MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

To inquire on becoming a member of the Ironworkers Union Local 728, contact the local union office at 204-783-7853. You may be asked to come in for an interview. The success rate of becoming a member depends largely on the work situation in our area at the time of your inquiry.

Should conditions be favourable, you may be placed on a probationary program either as a probationary apprentice or Journeyman. During the probationary period, your work ethic, work performance and commitment to the trade are evaluated. If your probationary period is successful you may qualify to become a full member of the union and brought in as an apprentice or if you meet the qualifications you may be brought in as a Journeyman.

Present fees to becoming a member are as follows:

• Probationary Journeyman: $35.00 per month dues
• Probationary Apprentice: $34.00 per month dues
• Journeyman Member: $500.00 initiation fee
• $35.00 a month dues
• Apprentice Member: $100.00 initiation fee
• $34.00 a month dues

As with all members of the union there is an hourly work assessment applied to hours worked.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Both Apprentices and Journeymen (all members) are protected by Contract (or agreements) when working for all signatory contractor companies of the Union.

Benefits include better wage rates, proper training, health benefits, pension benefits, safety training and certification, etc.

CONTRACT: The contract (or agreement) is the signed document between the company and your local union which describes terms and conditions of employment, such as the following:

• WAGES: Fair rates of pay for each job, automatic increases, etc.

• CONDITIONS: Job security, safety, and health, personal rights and treatment.

• BENEFITS: Health insurance, pension, etc.

Among its most important features will be an orderly system for settling disputes between employees and the company bosses. This is called a "grievance procedure" and it requires the company go through successively higher steps until a satisfactory solution is found to an employee's problem.

Under a written contract, nobody has to guess his rights or to seek individual favors from the boss. All things are spelled out for everyone to see and understand.

THE CONTRACT IS THE WORKER'S "CHARTER OF RIGHTS"