UA Local 56 - Dartmouth Nova Scotia

Please be advised that the Union Hall as well as the Training Centre will be closed to members and the public until futher notice due to the Covid-19 virus. All scheduled training and welder testing is now postponed. Both buildings will be staffed and members are encouraged to call for service.

UA LOCAL 56 COVID 19 UPDATE

Brothers and Sisters,

In the last two weeks we have undergone changes in our world that most members never could have foreseen, although some people have predicted a pandemic of these proportions’ years ago. Local 56 is open and operating our facilities, although they are not open to the membership or the public at this time.

We have members that have decided to go home from their workplace and isolate to protect themselves and their families from infection and we support them in their efforts to stay home to be safe. If you have decided to go home, you are able to use multiple Federal programs and EI assistance to sustain you. Some financial institutions have also provided some support in payment deferrals. We are researching other programs and will update you as details become available.

We also have members that have decided to stay at work and in the field to support their employer’s efforts to complete projects and service their client’s needs. We also want to give these members the support they need and ensure that their work environment meets the Health Canada Guidelines for sustaining a safe work environment. Please review the information provided using the link below for guidelines to maintain a clean workplace and reduced transmission of infection. This document was created by both union and contractor involvement and has been shared with both parties for implementation.

We want to encourage each and every member to contact us if there is anything they need assistance with. We are here to support the membership in this time of uncertainty.

Everyone please be mindful that this situation will get better and WE will rebound from this, our history is long and this is not our first time dealing with adversity of such magnitude.

https://mainlandbuildingtrades.ca/blog/guidance-to-reduce-transmission-of-covid-19

Be Safe
Fraternally
Darren Muise
Business Manager
UA Local 56

EI benefits and support for workers impacted by COVID-19

Please use the below links to view information on EI benefits and support for workers impacted by COVID-19

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html#apply_employment_insurance

About the UA

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada or "UA" as it is commonly known is a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems. There are approximately 326,000 highly-skilled United Association members who belong to over 300 individual local unions across North America.

The United Association has been training qualified pipe tradesmen longer than anyone else in the industry. The UA boasts the premier training programs available in the industry today, including five-year apprenticeship programs, extensive journeyman training organized instructor training, and certification programs. Read more ...

Why UA?

Celebrating Years of Service

UA Local 56 celebrated our Years of Service Awards at the Westin Nova Scotian on September 17, 2017. John Kelly, Business Manager, Darren Muise, Assistant Business Manager, Mike Doyle, Business Agent, and Tim Murphy, President presented these awards to our members on behalf of all the Brothers and Sisters of UA Local 56. Read more ...

History of Local 56

Halifax Local Union #56 was granted its UA charter in August 1908, as a Plumbers & Steamfitters combination local in the building, construction and metal trades divisions.

In August 1941 the charter was revised so as to include marine pipefitters and helpers because our members often branched out into the Dockyards as a means of sustaining steady employment. In early 1954, the Dockyard Trades and Labour Council became a bargaining agent for all trades in the Dockyard. The pipe shop members could not have Local 56 as their bargaining agent. As they wanted to remain UA members, they applied for and received a charter and formed UA Local 282. Read more ...

The Local 56 Training Centre

In 1992 United Association (UA) Local 56 built a combined administration/training facility and meeting hall. Prior to this, training was limited and usually done on an as needed basis. Space was rented from the local Community College, which was costly and constantly put a strain on local training funds. There was no access to welding shops, which was needed to provide upgrades, and pre-test practicing was non-existent.

In early 1993, the new building was completed with a welding shop and classroom space. With these facilities the quality of our welders improved through continued availability of upgrade training, as well as providing accessibility to members for practice. Read more ...