Join Local 488

Join Local 488

Demand for skilled trades is evident everywhere you look. With retirements on the rise, the need to fill these gaps is essential. There is still plenty of work to be done developing the resources of Northern Alberta, and our members will continue to shape this province’s major construction projects, and their ongoing maintenance, for years to come.

That’s why we want you to join us – Starters, Registered Apprentices, Journeypersons (or equivalent) or Interprovincial Red Seal Steamfitter, B Pressure Welder, Plumber, Sprinklerfitter, Refrigeration/HVAC Mechanic or Instrument Technician.

Pension – Higher Wages – Industry Leading Benefit Package – Working Conditions – Overtime Pay – Representation – Safety – Training

We welcome all new members from every walk of life!

A Place for Everybody
Featuring three UA members from different trades and backgrounds.
https://vimeo.com/596502897

Making a life
Rooted in history and nostalgia, this snapshot of UA tradition and connection illustrates the importance of creating a life built on the values of teamwork and family.
https://vimeo.com/596512126

Genius is built
The United Association is an organization at the forefront of innovation. This video demonstrates the desire of UA members to shift course, adapt, and evolve in a changing world.
https://vimeo.com/596510955

Essential
Features the heroes on the frontlines and behind the scenes of the COVID-19 pandemic. It showcases the spirit of the UA’s commitment to the public, with members working hard to bring Canadians the services they need during unprecedented times.
https://vimeo.com/596507415

How Do I Join?

We make it easy to join Local 488!

Call us at 780-452-7080 where you can be directed to the appropriate representative who will be happy to provide details on joining our Local Union 488.

Unionizing

Every worker has the legal right to be represented by a union.

When employees band together and vote to be represented by a union, they use their collective strength to ensure that they are treated right, paid fairly by their employer, and that their worksite will be a safe one. The principle is simple – together, employees are stronger than they are as individuals. A unionized workforce is the answer.

If you and your fellow employees are not represented, or if you are represented by an alternative labour organization, we encourage you to talk with our organizers. They are experienced in helping workers organize and they do so with total anonymity.

Take a positive step toward a better working life.

Email or call our Organizing Department Representatives Cody Telford (Cody.Telford@Local488.ca or 780-918-5933) or Boyd Currie (Boyd.Currie@Local488.ca or 780-278-0836).

Pay & Benefit Advantages

All union members working under the same Collective Agreement are paid equally, so it’s easy to tell you what our pay rates are, and what benefits we receive.

Following are the major differences between what our members receive and what many non-union people receive:

  • Our total hourly rate package is almost always higher. Our current Journeyperson rates are over $60/HR!
  • Our pension plan is 100% employer-paid (NO pay deductions!)
  • Our pension plan is a ‘defined benefit’ plan. This type of pension is vastly better than RRSP-type ‘retirement savings’ plans. Research this!
  • Our health and welfare benefit package is industry leading, comprehensive, and 100% employer-paid!
  • Our working conditions are better, but more importantly- safer!
  • Every employee is represented properly- we have your back!
Words of Praise

If you’ve been working non-union, here’s what it can mean to your life to either move to a union employer, or to ask us to help you organize your workplace:

“Working non-union, I was told I was no good, that I would never find another job anywhere else, that I was lucky to have this job….there were threats like “you’d better work the overtime, or when it gets slow you’ll lose your job and your family will suffer because you won’t have benefits….and it was all lies.

When I joined the union, I got an automatic huge increase in my pay. I was treated with respect. I had representation. They had policies against verbal abuse and harassment. There was no backstabbing and people didn’t tear you down to make themselves look better so they could climb the ladder. It was a completely different environment! Before I joined, I was so oppressed that I had no self esteem, no confidence in my abilities, I was having trouble sleeping and I was actually losing weight. Joining the union really improved the family dynamics…I was a lot happier, I was a lot more self-confident and at the end of the day I had a lot more energy for my wife and kids.”

– Terry Hopman

Current Hourly Wages & Benefits

Check out our Agreements and Forms document library for the latest wage information.