Dear Members,
We are pleased to present the Memorandum of Agreement (M.O.A.) of settlement reached during our recent negotiations.
Your voice matters. We encourage you to review the M.O.A. in full prior to casting your vote. A summary of key highlights is provided below:
Wage Increases
- Year 1: 5.5% increase, effective the second Sunday following ratification
- Year 2: 3.5% increase, effective May 3, 2026
- Year 3: 3.5% increase, effective May 2, 2027
Living Out Allowance (LOA)
- $220/day effective the second Sunday two weeks following ratification
- $240/day effective May 3, 2026
- $260/day effective May 2, 2027
OR
Employer-Supplied Room with Daily Meal Allowance
- $92.50/day effective the second Sunday following ratification
- $97.00/day effective May 3, 2026
- $100.00/day effective May 2, 2027
Language and Article Amendments
- Article 3.07(b): Added clause stating members without required Job Ready certifications are ineligible for name requests until compliant.
- Article 4.05: Union must provide 60 days’ notice to BCA for any fund amendments.
- Article 4.08: In accordance with Bill C-30, pension contributions for working pensioners will be redirected to the Boilermaker Health and Welfare Fund.
- Article 7.03: Language from 7.07 (Underground Work) moved. Employers must supply rubber boots, rain gear, and gloves when necessary.
- Article 7.04: Strengthened requirements regarding flush toilets.
- Article 7.09: New language regarding cell phone use:
- Prohibition on taking project photos without permission.
- Reimbursement for members using personal phones for work.
- Article 8.01: Penalty introduced if employer loses or fails to return a welder’s log book.
- Article 14.07: Emergency callout pay increased:
Vancouver Free Zone: $200 to $250
Other Areas: $300 to $350
Employer has the right to identify competency and qualifications for emergency callouts. As per article 4.02
- Article 18.03: Employees reporting for shifts longer than 8 hours but sent home will receive:
4 hours’ pay if cancelled by employer
2 hours’ pay if due to inclement weather
- Article 19.01(c)(iii): Reduced travel distance requirement from 900 km to 800 km.
- Article 19.01(d): Members must notify the dispatcher at dispatch whether they will use company or personal transportation.
- Article 19.01(e)(iv): Clarified travel time as one (1) hour of normal driving time.
- Article 20.02: Members must declare LOA or company accommodation choice at dispatch; information shared with the employer.
Members required to change accommodations outside working hours will receive 2 hours’ straight time pay.
- Article 20.04: Checkout allowance increased from $20 to $40.
- Article 21.01: Employers must pay penalties if payroll errors are not corrected by the following pay period.
Clarifications Before Voting
Wage Increases:
The agreed wage increases surpass CPI-tied offers originally proposed by contractors. While the industry average over three years was projected at 4.5%, (1.5%-1.5%-1.5%) we secured a total increase of 12.5% (5.5%, 3.5%, 3.5%). This strengthens current earnings and future bargaining leverage, especially amidst labour shortages.
LOA and Employer-Supplied Accommodation:
Clarified language ensures consistency and prevents unilateral employer decisions. Members still retain LOA rights; the revisions reinforce accountability on both sides.
Emergency Dispatch – Qualifications and Competency:
New provisions ensure that emergency dispatches are fair, safety-conscious, and skill-appropriate. This protects the integrity of emergency procedures and ensures qualified members are dispatched efficiently and appropriately. As per article 4.02
This protects members by making sure:
Your qualifications are recognized and respected
Jobs are filled quickly and fairly
Voting Details
- Platform: Simply Voting
- Opens: May 2, 2025
- Closes: May 9, 2025
The full M.O.A. document is available for your review in the link below.
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss specific terms, please contact your Business Representative or attend the upcoming Union meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00PM
https://www.boilermakers359.org/wp-content/uploads/MOA-and-Summary-of-MOA.pdf
Your participation is critical. Please take the time to vote and have a say in shaping our future.
In Solidarity,
Gordon Weel
Business Manager
Boilermakers Lodge 359