Uniting ARCCAW members across Alberta and the Northwest Territories Winter 2011

High-Tech Healing
BTA Courage Centre
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8 tips to manage
your money

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Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40063788 Return undeliverable mail to 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton,AB T5V 0A3
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 Executive Secretary Treasurer’s
A Look Back at 2010
N
ow that 2010 is in the history
books, it is worth spending a few
moments to reflect on what the
year brought us. In many respects, it was
a year of soul-searching and reflection.
Thankfully, employment held steady.
However, not since the ’80s have we
been confronted by so many challenges
and new issues. The highlight of the year
will inevitably turn out to be the frame-
work bargaining process which resulted
in the majority of the Building Trades
and Registered Employers organizations
engaging in an integrated mutual gains
bargaining process for common indus-
trial terms. It took a long time to develop
the process, but hopefully the outcomes,
which will be voted on by the member-
ship in the spring, will have been worth
the investment. Before we get to that
place, however, we will be continuing to
finalize our trade specific items.
I am sure I speak for my colleagues
across the Building Trades when I say
we were really left with no choice but to
engage in a full and candid discussion
around the bargaining table. In effect,
the agreement to rework the consoli-
dated groups and engage in a multi-trade
process really developed out of our court
challenge to the collective bargaining
legislation. Regardless, as our market
share is continually being threatened and
as owners consider all their options with
respect to price, safety, productivity and
dependability, we had to do what is in the
best interest of the unionized construc-
tion industry. It serves no purpose to put
our fair contractors in an uncompetitive
position, thereby jeopardizing future
work opportunities. In comparison to
previous years, 2011 is going to be slow,
4 HARDHAT WINTER 2011
Martyn A. Piper
although work in 2012 looks a whole lot
more promising. Some of the recent joint
venture announcements have triggered
some sense of optimism with previously
held back projects.
Drug and alcohol testing issues remain
on the radar screen for a myriad of rea-
sons: there are those for and those
against it, questions relative to human
rights, court and legislative interest.
Clearly this issue is a permanent fixture
for the future. The fact of the matter is
until drugs and alcohol disappear from
job sites and camps, this issue will not go
away. The owners have made it clear they
are not prepared to tolerate this type of
behaviour on their sites and are prepared
to go to great lengths to ensure they com-
plete their mission.
The year 2010 saw compressed work
schedules contained in the Special
Project Needs Agreement become the
norm, particularly for projects in the
Wood Buffalo region. These schedules
have essentially eliminated overtime pro-
visions as we have traditionally known
them, and now compensation is paid
on a certain number of hours inclusive
of premium and regular time per work
schedule. The compressed work schedule
typically includes flights and also a guar-
antee of time off on furloughs. Worked
out over the year, one can argue that the
salary still exceeds that of the competi-
tion, is reasonable and ensures that every-
one is home at regular intervals.
In 2010 we were able to negotiate the
conversion of pension contributions
into pay for retirees who were unable
to enhance their pension benefit when
returning to work. Although we were
unable to achieve the same for appren-
REPORT
tices, this has gone a long way in relieving
the frustration felt by our pensioners.
In 2010, Local 2103 concluded litiga-
tion with the old officers of the Building
and Benevolent Society, who caved on
their claim to the Calgary Building, and
now the properly elected officers of 2103
are the officers of the Society, the build-
ing is properly back in the hands of the
Local and all bank accounts seized and
in the hands of Local 2103. This long and
unnecessary legal battle was expensive,
uncalled for and resulted in member-
ship loss for a few individuals. Hopefully
we can now turn our attention to what is
really required in Calgary with respect to
new offices and training facilities.
These, Brothers and Sisters, are just
a few of the many issues we have been
working on over the last year, and it is
because of a great membership, dynamic
staff team, executive boards and dele-
gates of the Regional Council that we are
able to deal efficiently, honestly and expe-
ditiously with them. The Brotherhood
in Alberta is on sound financial footing,
with solid infrastructure and resources to
support the operation.
There is no doubt 2011 will offer up
another set of challenges, but none too
great that we cannot overcome. The
world does not stand still. Times change,
and with it we must adapt.
 Contents
FEATURES Winter 11
Undeliverable mail should be directed to ARCCAW 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Email: lhelmeczi@albertacarpenters.com Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40063788

PUBLIShEd FOR:
Alberta Regional Council of 10 A Brief View of Our Union
Carpenters & Allied Workers Listings of Regional Council executive
15210 – 123 Avenue boards, delegates and committees
Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0A3
Tel: (780) 474-8599 / Fax: (780) 474-8910 12 Bolstering Courage
www.albertacarpenters.com A new high-tech rehabilitation centre
PUBLIShEd BY: opens, thanks to the support of local
Venture Publishing Inc. trade unions
10259 – 105 Street By Cailynn Klingbeil
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1E3
Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 18 Managing Your Money
Phone: (780) 990-0839
Fax: (780) 425-4921
Financial planning tips for today 12
and tomorrow
www.venturepublishing.ca By Tricia Radison

PUBLIShER
Ruth Kelly
20 Full Steam Ahead
Interpro relies on the specialized skills
ASSOCIATE PUBLIShER
Joyce Byrne of unionized millwrights
ARCCAW EdITOR By Lisa Ricciotti
Martyn A. Piper
22 The Angola Project 20
EdITOR A 1325 member shares his experiences
Kim Tannas working on an overseas project
ART dIRECTOR By Fraser Todd
Charles Burke
ASSISTANT ART dIRECTOR
Colin Spence
DEPARTMENTS
PROdUCTION COORdINATOR
Betty-Lou Smith 4 Note From the Executive
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Secretary Treasurer
Cailynn Klingbeil, Lindsey Norris, Tricia Radison, By Martyn Piper
Lisa Ricciotti, Fraser Todd, Jim Veenbaas
CONTRIBUTING PhOTOGRAPhERS 6 Site Lines
ANd ILLUSTRATORS
3TEN, Buffy Goodman
BTA Convention 2010, Cold remedies
VICE-PRESIdENT, SALES
from the trade-room floor; On the job 22
Anita McGillis with Bill Alton; Call for tool donations
AdVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE
Leah Mawer 9 Geared Up
SALES ASSISTANT Tools to help you work better
Julia Ehli
26 KidZone
Children’s Christmas party photos
Contents © 2011 by ARCCAW Inc.
No part of this publication should be reproduced 28 Training and Apprenticeship
without written permission.
Report
By Len Bryden

Important Phone Numbers 29 Local 1460 Millwrights Report

By Bob Hugh
Edmonton 780-471-3200
Fort McMurray 780-743-1442
Calgary 403-283-0747 30 Parting Shot
Carpenters Training Centre 780-455-6532
Carpenters Health and Welfare 780-477-9131 31 Training & Events; In Memoriam
Carpenters Pension 780-477-9131
Industrial Workers 403-283-0747
Millwright Local 1460 780-430-1460 ON ThE COVER: Skyler Beynon, NATAC
Local Union 1325 and 2103 Dispatch 1-888-944-0818 Canadian National Apprenticeship
contest winner - Photographed by 3TEN

hARdhAT WINTER 2011 5

 Site Lines News in Brief A roundup of news and events
from around the region

Convention Roundup
What went down at the Building Trades of
Alberta 2010 Convention
In early October, members of the Building Trades of Alberta
gathered in Jasper for an annual executive meeting and
convention.
This year’s theme was “The Leadership Commitment,” and
speakers included Navy SEAL and Rhodes scholar Eric Greitens,
MLA Thomas Lukaszuk, and Mark Breslin, who became the CEO
of the Engineering and Utility Contractors Association (EUCA)
when he was 26 and now writes books and speaks across North
America about labour-management relations.
Breslin had some blunt advice regarding Canada’s
construction industry. While the industry has grown about 15 per
cent per year, Breslin warned that the union share of the work pie
has not grown proportionately. He says, going forward, unions
need to be proactive, focus on economics over politics, and avoid
being derailed by naysayers reluctant to change.

Cold Comfort
There are a lot of myths about the common cold. Over
50 years ago, scientists at the Common Cold Research Unit
in England debunked the idea that catching a chill would give
you a case of the sniffles, and discovered you’re as likely to
catch a cold in the Sahara as you are in Fort McMurray. Not
content with stopping there, scientists moved on to debunk
many remedies that were supposed to cure colds – chicken
soup, orange juice, lots of fluids. Today, cold researchers
don’t agree on much, but they do agree on this: colds will run
their course no matter what you do.
Still, some people swear that their home remedies help
them feel better, and there’s no arguing with that. In that vein,
we offer a non-scientific array of cold remedies taken from a
non-scientific survey of the trade room floor.
1. RAW GARLIC
The theory: Garlic contains allicin, which has antifungal and
antibacterial properties.
How to use it: Raw, baby. Chop it or crush it to maximize the
allicin content.
2. LEMON TEA
The theory: Warm fluids can loosen congestion and prevent
dehydration.
How to use it: Without whisky. The “hot toddy” may be a
mainstay, but booze won’t help your cold.
3. BUCKLEY’S MIXTURE
The theory: It contains capsaicin, which acts as an analgesic
(pain-killer) long term.
How to use it: Like all over-the-counters, according to package
directions.
4. RAT ROOT TEA
The theory: This herb has been used for centuries in aboriginal
and Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments, including clearing
the nasal passages
How to use it: Warm. Ideally, not in the vicinity of real rats.
5. VITAMIN C
The theory: Some studies suggest high doses reduce a cold’s
duration. Other studies dispute this. Insufficient vitamin C leads to
scurvy, so make sure you’re getting enough, cold or no cold.
How to use it: Get your daily dose from citrus fruits, red and
green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens.
6. CHICKEN SOUP
The theory: Whether it’s the smell, steam or heat, chicken soup
increases “nasal mucus velocity.” (Get the tissues out.)
How to use it: Ideally, someone else makes it, and you stay in bed.
*Note: some remedies, even natural ones, can have side-effects and may
be dangerous in high doses or if you have underlying health issues. Best to
talk to your doctor.

6 HARDHAT WINTER 2011

 Top Quality Talent A Place for Your Tools
Skyler Beynon’s first-place finish at the NATAC When a loved one passes away, deciding what to do
Canadian National Apprenticeship contest in
with the things they leave behind can be overwhelming for
September 2010 was a source of pride for Millwrights
family and friends.
Local 1460 and the entire Regional Council.
Congratulations to Skyler for taking his hard-earned Dave Quigley, a millwright and longtime union member
skills in millwrighting and demonstrating his talent who worked in Fort McMurray, had an assortment of
at the national level. precision millwright tools that he had collected over many
years. When he passed away, his daughter, Dawn Quigley,
generously donated the tools to the union, which are now on
Centre Stage display in a growing collection of antique tools in the Regional
Council building.
Before he became a carpenter, Bill Alton “A lot of people don’t know what to do with these tools,”
was a folk singer. His bread-and-butter was says Bob Hugh, who has been involved in the creation of the
singing and songwriting, and the occasional training trust fund meant to find a home for these items in the
jam in a few rock bands. Today, he’s largely Regional Council’s display. “So if you have some tools lying
left the stage behind, but he still regularly around, or maybe your father’s or grandpa’s tools, you can
performs: as ARCCAW’s union education donate them to the fund.”
co-ordinator, his audience is potential union
members. You can find him in the halls of the
1325 office in Edmonton or 2103 in Calgary, Add to the Archives
and periodically in Fort McMurray, screening
and training potential members. He knows You may have noticed a certain
a little something about union advantages: joiner’s bench in the ARCCAW
after he left the music scene, he took a job at headquarters in Edmonton. It was a
a construction site and became a carpenter’s donation from Bob Hugh, who hopes
apprentice in the union in the ’70s. In 2001, he became an organizer and got to encourage other members to add
involved in orientations. We talk with Bill about the job. to the collection of carpentry and
millwright antique tools on display.
What do you look for in a new member? Talk to Len Bryden at the Provincial
Skill and training are important and, in our opinion, it is a mistake to bring people Training Centre (780-454-6699) or
into the organization if they don’t understand what a union is, and secondly what
Bob Hugh at the Regional Council
our union is. I spend a fair bit of time explaining the philosophy of our union, of
(780-430-1460) about tool donations.
collective effort and advantage, and their role in that. They have to understand
that if they want the advantage of being a union member.

What do you go over in these orientations?

First and foremost, they need to know how our dispatch system works. If they
don’t, they’ll never get work. You have to interact with it; if you don’t, no one is
Guess the Tool
Can you guess the name of these antique tools?
going to call you. If you don’t ask for a job, you won’t get offered one.
(Answer on Page 8)
Any common misconceptions?
There is a misunderstanding that I try to diffuse immediately: that membership
means a job. It means access to a pool of work; it doesn’t necessarily mean a job.

Any funny stories?

Not funny, but heartwarming. On one occasion when I was out for supper with
my wife, this guy came up to us and said, “Bill, you changed my life. You signed
me up.” And he’s talking about something that happened two years ago. He has
gone on from someone who came in at the entry level, taken my advice and is now
established in the trade, working his way through his apprenticeship.

What’s great about your job?

It’s the best job in the hall. When people approach me, when they approach the
union, they approach it full of optimism. In a way what I do is a performance: it has
to attract people to me enough that they’ll listen.

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 7

Get ahead financially.
Speak to us today for:
• Investment planning and advice • RSP, RRIF, TFSA and RESP guidance
• Mutual Funds, GICs and other investment solutions • Mortgage and Borrowing services

Proud to support the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters & Allied Workers.
Pay It Forward
When longtime 1325 member Alex Ciplak
Camille Coderre lost his wallet on the way to Edmonton from
Account Manager, Small Business
780-448-7763 his scaffolding job in Fort McMurray, he didn’t
camillel.coderre@scotiabank.com expect to ever see it again. So when it was
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returned, all $800 intact, he was both shocked
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and moved. So much so that he wanted to
give the money as a reward to the person
who had returned it. When that person never
came forward to claim the prize, he remained
determined to share the generosity of that
good deed.
“It’s Christmastime soon – I’m thinking
I’d like to help a poor family,” the 71-year-old
was quoted saying in the Edmonton Sun in
November. “Yes, my money is back – sure. But
someone else can share it with their family.”
His son Ray Turkhan wasn’t surprised by his
father’s reaction. “He’s such a hard-working
man… I think this is amazing for him to do.”

Answer to
corporate and international training
“Guess the Tool”
These are cooper braces, also known as barrel-

transform
maker braces, which would have been used to – you
guessed it – make barrels.
your
corporate training program (From Page 7)

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Geared Up By JIM VEENBAAS
Tools to help you work better
TURN UP THE HEAT
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. has
developed a product that’s per-
fect for the Alberta construction
worker, or anyone else who has
to brave the brutally cold winter
temperatures on the prairies.
The 2330 M12 Cordless
Heated Jacket brings the power
of cordless technology to cloth-
ing. Powered by rechargeable
red lithium batteries, it can
be used for cold job site con-
ditions, winter sports and other outdoor
activities.
The insulated soft shell jacket uses advanced cold weather
technology to both warm the body and stimulate blood circu-
lation, says the tool company. Loose-fitting and lightweight, it
provides plenty of flexibility of movement and can be worn under-
neath heavier construction gear or reflective vests.
Designed with three different heating zones, the jacket distrib-
utes warmth evenly to core body areas. Plus, it can be adjusted to
three different heat settings with an easy touch control on the left
upper front of the jacket. Both wind and water resistant, it’s suit-
able for a variety of harsh weather conditions.
The battery delivers six hours of heat per charge and tucks con-
veniently with the charger into a zippered pocket on the backside
of the jacket.
Now available for purchase in Canada, it retails for $149 for the
jacket alone or $199 for the jacket with a battery and charger. Both
options are offered since those with Milwaukee M12 tools already
in their tool kit can use their existing batteries.
www.milwaukeetool.com
GET A GRIP
Bessey has taken its famous German-produced all-steel clamps
and made them even better, enhancing the design to make them
stronger and improving the clamping force.
The Bessey 2400 Series welding clamp has three key features:
a rail profile that has been optimized to enhance overall force
by five per cent, a modified height-to-width ratio of the rail to
enhance clamping stability and greater
rigidity that delivers 20 per cent more
clamping force per spindle turn. Its patented
Morpad is a key element in providing
consistently high clamping pressures.
With a larger jaw surface and long
rail, the 2400 Series is ready for the
toughest assignments day in and day
out. When used on its side, the clamp applies consistent
pressure over a wider area, making it possible to use
fewer clamps on a project. The twist threads have also
been deliberately oversized to allow more clamp movement
with fewer turns. This clamp is most suited for welding
and metalworking. For woodworking, check out Bessey’s
malleable cast clamp series. Prices range from $139 for an 8-
inch welding clamp up to $300 for a 60-inch clamp.
www.besseytools.com
MULTI-TASKING MARVEL
It might be small, but the Fein MultiMaster
packs a powerful punch. With a wide
array of possible attachments, the
MultiMaster is excellent for sanding,
universal cutting, segmented cutting,
grinding, scraping, dust extraction, profile
sanding and more.
The first MultiMaster, which was introduced
in 1986 by the German tool company, became a
must-have almost overnight because of its unique oscillating
motor that allows for extremely fine and delicate work. The
latest version of the tool is powered by a 250-watt motor with
electronic speed control and is better than ever because of
improvements to the chuck.
With older models and most competitors, accessories
can only be changed with an Allen wrench. The MultiMaster
has a new changing system – a tab at the back of the tool that
lifts up, releasing the chuck. Once the new attachment is on,
simply press the tab back into place and lock in the
attachment. This makes it easy to use
and saves a lot of time from having to
change attachments.
The MultiMaster is ideal for working
on interior fittings, tile restoration, win-
dow restoration, floor coverings and
furniture, but has
virtually unlimited
applications, and
can easily handle
repair work on cars
and boats and even building models.
Price is approximately $240 for a starter set, which
includes accessories for sanding, scraping and sawing.
www.multimaster.info
HARDHAT WINTER 2011 9
 A BRief View Of OuR uniOn
Local Union Membership elects Executive
Board (accountable to membership)
• Membership considers and passes
motions governing the Local Union at
monthly meetings
Executive Board responsibilities include,
but are not limited to:
• Oversight and management of Local
Union affairs
• Maintain and disclose to membership
detailed and accurate financial records
• Hold regular monthly meetings
• Record and maintain minutes
• President appoints committees
• Executive Board appoints Trust Fund
Trustees
• Execute duly passed motions
• Fully accountable to the general
membership
Local Union elects delegates to the
Regional Council
*Number of delegates based on local
membership
Delegates elect Regional Council Executive
Board and Executive Secretary Treasurer
• Delegates consider and pass motions
governing the Regional Council at
quarterly meetings
Regional Council Executive Board respon-
sibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Oversight of Regional Council affairs
• Authorize staff recruitment and final
selection
• Hold quarterly meetings
• Maintain and disclose to delegates detailed
and accurate financial records
• Record and maintain minutes
• Accountable to the delegate body
of the Regional Council
Executive Secretary Treasurer (EST)
*EST is essentially the Chief Executive Officer
of the Regional Council, with the accompany-
ing responsibilities and the required author-
ity, to execute those responsibilities. The EST
is accountable to the Executive Board of the
Regional Council and to the delegate body of
the Regional Council.
Responsibilities include, but are not
limited to:
• The general management of financial
and business affairs
• Management and negotiation of all
contracts
• Management of contract disputes
• Grievance procedures
• Recruit and hire all staff
- Final approval by Executive
Committee
* All paid staff employed by Regional
Council – Local Unions do not employ
any paid staff
• Appoints committees
• Appoint professionals and consultants as
required (lawyers, accountants, etc.)
• Develop relationships with partner
organizations
• Develop relationships with government
representatives and elected officials
• Representative to the UBC General
Executive Board
• Report to the Regional Council Executive
Board
• Report to Regional Council Delegate
Body
• Ensure the management and execution
of duly passed motions by the Delegate
Body
• The foregoing information
represents a limited description of the
governance of Local Unions and the
Regional Council. Publications contain-
ing the UBC Constitution and Alberta
Regional Council Trade Rules and Bylaws
should be consulted for further
information.
Constitution-Trade Rules-Bylaws

DELEGATES (elected 2010)

Bill Alton 1325 Gord Hrycun 1325 Grover Sewell 1325 Mike Cooper 2103
Blaine Ball 1325 Dave Hunter 1325 Martin Smith 1325 Randy Eirich 2103
Richard Bazak 1325 Terry James 1325 Greg Smith 1325 Gary Loroff 2103
Len Bryden 1325 Devin Jean-Louis 1325 Brandi Thorne 1325 Joe Maloney 2103
Dan Budd 1325 Ralph Jewitt 1325 Dave Todd 1325 April Parsons 2103
Greg Budd 1325 Martin Kenny 1325 Searle Turton 1325 Bruce Payne 2103
Richard Burton 1325 Renee Lapierre 1325 Perry Walsh 1325 Tim Virtanen 2103
Rob Carlson 1325 Len Lopatynski 1325 Greg White 1325 Sean Watkinson 2103
Bob Cook 1325 Jason Misener 1325 Richard Winkenweder 1325 Shane Whitmore 2103
Mike Dunlop 1325 Graham Payne 1325 Tom Debeljak 1460 Paul Zarbatany 2103
Randy Dwernychuk 1325 George Pekarchik 1325 Hank Ell 1460 Joe Budac 2010
Dave Dwyer 1325 Martyn Piper 1325 Gord Evers 1460 Clint Kittle 2010
Chester Fergusson 1325 Wilf Pipke 1325 Bob Hugh 1460 Ed Lonsdale 2010
Todd Gartner 1325 Bob Provencher 1325 Dave Knight 1460 Troy O’Hearn 2010
Doug Germaine 1325 Moe Rahime 1325 Mike Lahti 1460 Vince Pariseau 2010
Bob Hardy 1325 Leah Redmond 1325 Ted Remenda 1460 Bob Sawatzky 2010
Michael Hert 1325 Steve Rossignol 1325 Stephen Brazil 2103 Bill Weireter 2010
Doug Hogan 1325 Derrick Schulte 1325 Hughie Bruce 2103

10 HARDHAT WINTER 2011

 UBC Organization Chart

UBC International
General Executive Board

Central Southern Eastern Western Mid-Western Canadian

District District District District District District

Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers

Local Union 1325 Local Union 2103 Local Union 2010 Local Union 1460
Edmonton Calgary Province-Wide Province-Wide
Construction Construction Industrial Shops Millwrights

Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers Delegate Body

Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers Executive Board

Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers Executive Committee

EXECUTIVE BOARDS
ALBERTA REGIONAL COUNCIL LOCAL UNION 2010 EXECUTIVE LOCAL UNION 1325 EXECUTIVE
EXECUTIVE BOARD William Weireter, President Greg Budd, President
Bob Hugh, President Robert Sawatzky, Vice-President Derrick Schulte, Vice-President
Greg Budd, Vice-President Vince Pariseau, Recording Secretary William Alton, Recording Secretary
Martyn Piper, Executive Secretary Treasurer Bhajan (Ben) Kang, Financial Secretary Robert Provencher, Treasurer
Bob Arnestad, Trustee Troy O’Hearn, Treasurer Robbie Carlson, Financial Secretary
Gord Evers, Trustee Edwin Lonsdale, Trustee Brandi Thorne, Conductor
Paul Zarbatany, Trustee Clint Kittle, Trustee Dave Hunter, Warden
Troy O’Hearn, Warden Joseph Budac, Trustee Leonard Lopatynski, Trustee
Shane Whitmore, Conductor Fabian Cherewko, Conductor Searle Turton, Trustee
Gary Loroff, Executive Committee Member Chris Robinson, Warden Perry Walsh, Trustee
Bill Alton, Executive Committee Member Leonia Vieira, Advisor
Robert Provencher, Executive Committee Philip Banh, Advisor LOCAL UNION 2103 EXECUTIVE
Member/Finance Chair Renato Danzo, Advisor Paul Zarbatany, President
Laura Kuhl, Advisor Shane Whitmore, Vice-President
LOCAL UNION 1460 MILLWRIGHTS Joe Maloney, Recording Secretary
David Knight, President ALBERTA REGIONAL COUNCIL Mike Cooper, Treasurer
Ted Remenda, Vice-President EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Gary Loroff, Financial Secretary
Neal Hugh, Recording Secretary Bob Hugh, President Stephen Brazil, Trustee
Bob Hugh, Financial Secretary Greg Budd, Vice-President Rob Eirich, Trustee
Gord Evers, Treasurer Martyn Piper, Executive Secretary Treasurer Mathew McLeod, Trustee
Philip (Wei) Yun, Conductor Gary Loroff, Executive Committee Member Tim Virtanen, Warden
Tom Debeljak, Warden Bill Alton, Executive Committee Member Hughie Bruce, Conductor
Hans Kruger, Trustee Robert Provencher, Executive Committee
Kyle Middleton, Trustee Member/Finance Chair
Stephen Joy, Trustee

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 11

 GRAND OPENING: Ron Harry, executive director of the
Building Trades of Alberta, centre, uses a blue light saber
in the virtual ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened
the new Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre on
November 4, 2010

12 HARDHAT WINTER 2011

 A new high-tech rehabilitation centre opens,
thanks to the support of local trade unions
By CAILYNN KLINGBEIL | Photography by BUFFY GOODMAN

A A futuristic ceremony complete with blue light sabers

that cut a virtual ribbon officially opened the new Building
Trades of Alberta Courage Centre at the Glenrose
Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton last November.
That sense of stepping into a scene from a science fiction film continued
inside, as occupational therapists demonstrated the equipment
Additionally, five of the BTA’s affiliated unions made donations to
the centre. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (Local
146), the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers,
the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (Local Union
488), and the Construction & General Workers (Local 92) each
made a commitment of $500,000 to the centre, and the Sheet
and technology designed for the state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre. Metal Workers International (Local 8) donated $20,000.
The Courage Centre is divided into four zones – robotics, virtual The Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation
reality, simulation and learning – and includes a driving simulator, was recently honoured for its generosity. The foundation
robotic walking device, and Nintendo Wii balance activity centre. The received a 2010 National Philanthropy Day Award in the
Courage Centre harnesses the potential of new technologies, allowing private foundation category, presented by the
patients to overcome the challenges they face faster and return to their Edmonton Association ofFundraising
communities with greater independence. Professionals in November.
Ron Harry, executive director of the Building Trades of Alberta,
described the opening of the centre as an exciting moment for everyone
involved. “What this is about is helping Albertans to get back into their
communities and into their lives, through rehabilitation,” said Harry.
A true team effort led to the Building Trades of Alberta Charitable
Foundation making a lead gift of $1 million to the Courage Centre.

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 13

BIG GIFT: John Chomiak, chairperson of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Foundation board of trustees, left, recognizes the work and support of Martyn
Piper and the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers. The
organization donated $500,000, resulting in the creation of the cognitive
learning zone at the Courage Centre

WELCOMING USERS: Mary O’Neill, pictured above, served as the

master of ceremonies for the grand opening of the Courage Centre.
O’Neill is the former executive director of the Glenrose Rehabilitation
Hospital Foundation

MOVING FORWARD: A floor-based game system designed to PLAY ON: A variety of games, such as the one pictured above, are used
increase agility in a patient’s feet was one of the many technologies to encourage and maximize the effort of patients, while accompanying
demonstrated at the grand opening of the Courage Centre computers measure and quantify data to track progress and assist in
the patient’s recovery

14 HARDHAT WINTER 2011

BIG STEPS: The Lokomat system, above, is a high-tech device with robotic
attachments that help guide the movements of patients into a natural
walking pattern. Below, occupational therapist Quentin Ranson watches
a user trying the ArmeoSpring, a device designed for patients who are
beginning to regain active movement of the arm and hand

BUILDING COURAGE: The ReJoyce system, above, is a spring-loaded arm

with special handles and attachments that the user twists, squeezes, and moves
around in order to play custom-made video games. Below, Ron Harry accepts
thanks on behalf of the Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation from
John Chomiak

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 15

 MANAGING
YOUR MONEY By TRICIA RADISON
8 tips for making the most out
of your money, both today and
as the economy improves
F rom boom to bust and back again, Alberta’s economy is
a rollercoaster for those who work in the construction
industry. Since the North American economy came to
a screeching halt in fall 2008, recovery has been slow and many
people are living paycheque to paycheque; some are having difficulty
meeting their financial obligations. There has never been a better
time for Money Management 101.
“Many of our members, like most of society, are only two or three
paycheques away from total collapse or bankruptcy, or foreclosure,”
says Len Bryden, director of training and apprenticeship, Alberta
Carpenters Training Centre.
Uncertainty about when the next job will come along can create
a great deal of stress that spills into other areas of life. Financial
planning can help, and it’s never too late to get started. Here are
eight money management tips to help you make the best of good
times and bad.
1. Do your homework. Informing yourself about
your options is the number one tip for managing your financial
situation through lean years, says Steve Fedorchuk, vice-president of
Retail Financial Services for the Calgary region with ATB Financial.
Begin by understanding your existing pension plan and benefits. (See
sidebar, Understanding Union Benefits.) Learn about basic financial
planning strategies and tips, see what banking and credit options your
financial institution offers, and look at what else is available.
2. Find out where you stand. Depending on
your unique needs, you may not be able to rely on your pension plan to
cover your retirement needs.
18 HARDHAT WINTER 2011
“It depends how much you can pack into that union plan, and how
much you have left in RRSP room,” says Rob Enns, senior financial
advisor with ATB Investor Services, discussing whether members need
to make personal contributions to retirement savings.
Enns advocates talking to a professional. “This is a great opportunity
to consult with a financial advisor who can review your long-term needs
and see if you’re actually putting away enough to meet your goals when
you retire,” he says.
Even if you’re covered by the ACAW Health and Wellness plan, you may
also want additional insurance coverage. When money is tight, it can be
challenging to take care of insurance needs, but you put yourself at risk of
bigger problems down the road if you don’t have coverage in place. There
are less expensive term policies that can be used until your financial
situation improves enough to switch to permanent policies.
3. Know your priorities. According to Scott
Belamisca, branch manager and personal financial planner with
Scotiabank in Edmonton, good financial management includes three
main priorities: saving money for emergencies; investing for your
retirement, your children’s education and other goals; and reducing debt.
“While each customer’s situation is unique, it can still be possible to
maintain a balance between these priorities [during challenging times],”
says Belamisca. The key is to cut back on the amount of money going into
each area but still ensure you’re making progress toward all three goals.
If you’re uncertain about future employment, you don’t have to
contribute equally to your priorities. “People may want to direct more of
their monthly income toward emergency savings and to debt repayment
and a little less to long-term investment for retirement savings, education
planning, vacation planning or other big ticket items,” says Belamisca.
4. Know your budget. Nobody likes budgeting, but it is a
fundamental financial tool that helps you make decisions about your spending.
To budget, track how much money is coming in and how you’re spending it. Then
identify your needs and wants so you know where you can lower your expenses.
“In financially challenging times, it can be important to learn to live off
of less, perhaps bringing your lunch to work, avoiding impulse spending on
things like expensive coffees or paring down cable TV costs,” says Belamisca.
Other ideas include not carrying balances on high interest credit cards,
buying items on sale and generally living within your means.
Budgeting tools can be found online (check out www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca, for
instance). A financial advisor or personal banker can also assist you.
5. Pay down debt if it makes sense to do
so. It is critical to continue making your minimum payments on debt
no matter what, but if you’re currently working and have extra cash flow,
consider paying down high-interest debt more quickly.
In most cases, you should only make lump sum payments on debt if you
have sufficient emergency savings and relatively low uncertainty about
your future financial situation.
If money burns a hole in your pocket and you know you’re going to have
a hard time saving extra cash, using the money to pay down debt can be a
wise decision, as long as you’re not racking up more debt.
6. Build your emergency savings. How much
is enough when it comes to emergency savings? Many experts recommend
stashing three months of living expenses away in case of job loss, disability or
illness. Fedorchuk advocates a more personalized approach.
“Map out a budget of your essential living expenses in a month,” he says.
“Then determine how many months of basic living expenses you want in
your savings account.”
Some people will feel comfortable if they know they can survive three
months without worrying about money; others will feel better if they know
they have six or even 12 months of breathing room.
7. Get help! “To avoid a situation where someone feels
overwhelmed by debt, we encourage people to meet with their financial
advisor as soon as possible to discuss their financial situation,” says
Belamisca. This gives your advisor time to help you develop a solution.
There are many options, such as restructuring a line of credit so you only have
to pay the interest, or consolidating debt to lower your interest rate and adjust the
amortization period so your payments are lower, that your personal banker or
financial advisor may be able to help you with if you open up about your situation.
“We have the ATB Great Escape, a plan that lets you skip up to two months of
payment on conventional mortgages,” says Fedorchuk. The time it takes to pay
the mortgage in full is extended by two payment periods.
“It improves customer cash flow in the short term to help people
get through difficult periods,” Fedorchuk explains. But, he adds,
customers might not know they have the option unless they’ve
consulted with a personal banker.
8. Stick with your financial plan.
Good money management should be part of your life regardless
of the strength of the economy. “A lot of people are being forced to
plan and deal with things today. When things do turn around, and
they will, don’t forget the learnings and the value you got out of
these tough times,” says Fedorchuk.
As construction projects come online and your situation
stabilizes, make it a point to get your financial house in order,
paying down debt, establishing your emergency fund and saving
for investments, retirement and education. It’s the best way to
prepare for the next time the rollercoaster takes a bit of a dip.
Understanding Union Benefits
Members who complete pension application cards can be
enrolled in the ACAW Pension Plan, which is funded by employer
contributions. Pension benefits are based on the number of hours
you work, and you must work a minimum of 225 hours in a plan
year to earn any pension for that year.
For ACAW health and wellness benefits, which include
supplementary health care, dental, weekly disability and life
insurance, you must complete a health and wellness application
card. To be eligible, you must accumulate at least 300 hours into
your hour bank over a period of no more than six consecutive
months. In order to maintain eligibility, you have to maintain 120
hours in your hour bank.
You can, however, maintain eligibility for benefits during
periods of unemployment or illness, or while on vacation, by
making self-payments for up to six months. This can provide
peace of mind between jobs. For more information, visit www.
acawtrustfunds.ca.
Additionally, members can access the Employee and Family
Assistance Program, which provides counselling services. For
details, visit www.humansolutions.ca or check the brochure or
wallet card (available at union counters) for more information on
the extent of services offered.
HARDHAT WINTER 2011 19
 B.C.-based Interpro Technical Services focuses
on innovation and hiring union as it expands
its operations in Alberta
By LISA RICCIOTTI
A n innovative company is looking to ARCCAW
workers to help deliver on its vision of providing
expert field maintenance of steam and gas tur-
bines. Interpro Technical Services, a B.C.-based
service maintenance leader in industries such as oil refineries,
power utilities, pulp and paper, and waste-to-energy, is hiring
skilled unionized millwrights as it expands its operations
in Alberta.
Innovation usually begins when someone has a better idea,
and that’s exactly how Interpro began. In 1987, founder Robert
Goodrick decided he could do a better job servicing steam and
gas turbines and generators than his employer by starting his
own maintenance company. Having worked for a large original
equipment manufacturer (OEM) as a millwright for many years,
Goodrick knew much of the massive equipment inside out, and
believed he could deliver more customer-friendly service by
providing an option to OEM maintenance.
“Big companies can be cumbersome to deal with,” explains
Carey Healey, Interpro’s current president. “Robert knew every
nuance of the units, and could often provide maintenance faster
than the original manufacturers at competitive prices.”
Today Goodrick has more free time to apply his mechanical
technical genius to his hobby of tuning up hot-rod cars, but the
founder remains involved in all technical sides of the business.
And just as importantly, the new management team remains
committed to continuing Goodrick’s original vision of expert,
20 HARDHAT WINTER 2011
timely service. “That’s the legacy that we’re building on, with new ideas
to energize our company,” says Healey.
With its head office in Maple Ridge, Interpro first concentrated on
maintenance at B.C. pulp and paper mills, as well as its power-producing
and food-processing plants. It crossed the B.C. border in the early ’90s,
and has worked on both pulp mill and refinery systems in Alberta, com-
pleting major maintenance overhauls on steam turbines for companies
like Syncrude in the Fort McMurray region. Interpro plans to increase its
presence in Alberta in both utility and oil refinery applications.
For its Alberta projects, Interpro has continued its B.C. practice of
hiring union workers, looking to ARCCAW for skilled millwrights.
“Interpro’s union focus was partly born of necessity,” Healey notes. “In
the beginning, most of our work was in pulp and paper mills, which were
all union facilities. Then hiring union became part of our corporate phi-
losophy and we kept that culture when we moved into Alberta.”
Healey explains that working with steam turbines and generators is a
very specific skill and not every millwright is experienced in that subspe-
cialty. “Alberta’s union, however, has done a lot of work training mem-
bers on steam turbines in its provincial training centre, so we know its
members have good capabilities. That’s a huge benefit to Interpro. In our
business it’s critical to have trained people who can come in and get the
job done quickly. When one of these plants has to shut down for sched-
uled maintenance, it loses the opportunity to produce electricity, which
can mean a significant revenue loss.”
Interpro stays on top of its game by constantly looking for small effi-
ciencies that can pay off big. “Our work is very customized. Doing little
 SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Alberta millwrights are lending their
expertise to Interpro in maintaining and installing steam and
gas turbines in utility and oil refinery applications

things like changing a strainer in the steam path

can increase efficiency by a small amount. But
when that modest improvement yields enough
electricity for a few hundred homes, what looks
like a small gain is significant. Our innovative
tech guys are very good at finding those efficien-
cies.” Healey also says Interpro is developing
creative project management to minimize down-
time for its clients.
“Interpro’s staff is excellent at figuring out all
the engineering, but we still rely on qualified mill-
wrights to install our innovations. And Bob Hugh
[ARCCAW’s senior business representative –
Millwrights] is working closely with us to match
the right union guys to our job needs.”
Hugh is happy to do just that. “Interpro is a
very dynamic company that’s looking to grow
and expand in Alberta, especially in the oil and
gas sector,” says Hugh. “We’re very excited
about working with them. They’re first-class
all the way, very big on safety and training, and
well-respected for their quality work. They’re
committed to using union workers, and we need
to show we’re up to the job by delivering on time
and on budget for this very deadline-driven
company.”

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 21

 A Local 1325 member shares his experience
working on an overseas LNG plant
By FRASER TODD
eplaning in Angola, the first thing that hits you
is the heat and humidity, especially for a guy from
northern Alberta.
Angola, in West Africa, has had a very troubled history,
only recently ending 27 years of civil war. Now, though, the
country is doing its best to enter as a world leader in oil and
gas and in fact has recently become the biggest oil producer
in Africa.
In November 2009, I was hired by Bechtel as an assistant
scaffold superintendent on a 5.2-million-metric-ton-per-
year liquefied natural gas project on Africa’s west coast. The
Angola LNG, on the Congo River delta, is located 45 min-
utes by air from Luanda in the city of Soyo. It is a joint ven-
ture, owned by Angolan state-owned company Sonangol,
Chevron, BP, ENI and Total.
The logistics of the project are daunting, and challenges
are many, including a complete lack of local infrastructure,
a limited supply of local skilled workers and the need to
reclaim most of the area the plant is being built on – not to
mention the dangers associated with the local wildlife, such
as pythons, cobras and malaria-bearing mosquitoes.
The purpose of the plant is to capture natural gas and
propane from offshore drilling activities; previously, these
22 HARDHAT WINTER 2011
gases were reinjected into offshore reservoirs. The
process entails cooling the vapours, which reduces
their volume by 600 per cent and makes it possible
to ship the liquid gases to markets throughout the
world.
Initial dredging and land reclamation was started
in the first quarter of 2008. Project completion is
scheduled for the first quarter of 2012, and is looking
good both budget- and schedule-wise. The project is
huge, with the plant site 1.8 by 1.0 kilometres – about
equivalent to the original Shell Scotford or Syncrude
Canada sites in area.
Currently 7,500-plus workers are employed from
43 different countries. Many of these are Angolans,
as the project has made a commitment to employ
and train as many nationals as possible. Training is done at the Kitona
Training Centre, located a short distance from the site. Kitona was built
as part of the project and is a completely self-sufficient facility, with
camp, classroom and workshop areas. Trade instruction is given in
several disciplines, covering both classroom and practical training.
Graduates are integrated in to the site workforce, with some returning
for further training as they progress in their chosen craft. The balance
of the craft workers are largely Filipino and Indian, with most of the
ANGOLA LNG: View of the plant site with
the tool crib in the foreground
 SUPER STACK: Fraser Todd (left) with three general foremen
standing in front of a 140-metre-high stack that will be assembled
on the ground and then flown up to where it’s needed
supervisory staff
being American and
British, with some
Australians, New
Zealanders and
Canadians.
After a lengthy
paperwork process,
I arrived in March
2010 to take on my
role as assistant
OFFSHORE ACTIVITY: View of the har- scaffold superinten-
bour, with the liquefied natural gas jetty dent. I am working
with two Americans,
both of whom have a lot of international experience.
We do everything the same position would entail at home but
spend a lot more time in the field, directly supporting the field
supervision, largely because the language differences lead to occa-
sional miscommunications.
One of the biggest challenges is that everything comes in by
ship, with a four- to six- month delivery time, so preplanning is
essential for all supplies and equipment from personal protective
equipment, rope and buckets to saw blades and extension cords.
Of course, all our scaffold equipment also comes by ship, in
seacans.
Everyone here is great to deal with, and has made me, as a new-
comer, feel welcomed and at home. I have found the Australians
and New Zealanders to be especially welcoming, much like us
Canadians.
The working language on site is English, and the craft super-
vision must all have a working knowledge of it. The other main
languages are Tagalong, Hindi and Portuguese, which is Angola’s
main language.
Initially, I was worried about how the job would be run safety-
wise despite what I was told before getting on site. But, happily,
this job is almost interchangeable with any megaproject at home
from a loss management point of view. Bechtel’s commitment, as
the prime contractor, to an accident- and injury-free job site is no
different than any other major player in the industry.
In fact, there are some practices I’ve never encountered before,
such as a general lunch meeting every Saturday with all craft gen-
eral foremen. The purpose of this is to review any safety concerns,
discuss any incidents and share information in general.
Pre-job training includes a general orientation, fall protec-
tion, confined space, and so on – in other words, pretty much
exactly the same training you would receive anywhere in Alberta.
Performing high-risk activities, such as confined space entries,
follows a procedure almost identical to what you would do in a
“greenfield” construction site in Alberta.
We currently have about 230 scaffolders, of which approxi-
mately 80 are Angolan. The manpower forecast is to increase that
to 350 at peak. One of the hiring prerequisites for non-Angolan
workers (or other country nationals, OCN for short) is a mini-
mum of five years of overseas experience working in their trade.
Our scaffolders’ resumés are actually quite impressive; most have
worked throughout the Middle East as well as in Asia. Their com-
petency is, for the most part, high, as is their work ethic. We follow
OSHA scaffold standards here, which is more or less the American
equivalent to OH&S. This makes sense, when you consider the
Bechtel home office is in the U.S.
The single biggest difference that I have found is that, although
our scaffold supplier is At-Pac, and we mostly use a ring-style sys-
tem, the tube is all steel, and the clamps are bolt, not wedge. The
crews have no problem with this, as it’s what they grew up using
and are accustomed to it. This being the case, they are quite quick
at erecting and dismantling with them. We also have a system
similar to Waco, which is simple and fairly fast to use, although not
quite as versatile as the Allround style.
Day-to-day life on the site brings more comparisons to back
home. When a new worker signs on, he is issued a pair of boots and
three sets of work clothes. These are replaced as needed through-
out the job.
For the locals, breakfast is delivered to the site. The rest of the
workforce eats in camp. Then the day starts the same way as at
HARDHAT WINTER 2011 23
 HIDDEN HAZARD: Workers need to watch for
pythons when moving palettes

home, with a Tool Box Talk. It does last a bit

longer here, in order to translate the subjects
into Tagalong, Hindi and Portuguese, ensuring
everyone understands the safety messages.
Pre-job hazard assessments (STARRT
cards) are done at the beginning of shift, and
are reviewed right after lunch. This is called
a ReSTARRT. Lunch is served in several tents
across the site, with wash cars located beside
them to promote hygiene.
The camp is capable of housing 6,500 work-
ers, and fully self-sufficient, with its own water
and sewage treatment and power supply. The
Medical Centre is staffed by three doctors, who
are assisted by a complete support staff, includ-
ing eight nurses, a lab technician and a radiologist.
My room is about 10x14 feet, with a shared
toilet and shower, fridge, sink, satellite TV and
a secure locker. Each room has an air condition-
er, a necessity here.
Four different kitchens feed the camp resi-
dents. The one you go to depends on which
bunkhouse you live in. The food is, I am sorry
to say, much like camp food anywhere. We do
have HP, A1 and Tabasco sauces though, which
I have learned is the best way to deal with that.
There are four large rec centres, with satel-
lite TVs, ping pong, pool and foosball tables.
Each one has a bar, but only beer is served. Hard
alcohol is not allowed anywhere. There are also
four gyms, all identical, which are quite well
equipped, and there are soccer fields as well as
tennis and basketball courts. Cricket is also pop-
ular, and a real rivalry is springing up between
several teams. Despite the heat and humidity,
organized cricket and basketball leagues play
every night and on Sundays. Other recreation
activities include cook-offs, and supervised trips
to town or the beach. One group is helping at a
local orphanage and mission.
I am really excited to be a part of this proj-
ect, getting to see an entirely different part of
the world, as well as meeting new people from
so many different countries and cultures.
Of course, I do miss Alberta, but when I read
about the last snowfall, maybe only a little.

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WORLD-CLASS
TRAINING The Alberta Carpenters Training Centre provides instruction for
thousands of UBC members at its Edmonton, Calgary and Fort
McMurray locations. Courses range from apprenticeship programs in
carpentry and scaffolding to fall protection and basic first aid training.
Check out the online schedule at www.abcarptc.ab.ca.

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 25

 KidZone Children’s Christmas Parties

More than 500 people attended the 1325 Children’s

Christmas Party at the Italian Cultural Centre in Edmonton.
Children enjoyed balloon-making, creepy-crawly insects, a
magic show, face-painting and, of course, gifts from Santa.
Thanks to all of the volunteers for helping make
the Christmas party a highlight of the holiday season.

26 HARDHAT WINTER 2011

 The 3rd Annual Millwrights Children’s Christmas Party was a huge success,
with 180 parents, grandparents and children in attendance. Santa handed out gifts
and took the time to talk to each of the children. Once again there was a balloon
artist, face-painting and an interactive magic show. Special thanks to Jeannelle
and Dave for setting up and organizing the event. Also, thanks to Stephen Joy
and family, Dave Robinson and family and Howard Robinson and family for all
your assistance in making our Children’s Christmas Party a success.

Santa put a smile on many faces at the

Local 2103 Children’s Christmas Party,
held at the Carpenters Union Hall in
Calgary. Face-painting was one of the
highlights of the event. Thanks to every-
one who volunteered for their efforts in
making the party a huge success.

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 27


ALBERTA AND NORTHWEST
TERRITORIES
(DISTRICT OF MACKENZIE)
REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS
AND ALLIED WORKERS
UNION EDUCATION
INSTRUCTOR
The Alberta Regional Council of
Carpenters and Allied Workers
(ARCCAW) is seeking a qualified
professional to develop and instruct
orientation and union education
programs to both prospective and
current UBC members in the
province of Alberta.
The successful candidate will
have had experience in the develop-
ment of education programs, proven
teaching capability and be able
to work with a computer and
all the relevant software from
which to develop new courses
and adapt existing programs as
required. Good interpersonal skills,
charisma, and a proven capability to
market the union is essential to this
position.
The successful candidate will
require a valid Alberta driver’s
license and reliable transportation,
as well as the ability to work away
from home, after hours and week-
ends for extended periods. This
is a salaried position and overtime
is not part of the compensation
package.
Please forward resumé by mail
to:
Martyn A. Piper
Executive Secretary Treasurer
Regional Council of Carpenters
& Allied Workers
#200, 15210 – 123rd Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5V 0A3
Closing date: March 25, 2011
28 HARDHAT WINTER 2011
Training and Apprenticeship Report
Training Ramps Up
in 2011
A
s 2010 ends and 2011 begins, we here at the
ACTC always take some time to look back
on what has been achieved up to this point,
and to set some new goals for the new year. Calgary,
Edmonton and Fort McMurray all show great atten-
dance in our various classes, and utilization of our
facilities is high. As some of the larger projects come
to completion, more members always want to access
training while they are between jobs, and that makes
good sense.
Our UBC 40-hour Hoisting and Rigging
Certification classes are going well, with nearly 100
members trained in Alberta in our shops in 2010.
One of my goals is to integrate this training, as well
as a one-day UBC Foreman Training class (skillfully
developed with the help of our brother Millwrights
Len J. Bryden training department), directly into our scaffold
Director of Training and Apprenticeship training program. This may lengthen our class time,
Alberta Carpenters Training Centre but the benefits to this membership will be felt for
years to come.
I continue to see more new members show interest in start-
ing and completing their Carpenter apprenticeship, and our
Accredited Period One and Period Two classes in Edmonton are
helping to push this important agenda for more indentured and
trained Carpenter apprentices.
I welcome with great enthusiasm a new contractor part-
ner, KHS&S Drywall, currently working on the Edmonton
International Airport expansion. This partnership has given us
an opportunity to seriously ramp up training programs for the
ISM/Drywall sector, and as of December 2010 we are planning,
setting up and developing with the assistance of our International
Training Centre, a series of training programs targeting this spe-
cific industry and the types of work that must be done. Our goal
is to ensure our contractors receive the best trained, best skilled
workers with the best attitude that we can possibly provide. We
want to help all of our partner contractors to be successful, safe
and profitable, meaning more work for our members.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season, and wish
everyone the best of prosperity and safety into 2011.
REPORT Local 1460 Millwrights
Reality Check
M
embers have approached me
recently with one basic question and
a very hopeful look in their eyes.
The question is, “How much can we get in the
new contract?”
Based on more than 25 years of negotiat-
ing for our union in this province, my answer
tends toward extreme caution about getting
our hopes up. To be honest, my gut feel is that
we may even be looking at a wage freeze, pos-
sibly with some compensating factors.
To fully understand what we’re headed into
this year, it’s important to remember what
construction economic conditions were like
when we signed our last contract in 2007.
With many upgrader projects on the way
or being planned, and an amazing amount of
expansion and new projects taking place or
planned in Fort McMurray, the industry was
simply, unbelievably… crazy with action!
Contractors were worried about a worker
shortage. Everyone was talking temporary
foreign workers. Unions were focused on
importing members from other provinces and
the United States.
With up to $200 billion worth of construc-
tion work in process or on the books, Alberta’s
unions had the people that our clients so des-
perately needed.
Bob Hugh, Senior Business
Representative - Millwrights
As a result, we signed perhaps the best contract our union had ever
seen. The contract gave us 6.5 per cent in 2009 and another 5.0 per cent
in 2010. All told, the four-year contract gave us a 24.43 per cent boost in
total package!
I think that, perhaps, we hurt ourselves (and our clients) with our
own success last time, because after oil prices crashed and all those
projects were put on hold or cancelled, owners of the projects that did
move ahead became far more bottom-line oriented.
With their recent cost overrun experience, and worried shareholders
breathing down their necks, owners forced contractors to drop prices if
they wanted work.
Continuing growth of Merit, CLAC and non-union forces meant that
union employers saw ever-increasing, incredibly stiff competition in the
bidding wars that resulted.
Over the last year or so, our contractors have been losing far too
many of those bidding wars. Jim Petterson of Midwest Constructors,
a company we’re proud to be partners with, tells me that his non-union
competitors have consistently been winning bids by an eight per cent
margin.
No one expects that we’re going to be asked to roll back by eight per
cent – no one expects a cut at all.
But with 2011 expected to be as much as 30 per cent slower than 2010,
and things not expected to pick up for millwrighting until later in 2012,
we may have to accept a wage freeze to enable our employers to win
back some of the market share they’ve lost in the last 18 months.
I also think this round of contract talks could produce some creative
new options that may result in our employers winning more work for us,
without us giving up too much.
I will keep you informed as negotiations progress.
HARDHAT WINTER 2011 29
 Bridging
Parting Shot the Divide

Just over a century ago, construction began on the High Level Bridge, a massive steel truss
multi-function bridge that spans the North Saskatchewan River, linking Edmonton’s south
side with 109th Street downtown. Built between 1910 and 1913, the steel superstructure fea-
tures two decks 20 feet apart and was unique for its original combination of four modes of
transportation – rail, streetcar, automobile and pedestrian. With a total of 28 spans, it is set on
a combination of concrete piers and steel legs that includes two truss types for the superstruc-
ture. It is 2,550 feet long and sits 156 feet above the water.

30 HARDHAT WINTER 2011

 UPCOMING

In Memoriam
ARCCAW notes with sorrow the
passing of the following members.
LOCAL 1325
Pierre Audette
November 2010, Age 54
Scott Brown
October 2010, Age 20
Training + Events
Meetings
First Wednesday of each month:
Local 1325 meeting
Third Thursday of each month:
Local 2103 meeting
Fourth Tuesday of each month:
Local 1460 meeting

Brian Chikowski
October 2010, Age 62

Barry Duddy
October 2010, Age 49

Ian Jessome
November 2010, Age 50

Kenneth Kuhn
December 2010, Age 60

Peter MacDonald
June 2010, Age 63

Philip Morrison
October 2010, Age 69

Brent Porter
September 2010, Age 29

Dan Menigoz
December 2010 Age 54
Training
Jens Nielsen
Alberta Carpenters Training Centre
June 2010, Age 94
The following is a sampling of training courses that
Billy Joe Noseworthy
are open for registration at the time of publication
July 2010, Age 29
of this edition of Hard Hat. For full listings or more
information on training courses, visit www.abcarptc.
LOCAL 1460
ab.ca or phone the Edmonton office: 780-455-6532 or
toll-free 1-877-455-6532.
Alexander Birrell
December 2010, Age 71
Edmonton
OSSA Fall Protection: February 15, February 25,
Gerald Eberle
March 1
December 2010, Age 79
OSSA Confined Space: February 19, March 5,
March 19
John Smythe
H2S Alive (Enform Certified): February 20,
December 2010, Age 86
March 6
Period 2 Carpentry: May 30 to July 22
LOCAL 2103
Standard First Aid & CPR: June 4 to June 5
Ken Hewitt
Calgary
December 2010, Age 60
Industrial Technical Training: April 4 to 17
Pre-employment Carpentry Program: May 24 to
July 15

Millwrights Training Centre

Visit www.albertamillwrights.com for a current listing

of training courses available.

HARDHAT WINTER 2011 31

 Alberta Carpenters Training Centre
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The Alberta Carpenters Training
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since 1994.
Our new $23 million centre includes two state-of-
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accommodate suspended scaffolding.
ACTC-trained scaffolders work on some of the world’s
largest mega-projects. Many of the scaffolds they design
and build are unique, highly-complicated, and critical to
both human safety and worker productivity.

www.abcarptc.ab.ca

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