Why Union

One of the most important decisions you will ever make will be whether or not to become a member of a United Association Local. Before you can make this decision, there are many questions which must be answered, and misconceptions to be cleared up. Much of this section is designed for you, the worker seeking to make a well informed decision concerning your future.

A Union, a group of dedicated men and women striving toward the same goals, provides security and dignity for all members.

The voices of many are louder than the voice of an individual. The United Association speaks for its members, working to achieve job security, health and welfare benefits, a living wage, a safe working environment, and a comfortable pension.

When you join a union, you are joining a democracy. Each member has the opportunity to voice his concerns and suggestions, working for a better life for all.

Unions are making a difference in Canada both for workers and contractors alike. They foster a healthy workforce by providing equitable benefits. For the contractor, a healthy workforce means that work is done right the first time, saving on costly corrections down the road in projects.

Some of these benefits include:

• Overtime Pay
• Health Insurance
• Pension
• Safety Programs
• Equitable grievance procedures
• Advancement Opportunities
• Above average wages

There are several benefits to being a UA member part of Local 401. Here are some of the top reasons:

Additional Benefits

Local 401 members enjoy additional health and retirement benefits they would not have access to as independent contractors.

Access to Premium Job Sites

Becoming a member of Local 401 gives you access to work on high-paying union construction jobs all over town, and in other cities and provinces throughout Canada.

Substantially Improved Safety

Construction work has the second highest injury rate of any major industry. There is constant pressure to cut corners and work fast which increases hazards in the workplace. To counter these statistics, Local 401 members get more safety training and have outlets available to them that address common problems and make work sites safer. UA members are more likely to have access to proper equipment and are half as likely to have life threatening accidents during their work careers.

Training and Advancement Opportunities are in Your Control

Training is provided by your Local 401 contract at no cost to you. Apprentices get paid while learning basic skills, and advanced training lets journeyman upgrade their skills and keep up with technological changes.

Workplace Respect and Teamwork

When you are a UA member, Your skills and experience are understood and respected by employers. As a Local 401 member, you are a part of a team of industry specialists with reputations for problem solving. With our solid training and your experience, you have what you need to get the job done right, the first time!

Play a Vital Role in Building a Stronger Community... Your Community

When you replace low-wage and temporary jobs with good union jobs, you boost local economies, lift living standards, strengthen tax bases, and reduce the burden on taxpayers by lowering the number of unemployed and uninsured. Choosing to join Local 401 means that you are creating more quality jobs and building a more secure future for yourself and your community.

Better Pay!

While rates vary from local to local and from region to region, Union Plumbers & Pipefitters on average make substantially more money per job site than non-union workers. Fair pay means less need for overtime, enabling you to have more time to spend with your friends and family.

Local 401 members work in a variety of settings from bungalows to high-rises, doing new construction and maintenance, air conditioning, heating and plumbing service work.

As a United Association member, you may be working at your job on single family residences, apartments, commercial establishments, office buildings, hospitals, fabrication shops, shopping centers, manufacturing plants, utility plants and systems and/or any other site where work of the United Association is being performed.

In short, the United Association represented workers are a vital part of virtually every industry in the United States of America and Canada.