TRAINING UPDATE

Employment Insurance and Training

The Strike

For three weeks during June, most 506 members working in ICI were on strike. Without commenting on the issues, one of the things indicated by the strike is the increasing complexity of large-scale construction. Depending on the stage of constuction, several different types of contractors may be found on ICI sites: general contractors, concrete forming contractors, masonry contractors, mechanical contractors – and others. Negotiating collective agreements for all the different sectors is difficult.

It is a tribute to Local 506 members that the Local 506 Family Picnic at Ambercroft on Saturday, the 23rd, was a complete success. Despite having gone three weeks without pay, despite the tensions this caused for the families, the picnic was enjoyed by between 1500 and 2000 members and their families, especially the kids.

Regular Schedule for WHMIS, Fall Arrest, Propane Safety

For at least the next three months, WHMIS and Fall Protection will be offered twice a month on Saturdays, and Propane Safety once a month. WHMIS will normally be on the second and fourth Saturdays, Fall Protection normally on the first and third Saturdays. Traffic Control, Confined Space, and First Aid will be offered at least every second month. There are, as is policy, no Saturday courses on long weekends. Additional courses will be scheduled as required.

The schedule will be posted at the Union Hall and is available on the website, www.506tc.org, under Schedule.

Training Centre Infrastructure Program

We have been informed by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that our application for funding under the TCIP has been approved. We will be acquiring a range of new equipment, with 75% of the costs paid for by the provincial government and 25% covered by the Training Fund.

In the short run, this causes storage and security problems which may necessitate renovations at Ambercroft. In the long run, it means improved and expanded hands-on training for both apprentices and journeypersons. This is good news. 

Comments? Email jmclaren@506tc.org