Building Trades of Alberta: BTA Executive Director Terry Parker

About the BTA

The BTA is a coalition of 18 affiliated union locals operating in Alberta’s industrial maintenance and other industries. Together, it represents roughly 60,000 unionized skilled trades workers.

The organization traces its history back to August 1, 1906, when the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council applied for and received its charter. From the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council, the Edmonton Building and Construction Trades Council was formed, receiving its charter on July 15 1946. From the Edmonton Building and Construction Trades Council, the Northern Alberta and District of MacKenzie Building and Construction Trades Council was formed and received a charter on March 1st, 1976.

Since its inception, the BTA has facilitated cooperation and coordination across Alberta’s skilled trades unions, built lasting partnerships with contractors and advocated for government policies that benefit unionized maintenance.

Sustaining Excellence and Growth Today

The BTA stands as a pillar of strength and reliability within the industrial maintenance industry. Together, with its incredible partners like the GPMC I NMC, the BTA continues to raise the bar for skills standards and safety protocols in Alberta. The BTA’s affiliates supply an ample workforce of highly trained and dedicated workers who deliver quality results efficiently.

Excellence in safety is a cornerstone of the BTA’s operations, and the results reflect this. Studies show a correlation of high-safety, low-injury performances on BTA union maintenance sites when compared to non-union sites. This success is owed to the stringent safety training members go through, ensuring each tradesperson is well-prepared to do their jobs safely and confidently.

Building the Future Workforce

Today, the maintenance industry faces challenges of an aging workforce and shifting demographics.

The BTA’s Executive Director, Terry Parker, discusses how Alberta’s Building Trades are working to address these issues: “A big priority for us is making sure that we are not only training new apprentices, but that we are retaining them. We are working with our contractor partners to make sure that apprentices, including first and second years, are getting the on-the-job experience they need to advance their careers.”

In addition to training new apprentices, the BTA is working to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. “We are breaking down barriers that have prevented people from the joining the trades. Our subcommittee, Build Together, is doing great work welcoming more women into careers in the trades. Our Path Forward initiative is connecting Indigenous people with the opportunities that the unionized trades offer.”

THE DEADLINE IS APPROACHING. The GPMC |NMC is pleased to offer bursaries, totaling $50,000, to assist members of Canada’s Building Trade Unions’ children with the cost of their post-secondary education. A total of 25 bursaries will be allocated across Canada, including 15 bursaries for Western Canada and 10 for Eastern Canada. To qualify, applicants must be attending a post-secondary academic institution on a full-time basis.

Their parents must be a member to one of Canada’s Construction and Building Trades Unions where their local union has within its jurisdiction a General Presidents’ Maintenance Agreement (GPMA) and/or National Maintenance Agreement (NMA).  

Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2024. All prospective applicants can apply on the GPMC | NMC website: gpmccanada.com/edu-giving

Mental health is no longer a hidden topic in the trade industry; it’s now a priority as companies and leaders recognize its vital role in employee well-being, productivity, and overall safety. For us as leaders, it’s essential not only to understand the mental health challenges our teams may encounter but also to create a positive and supportive environment. By prioritizing mental health and fostering an open culture, we can spot potential issues early and encourage team members to seek help without fear of stigma. Addressing mental health is more than a trend—it’s a necessary commitment to building a resilient, healthy workforce.

As leaders in the industry, we establish policies and procedures to keep our employees safe, ensuring that everyone returns home to their families at the end of each day. In physical safety, our responses are clear-cut when someone is physically injured, we provide immediate medical care. For instance, a cut might require stitches, while a sprained ankle could need a cast or a wrap. Once the physical injury heals, we follow a return-to-work process to help the individual transition back.

Addressing mental health presents unique challenges. Unlike physical injuries, mental health struggles are often invisible, making them harder to recognize without a clear “hazard” to spot. This is why meaningful engagement with our teams is essential for early identification. Instead of the typical “How was your weekend?” I ask questions like, “What was your favorite part of your weekend?” This small shift opens the door to deeper conversations and allows managers to identify potential signs of mental health challenges. By encouraging team members to reflect on positive experiences or share any difficulties, we foster a culture of trust and openness.

Additionally, we’re working with healthcare representatives to develop a mental health return-to-work process. This document will help us assess whether an employee is truly ready to return following a mental health leave, ensuring they’re in the right headspace to re-enter the workplace safely and effectively.

We are also partnering with our clients to organize training programs like “SafeTalk” for our frontline supervisors. These programs equip them with the knowledge to recognize early signs of mental health struggles and outline the appropriate steps to take if they notice concerning behaviors.

In conclusion, prioritizing mental health within the trade industry is not just a responsibility—it’s an imperative that shapes the future of our workforce. As we enhance our policies, engage in meaningful conversations, and implement training programs, we take significant steps toward creating a safer, more supportive environment for our employees. By recognizing the unique challenges of mental health and committing to proactive solutions, we foster a culture where individuals feel valued and understood. Together, we can ensure that every team member not only returns home safely at the end of the day but also feels supported and empowered in their mental well-being. It’s time for us as leaders to champion this crucial aspect of workplace culture and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient industry.

Author: Scott Johnston

Turnaround Manager for Fluor Driver

www.fdindustrial.com

Babcock & Wilcox Project Manager, Kris Jacobs, proudly displays the 365 Daily Maintenance Award that was presented at the 8th Annual Canadian Safety Achievement Awards (CS2A) ceremony hosted by the GPMC I NMC and held on October 22 in Edmonton, Alberta. The CS2A recognizes excellence in unionized maintenance. Learn more: CS2A

DEDICATION TO SAFETY. The Canadian Safety Achievement Awards (CS2A) celebrate safety excellence in the unionized maintenance industry.

“Together, we celebrate the successes of effective safety programming and the collective efforts that are invested each year in the purposeful planning and execution of high-quality and safe work. The measure and acknowledgment of your performance is a testament to your dedication, adaptability and unwavering commitment to excellence”, stated Colin Daniels, Executive Director of Canadian Affairs for Iron Workers International. Daniels is also the GPMC Representative for the Iron Workers.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS. Complete the GPMC I NMC survey and enter for your chance to win a $2,500 Milwaukee Tool gift card. Please take a minute to complete our survey so that we can ensure that the unionized maintenance industry remains a safe and thriving sector for all. The survey closes on December 15, 2024. Complete our 2024 GPMC I NMC Member Survey: 2024 GPMC Survey