Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
What can we do for you?
Members of Local 1059 depend on us to conduct all bargaining and enforcement of collective agreements and undertake community and political advocacy to represent them on employment-related issues. But here at Local 1059, we do more than just negotiate collective agreements. Day in and day out, our committed team of Business Representatives work hard to find secure employment for our members. In fact, our Local has the highest work-to-member ratio in Ontario.
How do I become a member?
You can begin the process by filling out an online application.
Do skilled workers need to take the apprenticeship program to become a member?
Those who can demonstrate adequate construction skills may be initiated without having to participate in the apprenticeship program. CONTACT US for more information or fill out an online application.
If I already work in construction is there a cost to join?
Those who are working for a non-unionized construction company may have the opportunity to join at no cost by contacting our office for details.
Benefits
What benefits do members receive?
Members of Local 1059 receive employment benefits, benefit coverage and pension coverage through the union. Local 1059 members have accumulated over $57 million in their respective LOCAL 1059 BENEFIT PLAN dollar banks for future benefits.
Is there a cap on benefit plan contributions?
The Local 1059 fund does not cap members’ benefit plan contributions from employers.
Apprenticeship
What is a construction apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship provides hands-on training and in-school instruction for people who enjoy learning by doing. Apprenticeships can lead to rewarding and profitable careers that demand a high level of skill, judgment, and creativity. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and their wages increase with their level of skill.
Why a Local 1059 construction apprenticeship?
Our programs provide you with the skills that make you more employable. Construction employers consider apprentices with Local 1059 training to be among the most productive, conscientious, qualified and safety-oriented individuals in the industry.
Where do I receive the training?
80 per cent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by employers. The remainder involves classroom and shop instruction and theory, provided at the Local 1059 Regional Training Centre at 635 Wilton Grove Road in London, Ontario.
Do I have to take the pre-apprenticeship program?
Most apprentices normally complete one of the pre-apprenticeship programs offered at the Regional Training Centre. In special circumstances, workers with some experience may proceed directly to the apprenticeship program.
Who sponsors and pays for apprenticeship programs?
Apprentices are contracted to a Local Apprenticeship Committee consisting of both management and labour representatives. This committee makes recommendations on apprenticeship placement and requirements for fulfillment of the apprenticeship. Apprentices are also registered with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (formerly under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities). The Ministry schedules in-school sessions and covers their cost. Eligible apprentices also receive employment insurance (EI) for the duration of their in-school training. In all trades, apprentices are expected to pay $400 for each in-school training period, however, the Training Trust Fund pays this fee on behalf of LIUNA Local 1059 members!
How long does an apprenticeship program take?
Apprenticeship programs take two to three years to complete as long as the apprentice is steadily employed, successfully completes the in-school training period, and fills out his or her apprenticeship logbook completely.
How does an apprentice benefit from participation in a labour-management sponsored apprenticeship program?
Labour-management programs provide benefits like pensions and health coverage through union membership. Apprentices are paid on an increasing wage scale, and do not pay for their education. The most important benefits, however, are the skills that an apprentice possesses upon completion of his or her apprenticeship. Apprentices receive hands-on training on the job, and technical and theoretical training in the classroom.
How many apprentices are trained annually?
Local 1059 trains hundreds of Apprentices and Journeypersons each year. In 2022, we recruited, trained and placed to work over 140 new pre-apprentice recruits.
What is unique about labour-management sponsored apprenticeship programs?
Apprentices are taking part in employee/employer-run programs. The contractor and the union invest in the apprenticeship program together, and the programs are free to apprentices.
What are the qualifications of our apprenticeship instructors?
Our instructors have many years of experience as journeypersons in the construction industry. All instructors are government certified tradespersons and/or college or university graduates. Instructors are evaluated and receive training to improve teaching skills.
Who ensures that apprentices learn when they are working on construction sites?
A full-time training director ensures that apprentices on the job site receive safe and effective training in all necessary skills under the supervision of experienced journeypersons. The sector-specific Local 1059 business representatives also help in this regard.
What training is offered?
Local 1059 delivers PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING. In addition, we offer a full range of safety and skills upgrading COURSES FOR OUR MEMBERS.
What education do I need to apply?
A minimum of grade 10 is required but grade 12 is preferred.
What apprenticeship programs do you offer?
At the LIUNA Local 1059 training centre, we offer the Construction Craft Worker (CCW) and the Cement Finisher (CF) apprenticeship.
What would my schedule look like?
Classes usually run for six hours per day, five days a week, for 8 weeks (twice in apprenticeship).
What do I need to bring to training?
Participants must bring their own construction safety boots and hard hats.
How can I apply?
Applications are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at LiUNA Local 1059 – 635 Wilton Grove Road, London, ON N6N 1N7
For more information call: (519) 455-5299
Training Centre
How will the training I receive help me get a career?
When an employer approaches LIUNA Local 1059, we don’t just pick from the top of the dispatch list. Instead, each Business Representative is responsible for dispatching from within his or her group. In the process, they consider factors such as what skills the job requires, where it is, and what it entails. They then match those criteria with our member profiles (and the training you have received!) in order to ensure that the right person is assigned to the right job. This saves employers time and money because it ensures they are only sent the workers who are qualified and ready to work hard.
Where is the Training Centre located?
You can find us at 635 Wilton Grove Road, London, Ontario.
What training is offered?
All members benefit from a variety of training courses offered by Local 1059. PRE-APPRENTICE AND APPRENTICE TRAINING allows new workers to learn by doing. More experienced members can continually update their skills and certifications with SAFETY TRAINING AND CONSTRUCTION SKILLS UPGRADING COURSES.
Are all courses offered at one location?
Yes, we offer our training at a centralized location for your convenience. We also schedule training as needed for members in our northern jurisdictions. Contact the office for more information.
Is there free parking at the training centre?
Yes. You do not have to pay to park at our Training Centre.
What features does the Training Centre have?
The Training Centre features several brand new classrooms, digitalized curriculum and electronic training aids, a large meeting space, and shops outfitted with the latest cutting-edge tools and equipment.
What is a record of training card?
- LIUNA Local 1059 is among the first in Ontario to implement record of training cards. A record of training card is an easy way for all active construction members to have quick access to their training records on a smartphone, tablet or computer with Internet access.
Our training records are hosted on a secure server and accessed by scanning the QR code on an individual’s specific ROT card.
Unionizing Your Workplace
Why should I unionize my workplace?
There are many reasons why you may want to unionize, or “organize” your workplace, such as:
To obtain better wages. Union workers are more likely to enjoy consistent pay raises on a regular basis, through bargaining processes that include input from employees.
For access to benefits, including pensions and health coverage. Local 1059 is proud to offer comprehensive medical coverage and pensions to its members so that they can build a secure future for themselves and their families.
To remain employable with industry-leading skills and safety training. Local 1059 provides cutting-edge training at its 32,000 square foot training centre facility.
For increased employment security. Local 1059 maintains detailed, regionalized out-of-work referral lists, so that they can keep members employed, easily placing them in jobs in their area.
For increased dignity and support in the workplace. Unions such as LIUNA provide dignity in the workplace by ensuring that the employer-employee relationship is fair. Union representatives work with you to provide support, should you have a personal issue with your employer.
For representation, providing the benefits and rewards that come with union membership.
What should I expect when unionizing my workplace?
If you and some of your co-workers want to unionize your workplace, you would first meet with a LIUNA Local 1059 organizer to discuss your goals, and find out whether LIUNA would be a good fit.
If you and the organizer think you could get majority support from your fellow workers, you would be asked to sign a union membership application card. These cards indicate that employees are interested in forming a union.
If more than 55 percent of the employees in a workplace sign membership application cards, there is no vote; the union is automatically certified to represent the employees.
LIUNA is dedicated to working with you every step of the way. Local 1059 organizers are highly trained and experienced and are committed to supporting and advocating for you. Please call Local 1059 at 519-455-8083 or email admin@liuna1059.ca if you are interested in organizing your workplace or have any questions.
Will my employer find out who signed union membership cards?
No. When cards are submitted to the Labour Relations Board, an official of the Board checks the signatures against a company-provided sample, in order to verify that the union has legitimately signed up a majority of employees. Your employer will find out how many employees signed cards but will not know exactly who.
Is my employer allowed to threaten, intimidate or fire me or my co-workers if he or she wants to stop us from unionizing?
No. Threats, intimidation or other “unfair labour practices” are prohibited by Ontario’s labour laws. These unfair labour practices include the following management activities:
Threats about job loss, layoffs, firings or loss of benefits because of unionization
Reassigning union supporters to less desirable shifts or work areas without cause or reasonable business justification
Calling union supporters in for interviews
Intimidating workers by saying he or she knows who has signed cards
Circulating anti-union “revocation” cards during work time
Posting or circulating any threatening, intimidating or coercive letters or leaflets
Cutting wages or changing conditions of employment
If these unfair labour practices occur during a unionization campaign at your workplace, contact your union organizer or representative as soon as possible for support.
What happens to my employer when we unionize?
Employees may want to unionize in order to enjoy the benefits, rewards, opportunities, representation and protection that come with union membership.
However, LIUNA understands that just because employees want to unionize, doesn’t mean that they dislike or want to get rid of their supervisor, manager or Employer. As employees undergo the unionization process, they may be wondering “what happens to my Employer when I unionize?”
Once a union gains majority support in a workplace and is certified as the employees’ representative by the Labour Relations Board, the employer is legally obligated to recognize the union and bargain with it. Local 1059 representatives strive to create a positive bargaining environment. After consulting with the new members, the union will bargain for a variety of rewards and benefits, such as higher wages or improved benefit coverage. Until a Collective Agreement is reached, there is a statutory freeze of all employment conditions. Some collective agreements are automatically in place when the Union is certified.
It is not a union’s goal to make unreasonable demands or run employers out of business. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. A unionized environment ensures that Employers competing for a job do not submit lowball bids that are financed by underpaying employees. Unions are dedicated to supporting members, protecting their interests, and improving working conditions for all.
In fact, Employers also stand to receive benefits from unionization. LIUNA Local 1059 is dedicated to providing its signatory employers access to workers who have the necessary skills, education and safety training needed to do a job, and do it right. This is especially important in times of skilled trades shortages.
More than 80 per cent of all work that LIUNA Local 1059 members are employed on are for companies that the Local organized, with employees signing application cards to unionize their Employer.
The Local is proud to play a part in success stories where unionization has provided benefits and rewards for both employees and Employers, building strong foundations for the future.