As a skilled tradesperson, the uncertainty associated with flying solo without being an active member of a well-run trade union can be challenging. That is especially true when it comes to investing in, and planning for, your eventual retirement.<\/p>\n
The fact is, joining forces with a strong local union with international ties can punch your ticket to both a better career and a more financially stable retirement. For example, consider the benefits of being a member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada \u2013 commonly referred to as UA. As an actively registered member of UA Local 800<\/a>, every individual from apprentice to journeyman is enrolled in a pension plan that will continue to build equity as their career progresses.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone joining the union has the employer remit on their behalf into the pension plan,\u201d said Adam Mick, Assistant Business Manager with UA Local 800, which represents Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Welders. \u201cIt\u2019s really all about investing in your future. The pension is paid 100 percent by the contractor above the base wages. A journeyman working 40 hours a week for a year can expect to have $18,000 or more invested on their behalf.\u201d<\/p>\n According to UA Local 800 member Yvon Doyon, being a member of the union has had many benefits throughout his career.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been a member since 1977, and I retired around six years ago with a good pension and benefits,\u201d said Doyon, who began as a welder but earned other tickets and job roles thanks to the training options offered by UA Local 800. \u201cIt\u2019s optional if you want to keep your membership active after retirement. I did because it was the best thing to happen to me. The Union was always a great door opener for me and for all members. It gave me opportunity to travel, to work in the United States and other provinces.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Doyon, who began his career as a welder, the support provided by the UA in terms of training and education was instrumental in helping him advance his career beyond his original ticket.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery time I had a chance to participate in training the Union opened those doors for me,\u201d he said. \u201cWhether it was a first aid course or operating a forklift, all courses were available to any member who wanted to upgrade their skills. They offered a course to become a steamfitter, which I took and became a steamfitter. Another time the local had many local contracts doing gas work. They put gas training courses together and I successfully passed my ticket for G2 gas technician. I kept them all valid right up until today.\u201d<\/p>\n A positive sign for the future of the trades sector is the fact many young individuals considering a career are aware of the overall benefits of becoming a union member. In fact, in his role as a welding coordinator Doyon said many of the young people he has trained are looking at the trades specifically for the variety of benefits UA Local 800 can offer.<\/p>\n \u201cAs soon as I mention the UA pension, I am surprised how often these young applicants are asking about pension and benefits,\u201d he said. \u201cI remember when I joined the organization in the mid-70s we didn\u2019t have any idea about pensions or benefits. As far as I\u2019m concerned, the new generation coming into the trades is interested in wages, benefits, pensions, and working conditions. The union has fought for and won a lot of these benefits. A lot of our labour laws exist today because of the unions.\u201d<\/p>\n Anyone thinking of joining the trades or looking for work in the industry should reach out to the union to discuss the various benefits and pension plans offered through the Local.<\/p>\n