THE
DECEMBER 2024 CONVEYOR
We would like to take the opportunity to wish all Millwright 2736 members and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy & Prosperous New Year.
As we close out another year, I am filled with pride in the achievements we’ve accomplished together at Millwrights Union Local 2736. Our union has faced challenges, but with commitment and solidarity, we’ve emerged stronger. This newsletter is an opportunity to reflect on our progress andlookaheadtothefutureofourlocalunion.
Throughout 2024, we have seen our membership grow, with more apprentices joining our ranks, a sign of the continued trust in our trade and our union. I want to extend a thank you to every one of you who has helped makethisyearasuccess. Whetheryou’reonthejobsite,in the classroom , or working behind the scenes, your dedication ensures that we remain one of the most respected localsinthecountry.
As we enter the holiday season, let us also reflect on the importance of family, brotherhood, sisterhood, and solidarity. We’re not just colleagues; we are a family. The strength of Local 2736 lies in our ability to come together, supportoneanother,andbuildabetterfutureforourselves andthegenerationstocome.
I encourage each of you to take some time to relax and rechargewithyourlovedones. Aswelookforwardto2025, we have a bright future ahead - one full of opportunity, growth, and continued success. Let’s continue working togethertomake 2025ourbestyearyet.
Miro Maras BUSINESS MANAGER
As we approach the end of another year, it is with both reflection and optimism that I reach out to all of you. The past year has been filled with challenges, achievements, and significant milestones, and I am proud to say that, as always, we have come together as a union to face whatever came our way.
While we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge the losses that have touched our union. This year, we tragically lost two brothers: Brother Ernst Bartsch and Brother Dave Stang.
In Memory of Our Brothers
At the end of 2023, Brother Ernst Bartsch suffered a sudden and devastating heart attack at the work site lunchroom. Thanks to the actions of the first aid attendants who performed CPR until paramedics arrived, he was given every chance. Unfortunately, Ernst passed away a few days later.
This November, we received the heartbreaking news of Brother Dave Stang’s passing. Brother Stang was taken by ambulance after losing motor function and experiencing slurred speech. Despite the quick actions of his coworkers, Dave passed away two weeks later. Both of these losses have left a deep void in our union.
These tragedies serve as a reminder to all of us about the importance of being prepared for the unexpected During this time of reflection, I urge you to review and update your beneficiaries’ designations. It is essential that your loved ones are taken care of in difficult times. Our Health & Welfare plan offers a $100,000 life insurance policy for those who qualify, but without proper beneficiary designations, the benefits may end in probate or, worse, go unpaid. You can update your beneficiaries through the Member Resources tab on the Millwrights 2736 website.
Health & Welfare Plan Updates
Our Health & Welfare Trustees continue to manage the plan responsibly, reviewing denied claims and exploring improvements to benefit all members. In the first quarter of 2025, we will be reviewing member queries and proposals for benefit improvements. If you have suggestions, please submit your proposals at the time of request to the Trustees.
In exciting news, the Pension Trustees recently received a Valuation Report for our Target Benefit Plan. This report form George & Bell, our plan’s actuaries, revealed that we can make a 10% improvement to all current and future benefits starting January 1, 2025. This is a significant step toward securing our members’ futures as we continue to strengthen the plan.
Improvements for Our Members
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve our benefits, the Millwright Regional Council (MRC) and the UBCJA are working on ways to “cut costs to put more money into our members’ pockets.” One of the potential changes could be the appointment of a single Third Party Administrator for all six provinces. This will streamline administration and help reduce costs, ultimately leading to more funds being directed toward member benefits. Please be assured that Local 2736 trustees will continue to run the plans in a fiscally responsible and prudent manner as it currently does
Looking Ahead: Executive Board Election
As we look forward to 2025, we also prepare for an upcoming Executive Board election. Nominations will open in May, and the new Executive Board will take office in July 2025, in accordance with the UBCJA Constitution.
The election process will see the Executive Board positions elected, with the Executive Secretary Treasurer appointing the Business Manager and Business Representative for the Local. Additionally, should the need arise for another Business Representative, we will maintain a shortlist of applicants to ensure we are prepared for succession
This structured approach to leadership succession helps ensure that our union continues to grow and succeed It also positions us to reach our goal of 70% market share and expanding our MRC workforce by 25%, aiming for a total of 10,000 millwrights from BC to Quebec.
Project Updates: Successes in Site C
We have several major projects coming to completion, with the Site C Dam project being one of the most notable. The gates and guides work at Site C has been completed after four years of hard work, contributing nearly 275,000 worked hours. This summer, the gates were operational, spilling water into the first turbine, which is now producing electricity for BC Hydro.
The Site C Turbines and Generators project, in collaboration with Voith, is nearing its completion Units 1 & 2 are currently producing power, with Unit 3 expected to be online by January 2025. Units 4 to 6 projected to be operational by late July 2025. On the project to date Millwright Local 2736 have completed close to 600,000 worked hours.
We owe a great deal of thanks to all of our members who contributed to this massive project. From the start of construction to the challenges we faced -including the COVID-19 pandemic, and wildfires -our members have shown unparalleled dedication and professionalism.
Recognizing Our Excellence
At the Renewable Energy Conference held at the International Training Center in Las Vegas, I had the honour of presenting the impressive work of Millwrights Local 2736. Our efforts on the Site C Dam were recognized by the UBCJA General Executive Board, and we were even spotlighted in a video that will be featured at the 2025 General Convention. This recognition is a testament to the skill and dedication of our members.
In January 2025, we will be hosting a Hydro Panel discussion at the Millwright Leadership Conference, where we will highlight our work on the Site C Clean Energy Project. We are also fortunate to have Chris Waite, the Site C Construction Manager, joining us as guest speaker.
The Road Ahead
As we close out the year, we look forward to BC Hydro’s $36 billion investment in the province’s power grid over the next decade. This will include major upgrades and refurbishments to projects like Bridge River 1-4 and Revelstoke 1-4. We anticipate that these projects will provide us with more work opportunities in the years to come.
Looking toward the end of our current collective agreement, we see that the final wage increase of 4.5% is set for May 4th, 2025. After that, we will begin the process of negotiation a new Protocol Agreement and, ultimately, our next Collective Agreement. Proposals for improvements to the Main Table and Trade Level will be collected in the first quarter of 2025, so please be sure to send any proposals to the Executive Board.
Provincial Election
With the provincial election come and gone I would like to acknowledge the support we had with the provincial NDP government in applying to be recognized as a potential compulsory trade in the province of BC. This is a goal we are trying to deliver with the newly formed provincial government.
I want to express my condolences to our Honourary Red-Seal Millwright 2736 member, Dan Coulter former MLA of Chilliwack East. Dan was huge supporter of the Millwrights Union 2736 as he shared our millwright pride, he delivered a 2 minute speech in the legislature to celebrate our 65th anniversary.
Dan will be celebrated on December 14th as he succumbed to a major medical emergency and has donated his organs to others in need. Please take a moment to honour Dan Coulter’s memory over the holiday season.
We also would like to celebrate all our retirees from this year. We wish you all a Healthy and Happy Retirement.
Bob Prince
Mike Bonneville
Kenneth Konkin
Marc Kitchin
Conrad Bleich
Chuck Bannister
Jim Haggerty
Bob Booth
John Anderson
Due to the postal strike we will send out the kids Christmas gift cards and members gifts once the strike is over. We hope that reading the emailed version of the Christmas Newsletter is well received.
January General Meeting will be January 9th at 7:30pm
Acknowledging Our Shared Success
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your hard work and commitment to the union. It has been an honour to work alongside our membership, Executive Board, and all office staff. Together, we are achieving remarkable things, and I am confident that we will continue to build on this success in 2025 and beyond.
In solidarity, Miro Maras Business
Manager
Millwrights Union Local 2736
Carey Simpson
TRAINING COORDINATOR/PRESIDENT
It’s amazing how quickly 2024 has flown by, and here we are once again, nearing the holiday season. This time of year, offers a chance to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together as members of Millwrights Local Union 2736. From the successful completion of projects to the strong bonds we’ve cultivated, it’s truly been an outstanding year. As we celebrate the season, I want to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year. May this festive time bring you joy, laughter, and the opportunity to rest and recharge.
Welcoming New Apprentices
This year, Millwrights Local Union 2736 proudly welcomed 14 new apprentices into our ranks. Let’s extend a warm welcome to our newest Brothers and Sisters:
Jacob Jelic
Heather Neilson
Jesse Ferguson
Ken Muyot
Stuart Percival
Quinn Dabbs
Cedric Cabral
Markus Maag
Zachary Cardinal
Chris Bruner
Jordan Stredulinsky
Lauren Bernier
Logan Lewis
Jason Hicks
In addition, 21 members have successfully completed their Millwright Apprenticeship, meeting all requirements to become Journeypersons with Millwrights Local Union 2736. Congratulations to each of you on this outstanding achievement!
Cameron Rothwell
Olivier Kingsley
Robert Royce
Sheldon Harris
Nicholas Ferguson
Shayna Stonehouse
Heather Neilson
Joel Ulrich
Evan Tregidgo
Connor Brown
Justin Van Mol-Mallam
Steve Jackson
Steven Jaroszuk
Zachary Cardinal
Kevin Turley
Kailen Rigoni
Andrew Zimmerman
Bailey Miller
Christopher Perry
Lorne Stinn
Connor Stevens
Important Information for Apprentices
To all our apprentices, I want to take a moment to explain how your apprenticeship hours are entered into the Skilled TradesBC Portal. The hours reported are always for the previous month, meaning there is a onemonth lag. For example, contractors must submit June’s hours by July 15, after which the information is sent to DA Townley for processing and fund (such as pension and extended health). Once DA Townley has processed the data, it is forwarded to us, and our admin staff input the hours into our system. Typically, we receive these hours by the end of the following month (e.g. July), though delays can occur.
In our newly ratified collective agreement, we introduced Article 4.08: Apprentice Savings Plan. As agreed, upon, the implementation date for the Apprentice Savings Plan (ASP) was April 28, 2024. ASP deductions will be remitted monthly, based on the hours worked during the reporting period. A $1.00 deduction, taken after taxes, will be collected with remittances through the DA Townley office.
All eligible apprentices have been assigned an Apprentice Savings Account, which will be monitored by DA Townley. If you are enrolled in the ASP, you will see this deduction reflected on your pay stub. Apprentices who have successfully completed Level 4 of
their apprenticeship schooling will no longer see ASP deductions, as they have completed their schooling and are removed from the ASP. Any remaining funds in the ASP account will be closed. The remaining funds will then be issued to the account holder.
If you wish to withdraw funds from your ASP account for apprenticeship classes, please contact Millwrights Local 2736 and we will send you a fillable withdrawal form to complete. Once the completed form is returned, Millwrights Local Union 2736 will authorize the payment upon the commencement of your scheduled apprenticeship class. Please note that request for funds for purposes other than scheduled schooling will be denied, in accordance with the plan.
Important Reminders: Apprenticeship Responsibilities
providers. Your dedication to professional development truly exemplifies the excellence of Millwrights Local Union 2736.
This is a critical clarification about the responsibilities and limitations tied to the apprenticeship process under Millwrights Local Union 2736. The apprenticeship is a tri-party agreement between the apprentice, the union, and Skilled Trades BC. Here’s what this means for you as an apprentice:
As an apprentice, you are prohibited from working in the Millwright trade outside of the union.
If you sign an apprenticeship agreement outside the union, it triggers serious repercussions:
Cancellation of Your Apprenticeship: Your indentured status under the union’s sponsorship with Skilled Trades BC will be terminated.
Loss of Union Membership: Since membership in Millwrights Local Union 2736 is tied directly to your status as an indentured apprentice, this status is also revoked.
If you’re considering other opportunities, please contact our office to fully understand the implications and avoid unintended consequences.
I am incredibly proud of all our apprentices. Over the past year, we’ve seen tremendous growth in your skills and capabilities. Keep up the excellent work! I look forward to the day when it’s your turn to lead Millwrights Local Union 2736.
Job Ready Dispatch (JRD) Program
2024 marked the launch of our Job Ready Dispatch (JRD) Program, which includes key certifications such as Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), and SiteREADY BC with WHMIS 2015 or CSTS 2020 with WHMIS 2015. I’m incredibly proud of our membership for their commitment to completing these courses, whether at the training center, onsite, or approved third party
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who took the time to attend the courses offered at our training center, the International Training Centre, and where training was provided across the province. While I was only able to provide area training for members in a few out-of-town regions this year, please rest assured that we are committed to expanding these opportunities. In the new year, I will be reaching out to collaborate with members on developing training schedules tailored to different areas of the province. Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated as we work to bring training closer to you.
To support members outside the Lower Mainland, the JRD program allows participation in third-party training, provided it is in person. Please note, however, that online courses are not recognized under the JRD programs, except for SiteREADY BC or CSTS 2020. I’d also like to address questions regarding LOA (Living Out Allowance). LOA is available to members participating in training at our Delta Training Centre or when the union’s trainer provides courses in a specific area, provided you live outside the free zone outlined in our collective agreement.
If you haven’t yet completed the requirements for the JRD program, you will not be eligible for dispatch. I encourage you to contact the office as soon as possible to schedule your training and ensure you don’t miss our on future opportunities. Thank you for your continued commitment and support!
Special Thanks to Our Admin Team
I would like to give a special thank you to our incredible admin team, Celeste and Jessica, whose dedication and hard work behind the scenes and on the front lines have been invaluable. Jessica handled all the course bookings and scheduling, while Celeste ensured that each of you had all the information needed to participate in the JRD
courses. Their efforts allowed me to fully focus on teaching, and I am deeply grateful for their support.
I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to Brother Matt Thompson. Matt reached out with a genuine desire to give back to our union, which speaks volumes about his character and dedication. After making several trips to the ITC, Matt successfully obtained his training certification to teach our JRD program.
Since then, he has offered his support wherever needed, even stepping in to teach a couple of courses during our member training in Castlegar. Thank you, Matt, for your commitment and willingness to help. Your contributions are truly appreciated!
I also want to thank you all for your patience as we navigate the new JRD program. It’s a learning process for us in the office, and your understanding is deeply appreciated. To date, we’ve issued over 400 certifications this year, which is an achievement to be proud of!
Green Energy Training and Future Plans
Looking ahead, we’re excited about our collaboration with the Canadian District on Green Energy Training. This initiative will provide specialized training focused on Green Energy, including training for turbines used in hydroelectric and wind generation projects. This program will launch in the second quarter of 2025, preparing our members for the future of clean energy.
Securing Funding for Enhanced Training
Advancing the technical skills and professional qualifications of our members is just as important as safety-related and equipment training. In September 2024, the Millwrights Regional Council offered financial support through its Training & Education Grant Program.
We submitted a proposal requesting funding to expand our training initiatives, focusing on core competencies critical to the millwright trade.
Our program emphasizes delivering high-quality education, practical hands-on training, and industryrecognized certifications to prepare our journeypersons and apprentices to excel in an ever-changing industry. Key skill sets prioritized in this program include:
Machinery Alignment
Pumps
Bearings
Belt Drive Systems
Gear Drives
Robotic Total Station Optical Alignment
These courses are designed to enhance members’ abilities to perform essential tasks using the latest tools, techniques, and industry best practices. By strengthening these skills, we aim to ensure our members are well-equipped to meet the demands of industry.
We are pleased to announce that our proposal qualified for the MRC Training and Education Grant Program, securing $200,000 in funding to support these initiatives. Our goal is to launch these new training opportunities in 2025.
UBC International Training Center Programs
The Carpenter’s Department of Education (DET) programs are held at the UBC’s International Training Center (ITC), a world-class training and education facility. The ITC delivers training to develop technical, personal, and leadership skills to our members. Below you will find the dates for the 3rd Year Apprentice and Journeyperson Programs. If you are interested, please contact Carey Simpson at the office for further information
UPCOMING ITC PROGRAMS
January
January 16-18, 2025 October 2-4, 2025 November 13-15, 2025 September 11-13, 2025
June 16-19,
Competitions and Achievements
The 2024 UBC National Apprentice Competition, which highlights the trades under the UBC’s umbrella, was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This prestigious event brought together millwrights from across the country to demonstrate this skills in Layout, Machinery Installation, Machinery Alignment with dials, Optical Surveying, and a challenging written exam.
Representing Millwrights Union Local 2736 this year was Olivier Kingsley, who did an outstanding job showcasing his expertise and dedication., The competition was incredibly close, and Olivier’s hard work and professionalism made us all proud. Your performance on the national stage is a true testament to the quality of our union’s training and apprenticeship programs.
Looking ahead, the 2025 National Apprentice Competition will be held in Edmonton, Alberta, in November 2025. Contestants must be in their final year of apprenticeship or within 12 months of obtaining their Journeyperson ticket by the date of the competition If you meet the criteria and are interested in representing Local 2736, please contact the office for more information.
Thank you, Olivier, for representing our Local and for the time and effort you put into preparing for this event. Your commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed.
From one competition to another, the 2024 Skills BC competition took place at Trade X in Abbotsford on April 17, marking its 30th year. Representing Millwrights Local Union 2736 this year was Liam Green, who proudly brought home a bronze medal!
Thank you, Liam, for showcasing your skills and dedication on such a competitive stage. Your hard work has truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud of your achievement. Congratulations on this welldeserved recognition! If you’re interested in representing Millwrights Local Union 2736 at the 2025 Skills BC competition in April 2025, please contact the office for more information.
Supporting Our Members
We’ve also partnered with SkillPlan to offer tutoring for technical training levels and Red Seal exam preparation, all at no cost to our members. If you need help with your technical training or exam preparation, please don’t hesitate to contact me for assistance.
Helmets to Hardhats
Finally, I’d like to highlight our continued partnership with the Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada Program, which creates opportunities for military veterans transitioning to careers in construction. We are proud to support this program and thank all the men and women who have served or continue to serve in the Canadian Military.
Closing Remarks
I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication throughout 2024. We’ve had an incredible year, and I’m excited for what lies ahead in 2025. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Let’s continue to build on our success and look forward to another year of excellence and achievement!
Marcel Schaubs
BUSINESS AGENT
Merry Christmas Brothers and Sisters of Millwrights Union Local 2736! I want to wish each of you a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with love, family, and friends. May you also find time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to 2025 with renewed optimism.
A Year of Growth
2024 has been a year of growth for Local 2736 in many ways. We’ve seen an increase in membership -up by 10%. In addition, we’ve signed on four new contractors: Core Industries, Demetic, Process Group, and Cyclone Industrial Services.
But growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about our continuous efforts to improve and strengthen our Union, the services we provide to our members, and our overall position in the industry. We’ve worked hard on initiatives designed to address specific areas of improvement and elevate our Union to new heights, with the ultimate goal of capturing at least 70% of the market share.
Long-term members might not always be aware of these initiatives, as their focus tends to be on the day-to-day work getting the job done safely and going home, which is what it’s all about. However, I want to bring you up to speed on a few of the key initiatives that will benefit all of us at Local 2736.
New Member Onboarding Zooms
This initiative, which started in January 2023, was designed to bridge the gap between new members and some of our programs, policies, and expectations. I was particularly motivated to create this after an incident where a recruit left due to incorrect information, I wanted to bridge the gap on why they hadn’t reached out to get clarification. The Onboarding Zoom meetings provide a platform for new members to ask questions, network, and offer each other support. It’s also an opportunity to connect face-to-face and ensure that communication lines are open.
If you ever encounter a new member who has basic questions, encourage them to attend the Zoom sessions or reach out to the office for more information. The Zoom meetings take place monthly in the evening for one hour. Additionally, we’ve partnered with SkillPlan to develop an online Millwrights 2736 Orientation Course, which all new members will be required to complete before becoming full members. We plan to launch this course early in 2025 once the final version is approved.
Job Steward Course
Over 16 months ago, we began working on creating a Job Stewards course, and I’m proud to announce that as of January 2024, Local 2736 now has a comprehensive Job Steward course. So far this year, we’ve trained 50 members, and Dispatcher Alex Leiper has attended sessions to learn the ropes of presenting. Alex will soon be leading sessions in the northern areas.
This course is designed to strengthen our “TEAM” in the field as we continue working towards our goal of achieving 70% market share. Additionally, we’ve rolled out our Level 1 Drug & Alcohol Policy and Level 1 Jurisdictional Assignment Plan (JAP) online courses Once enough members have completed the Level 1 course, we’ll organize an in-person Level 2 course.
If you’re interested in any of this training, please contact me at mschaubs@ubcmillwrights.ca
Recruitment & Retention
Recruitment and retention remain at the core of our Union’s growth and long-term sustainability. We’ve developed an efficient and effective methodology for integrating new candidates. Each candidate receives about 30 minutes of one-on-one time to explain our system, followed by a comprehensive information package. Once they return the completed package, Dispatcher Alex Leiper begins the dispatching process, and the candidate is considered a “Permit” member. After completing two Permit dispatches, we review their progress and, if all is in order, offer them membership.
In 2023, we conducted 200 candidate information sessions. We continually refine this process to ensure that the information is thorough, consistent, and clear. The focus is on being informative and inclusive while keeping communication open. Dispatching is challenging, but Alex continues to excel in balancing dispatches and ensuring that shifts are filled.
The follow-up from new members during the Zoom calls has been overwhelmingly positive, and they appreciate the level of support they receive from the Union. It’s our mission to ensure that every new member feels welcomed, informed, and supported as they integrate into our local union.
Work Picture for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re anticipating a busy year. While 2024 was slower than expected, the Amazon job, which had been delayed due to building issues, is now set to begin in late January. By March, we should have full crews of 55 Millwrights, with work expected to last 6-8 months.
Other exciting projects on the horizon include:
Westshore’s conversion of two berths from coal to potash, which will requires 30-40 members for the next 30+ months starting in the first quarter 2025. NTI’s award of the Dumper Internals at Westshore, which will require 4-5 members for 4-5 months starting in March.
LNG Canada’s ongoing construction activities, with work expected to continue through Q2 2025. Site C, which recently started generating power, and is expected to continue commissioning units through July 2025. This will open the door for additional hydro-sector refurbishments.
Additionally, the Woodfibre LNG project is progressing, and Fortis LNG Delta has passed its environmental evaluation and is slated for expansion. The Lower Mainland cement plants will have their annual shutdowns in early February, so Q1 of 2025 is expected to be busy.
In Conclusion
I hope you now have a better understanding of the efforts we’re making to integrate and educate new members. I also want to ensure that long-term members are receiving the support they need to succeed and grow within the Union. We’re always open to suggestions for improvement, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any ideas.
As we head into the holiday season, I want every member to know that we care deeply about your wellbeing. If you know of a member who could use your support, reach out and offer a helping hand, it could be exactly what they need, especially at this time of year.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025!
Alex Leiper
As 2024 winds down, I want to start by wishing each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. This time of year provides a much-needed opportunity to relax, reset, and enjoy some welldeserved time off with loved ones. For those of you still working at Site C, LNGC, or on various shutdowns, I hope you make it home safe and find time to unwind. Here’s to finishing the year strong and heading into 2025 with a renewed focus and drive for success.
A Year of Growth and Achievements
great to see the interest in our millwright trade, and I’m excited to continue building relationships with new faces, all while strengthening our connections with industry leaders.
Northern Expansion and Future Opportunities
Reflecting on the year, I am excited to share Local 2736 has continued to grow and expand. Our presence in the Northern part of the province has steadily increased and we are pushing forward, focusing on securing new job opportunities for our members. By the end of this year, we will have dispatched almost 1800 Journeymen, Apprentices, Travel Cards, and Permits in 2024 -that speaks to the dedication and hard work of all of our Millwrights.
Job Ready Dispatch Certifications
As part of this growth, I’ve also been collaborating with our Qtrades programmer to implement new systems that will streamline the tracking of Job Ready Dispatch certifications. These improvements will make it easier for us to monitor qualifications and keep our members up to date on the status of their certifications, ensuring that we’re always ready to meet the demands of the job market. This initiative is just on example of how we’re continuously improving our processes to serve our clients, contractors, and membership better.
Career Fair and Industry Connections
In addition to the behind-the scenes work, I’ve had the pleasure of representing Millwrights Local 2736 at several industry events, particularly in the North. This year, I hosted our booth at the Post-Secondary Education Expo in Prince George, a fantastic opportunity to connect with both experienced Millwrights and those just entering the trade. It was
I’ll be back in Prince George in January 2025, where I’ll be working out of our satellite office and attending the BC Natural Resources Forum. This event will be another chance for us to showcase Local 2736's strength, as well as our commitment to securing new contacts and job opportunities for our members. Prince George is a key hub for our Northern expansion, and I look forward to continuing this momentum into the new year. I can also be found at our Terrace-Kitimat office, conveniently located at the Northwest Regional Airport. This office is not only a integral location for our members traveling to LNG, Rio Tinto, and other Northwest job sites, but it also serves as an important meeting point for contractors in the region. Our presence in the North is only growing stronger, and these offices will play a crucial part in making sure everyone knows that we are here, ready to work, and capable of handling whatever the job may bring.
As we head into 2025, I want to take a moment to thank all members of Millwrights Local 2736 for their hard work and dedication, ensuring that every project is a success, and thank you for looking out for not only your own safety but also that of your Brothers and Sisters on the job. I look forward to working with all of you towards the goal of making 2025 another prosperous year for our Local.
Stay safe, stay strong, and enjoy the holiday season
Alaura Jaggernath
MILLWRIGHTS 2736 SIB CHAIR
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the BC Millwrights Sisters in the Brotherhood (SiB) Committee!
Since its establishment in 2022, the BC Millwrights Sisters in the Brotherhood committee has been dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive environment for women in our union. Alongside the BC Millwrights Local’s partnership with the Millwrights Regional Council, we’ve worked tirelessly to address the unique challenges women face on worksites. Our committee consists of Chair Alaura Jaggernath, Co-Chair Marie Vogel, and Marcel Schaubs, who serves as our liaison.
Reflecting on Our Year: Progress and Successes
This past year, the BC Millwrights Sisters in the Brotherhood have seen tremendous success and progress. Our committee has attended several key events, including Trades Women Build Nations in New Orleans, the MRC Annual General Meeting, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Awards Ceremony, and the Apprenticeship Competition. We’ve also participated in local trades fairs, college events, and hosted Lean In Circle meetings for the BC and Alberta Union halls. A notable achievement this year was the launch of our logo competition, which has garnered support across union halls in Canada.
In Loving emory
Over the past two years, our focus has been on building a supportive space for women to share their concerns, with a particular emphasis on challenges women face in the workforce. These include issues like access to child care, properly fitting PPE, gender stereotypes, obstacles faced by women in management and supervisory roles, availability of feminine hygiene products, and feeling safe on the job. While many of these issues disproportionately affect women, they also impact many of our members, regardless of gender. For example, accessible child care is an issue that could benefit many workers, not just women.
These conversations are being made possible by the ongoing changes within the industry. As our union grows and evolves, we are actively exploring solutions to these challenges together, strengthening our collective efforts for the betterment of all members.
Attending these events has been truly inspiring. It has been uplifting to connect with so many remarkable tradespeople who understand the unique struggles and benefits of having women on job sites. At events like Trades Women Build Nations, we’ve been able to engage with political figures who are committed to listening and understanding the challenges our sisters face. While there’s been significant progress within our industry and unions, we know the road ahead is long, and our work is far from done.
Lean In Circles: Empowering Our Sisters
One of the most impactful initiatives this year has been our Lean In Circle meetings. These gatherings provide a judgment-free space where our sisters can share their experiences, ask questions, and discuss solutions to the challenges we face on and off the job site. Topics such as dealing with bias, being overlooked, or confronting inappropriate behavior are addressed in a supportive environment. Lean In Circles have become an invaluable resource for our members, fostering camaraderie and creating a sense of belonging among women in the industry.
Our Vision: A Safe and Inclusive Work Environment
As a committee, our commitment is to ensure that all members have a safe, supportive space where they feel heard. Tackling issues like sexual harassment and bullying can be daunting, but we are working tirelessly to create lasting change within the industry. Our ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality on job sitesenvisioning a future where women no longer feel isolated or marginalized at work. We strive for a work environment where every worker, regardless of gender , can feel safe, respected, and valued.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone deserves to go home from work safe and satisfied, knowing that their contributions are recognized and appreciated. We are all here for a reason, and our collective success depends on creating a workplace where all workers thrive.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with the Sisters in the Brotherhood Committee, please reach out to us at 2736.sisters@ubcmillwrights.ca
Happy Holidays from all of us at the BC Millwright Sisters in the Brotherhood Committee!
In Loving Memory......
David Stang Feb 1965-Nov 2024
John Horgan 1959-2024
Dan Coulter 1975-2024
Voith - Stave Falls