ORGANIZING

seven construction workers standing on w

When The Building Union of Canada organizes construction companies, it means they work to bring these companies and their employees under a union structure. This involves engaging with workers and employers to establish union representation, where the union advocates for the employees in collective bargaining processes. Through organizing, the BUC helps ensure that workers receive fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions while also providing companies with a stable, skilled, and certified workforce. By uniting employees under a common cause, the BUC fosters better labour-management relations and improves industry standards across the construction sector.

If you are interested in discussing unionizing your employer, please contact:

Anthony Iannuzzi

E: aiannuzzi@the buc.ca

C: 416-881-9435

Our Trades

ELECTRICIANS

An electrician is a highly skilled tradesperson responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Electricians ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical wiring, lighting, power distribution, and control systems. They work with blueprints, wiring diagrams, and building codes to plan and execute electrical projects, whether it's wiring a new construction site or troubleshooting complex electrical issues. As members of the Building Union of Canada, electricians benefit from collective bargaining, job security, and ongoing training to stay current with industry advancements and safety standards.

Sector contact: Anthony Iannuzzi

PLUMBERS

A plumber is a skilled tradesperson responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining piping systems that carry water, gas, and waste in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Plumbers work with blueprints and building codes to ensure that plumbing systems are properly designed, functional, and safe. They install and repair fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and water heaters, as well as address complex issues like pipe blockages and leaks. As members of the Building Union of Canada, plumbers enjoy the benefits of collective bargaining, access to training programs, and the support needed to advance in their trade while ensuring safe and efficient plumbing systems for all.

Sector contact: Anthony Iannuzzi

GENERAL LABOURERS

A general labourer is an essential worker in the construction industry, responsible for a wide range of tasks that support skilled tradespeople on job sites. These duties include site preparation, material handling, operating basic tools and machinery, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. General labourers may assist with demolition, assembly, and various other tasks that ensure construction projects run smoothly and efficiently. As members of the Building Union of Canada, general labourers gain access to fair wages, job security, and training opportunities to enhance their skills and advance in their careers while contributing to the success of construction projects across the industry.

Sector contact: Stephen Bromell

CONCRETE LAYERS

A concrete layer is a skilled tradesperson responsible for preparing, pouring, and finishing concrete for various construction projects, including foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and walls. They carefully follow blueprints and specifications to ensure the proper mix, placement, and curing of concrete, ensuring durability and structural integrity. Concrete layers use specialized tools to smooth, level, and shape the material before it hardens, often working in coordination with other trades to meet project timelines and quality standards. As members of the Building Union of Canada, concrete layers benefit from collective bargaining, access to training, and the support necessary to advance their skills and ensure safe, well-compensated work across the construction industry.

Sector contact: Tony Cordeiro

FORMING CONTRACTORS

A forming contractor is a specialized tradesperson responsible for constructing the temporary structures, or "forms," that hold concrete in place while it sets and hardens. These forms create the shape of various concrete structures, such as foundations, walls, and columns, ensuring precision and stability. Forming contractors work with wood, metal, and other materials, using detailed blueprints to build forms that meet exact specifications for size, shape, and alignment. As members of the Building Union of Canada, forming contractors benefit from collective bargaining, access to training programs, and support that helps them refine their craft and secure fair wages and safe working conditions across all projects.

Sector contact: Tony Cordeiro

CARPENTERS

HANDYMEN

Handymen are versatile tradespeople skilled in a wide range of repair, maintenance, and improvement tasks for residential and commercial properties. They handle various jobs, including plumbing repairs, electrical work, painting, drywall installation, and general upkeep, making them invaluable for homeowners and businesses alike. Handymen possess a diverse skill set, allowing them to address multiple issues efficiently and effectively. As members of the Building Union of Canada, handymen benefit from collective bargaining, fair wages, and access to training opportunities that help them enhance their skills and stay current with industry standards. This support empowers them to deliver high-quality service while ensuring safe and reliable solutions for all types of projects.

Sector contact: Stephen Bromell

HOIST OPERATORS

A hoist operator is a specialized tradesperson responsible for operating lifting equipment, such as cranes and hoists, to move heavy materials on construction sites. Hoist operators ensure the safe and precise movement of materials, often working at great heights or in confined spaces, while adhering to safety protocols and project specifications. They play a critical role in the efficient operation of construction projects by coordinating with other trades to ensure timely and accurate material placement. As members of the Building Union of Canada, hoist operators benefit from collective bargaining, industry-standard wages, and ongoing training to advance their skills and ensure safe, efficient operations on every job site.

Sector contact: Stephen Bromell

CRAIN OPERATORS

A crane operator is a highly skilled tradesperson responsible for operating cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials on construction sites. They control large, complex machinery to handle tasks such as placing steel beams, concrete, and other building materials with precision and safety. Crane operators work closely with site supervisors and other workers to ensure smooth operations while following strict safety protocols to prevent accidents. As members of the Building Union of Canada, crane operators benefit from collective bargaining, fair wages, and access to specialized training that enhances their expertise and ensures they stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and safety practices.

Sector contact: Stephen Bromell

PAINTERS

A painter is a skilled tradesperson responsible for applying paint, stains, and coatings to a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and exteriors, to protect and enhance the appearance of buildings. Painters prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and applying primers, ensuring a smooth and durable finish. They also select the appropriate materials and techniques based on the project’s requirements, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. As members of the Building Union of Canada, painters benefit from collective bargaining, fair wages, job security, and access to ongoing training to refine their skills and stay current with industry standards, ensuring high-quality results on every project.

Sector contact: Stephen Bromell

GAS FITTERS

A gas fitter is a specialized tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs gas lines, appliances, and systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of gas-fueled systems such as heating units, stoves, and water heaters, working with precision to comply with safety regulations and building codes. Gas fitters are skilled in reading blueprints, detecting gas leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent hazards. As members of the Building Union of Canada, gas fitters benefit from collective bargaining, access to training and certification programs, and the support needed to secure fair wages and maintain the highest safety standards on all projects.

Sector contact: Anthony Iannuzzi

STEAM FITTERS

A steam fitter is a highly skilled tradesperson who specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems that carry high-pressure steam, water, and other fluids used in heating, cooling, and power generation systems. They work on complex systems in industrial, commercial, and institutional settings, such as power plants, factories, and hospitals. Steam fitters ensure that pipes and equipment are properly aligned, installed, and functioning safely, often working with blueprints and adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards. As members of the Building Union of Canada, steam fitters benefit from collective bargaining, access to specialized training, and fair wages, ensuring their expertise is valued and supported across the industry.

Sector contact: Anthony Iannuzzi

PIPE FITTERS

A pipe fitter is a skilled tradesperson who installs, assembles, and maintains piping systems that carry liquids, gases, and chemicals in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Pipe fitters work on systems used in heating, cooling, and manufacturing processes, ensuring that pipes are properly aligned, securely connected, and meet safety and regulatory standards. They interpret blueprints and technical drawings to plan installations, handle complex materials like steel and plastic, and often work on high-pressure systems. As members of the Building Union of Canada, pipe fitters benefit from collective bargaining, fair wages, and access to ongoing training programs that enhance their skills and ensure safe, efficient work on all projects.

Sector contact: Anthony Iannuzzi

SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLER

A sprinkler system installer is a specialized tradesperson responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing fire protection sprinkler systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They ensure that sprinkler systems are correctly installed according to safety regulations and building codes, helping to safeguard properties and lives in the event of a fire. Sprinkler system installers work with blueprints and technical specifications to design and lay out pipe networks, connect valves, and ensure the system functions properly. As members of the Building Union of Canada, sprinkler system installers benefit from collective bargaining, competitive wages, and access to training that keeps them current with the latest safety standards and installation techniques.

Sector contact: Anthony Iannuzzi

REFRIGERATION INSTALLERS

A refrigeration installer is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work with cooling systems such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units, ensuring that these systems operate efficiently and meet safety and regulatory standards. Refrigeration installers handle complex components, including compressors, condensers, and piping, and use specialized tools to ensure proper installation and functionality. As members of the Building Union of Canada, refrigeration installers benefit from collective bargaining, fair wages, and access to ongoing training that helps them stay up-to-date with the latest industry advancements and safety practices.

Sector contact: Anthony Iannuzzi

HARD TILE INSTALLERS

A hard tile installer is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in laying and setting tiles made of materials such as ceramic, marble, granite, and other durable surfaces for floors, walls, and countertops. Hard tile installers prepare surfaces, measure and cut tiles to fit specific spaces, and apply adhesives to ensure a precise and long-lasting finish. Their work is essential in both residential and commercial projects, providing aesthetic appeal and functional durability to kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas. As members of the Building Union of Canada, hard tile installers benefit from collective bargaining, competitive wages, and access to training that enhances their craftsmanship and ensures quality work on every project.

Sector contact: Tony Cordeiro