certification exams are available. You pass these tests to become certified. Getting a welding postsecondary certificate or doing an apprenticeship through a private company or the union can help you advance your abilities. Employers in some sectors could also demand that you finish OSHA safety training. The range of salaries is $39,000 to $51,500 annually.

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• Union Painter 

An apprenticeship program run by a group like IUPAT is required to become a union painter. These programs typically involve three years of training and offer both classroom education and practical practice. Should you have prior painting experience, you might be able to finish an apprenticeship sooner. Once your painting abilities have been assessed and proven, you can start working as a union painter. In addition to having outstanding physical dexterity and attention to detail, the position requires awareness of conventional health and safety regulations. You need dependable transportation because you have to go to work locations. Pay range is $36,500 to $50,000 annually.

• Labour Union 

The requirements for a labour union job vary based on the duties of the role. Apprenticeships are possible through labour unions. It is for those who wish to work as technicians in the construction, manufacturing, or repair industries. Before becoming journey-level professionals, apprentices work for three or four years. While public school teachers must have a degree and a teaching license, public sector positions with the police or fire department require attendance at a training academy. Being a member of a union requires not only professional qualifications and certifications but also payment of dues and participation in voting on pertinent matters. The majority of organisations offer training programs to become a representative if you wish to work directly for the union. The range of salaries is $33,000 to $40,500 annually.

• • Union Drywall 

Although they vary by union, the main requirements for a union plasterboard job typically include paying dues and finishing a training course. If you can prove that you are proficient in the skills required for your position and have several years of relevant experience, some unions may waive the educational requirements. To perform the tasks of a union plasterboard job, one needs to be physically strong. You also need to have good communication skills and be able to cooperate with other union members to preserve the union’s negotiating power. Pay range is between $40,000 and $52,500 annually

• Union Labourer 

Jobs are available all across the economy and are often classified as either skilled or unskilled. The majority of job postings for labourers are seeking unskilled workers. This is because most employers focus on the abilities and education that candidates have. A general labourer on a building site or jobs in factories performing assembly and line work are examples of this. You can gain work skills and advance into more lucrative skilled roles, frequently with their trade unions, by working in a variety of unskilled labourer positions. Annual salary range is $33,500 to $44,000.

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• Union Apprenticeship 

A GED or high school diploma is mandatory for a union apprenticeship. In certain situations, a passing score on an entrance exam is also mandatory. Certain candidates obtain work experience before enrolling in an apprenticeship program, such as summer jobs in construction or related fields. The majority of apprenticeships in skilled labour trades require you to be physically fit. Also, you need to have strong analytical abilities and high math skills. Since you earn while completing the apprenticeship program, you do not need to work two jobs to finish it. Annual salary range is $34,000 to $46,000. 

Why Work Union Jobs?

Union jobs offer several advantages to employees. Under a collective bargaining agreement, the union bargains for the workers’ pay and benefits if you work for one. The Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) reports that union employees have better access to retirement and health benefits and receive higher earnings. In 2017, the median weekly pay for full-time union members was $1,041, while that of non-union workers was $829. Compared to 67% of non-union employees, 94% of union employees had access to employer-sponsored health benefits as of March 2017. Additionally, according to the BLS, in March 2018, 68 percent of union employees had access to defined benefits plans.  Meanwhile, only 12 percent of non-union employees did the same. Additionally, you can gain from improved employment rights and workplace safety if you work for a union.

How to Find Opportunities

 Some occupations require few skills, while others may require specialised certifications and skills. This depends on the type of work you want to do. A bachelor’s degree or prior experience as a shop steward or rank-and-file union member is important for employment with a union. Also, you need a desire to take on a leadership role. From menial labour, like janitors or hotel service workers, to professional class employment, like nursing and screenwriting, the requirements to obtain a job that is represented by a union vary. The most straightforward route to obtaining a union job for non-union workers is to organise your workplace and create a new union. Notably, numerous local labour organisations are available to assist in this endeavour.

Where to Find Opportunities

To find a Union Job, find Online job boards such as LabourStart, Indeed, Workopolis, LinkedIn, and Naukri.com. Also, look for employment openings within the membership of particular unions on their websites. Job postings on company websites are common among businesses with unionised employees. Intentional Making connections with employees in unionised occupations might yield insights and leads.

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Conclusion

In Canada, union jobs are essential for establishing ethical labour standards and advancing workers’ rights in a range of sectors. Compared to their non-union counterparts, union jobs frequently offer higher pay. They offer better benefits and more job security in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With automation, globalisation, and changing political environments, the employment market is changing. Unions continue to be a powerful force for fair treatment and safer working conditions. In addition to giving many Canadian workers a collective voice at the negotiating table, union membership also helps create a more equitable and inclusive economy.