UBC TradesBuilding from the ground up
Though the UBC's storied history began as a way for carpenters to have representation and labour rights, today our more than 500,000 members work in mines, under water, in hospitals, and at the very top of buildings.
UBC members work throughout North America, building bridges, solar farms, turbines, neighbourhoods, and much more.
Carpentry
Carpentry involves the skilled craft of working with wood to construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures such as buildings, furniture, cabinets, and frameworks. Carpenters use a variety of tools and techniques to cut, shape, and join wood and other materials, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal in their finished work.
Millwrighting
Millwrights are highly specialized tradespeople who install, maintain, repair, and dismantle industrial machinery and equipment in settings such as factories, power plants, and construction sites. They possess expertise in mechanical systems, including precision alignment, assembly of machinery components, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Concrete Formwork
Concrete formwork involves creating temporary molds or forms into which concrete is poured and allowed to harden. Formwork is crucial in shaping and supporting concrete structures such as walls, slabs, columns, and beams during construction. It requires precise measurement, assembly of wooden or metal frameworks, and careful placement to ensure the structural integrity and quality of the final concrete elements. Formwork is essential in both residential and commercial construction projects, influencing the durability and appearance of concrete structures.
Scaffolding
Scaffolding refers to the temporary structure erected on construction sites to provide platforms for workers and materials at heights. It consists of wooden planks and metal poles assembled in various configurations to support workers while they perform tasks such as building maintenance, painting, or construction of structures like buildings and bridges.
Interior Systems
Professionals in interior systems focus on installing and finishing interior elements of buildings. This includes installing and finishing drywall, acoustical ceilings, partitions, and other decorative and functional interior components. Their work ensures that buildings are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and meet acoustic and environmental requirements.
Floor Laying
Flooring specialists are skilled in installing and repairing various types of flooring materials, including hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, and vinyl. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, ensuring proper installation techniques and materials selection to meet client preferences and functional needs.
Piledriving
Piledriving involves driving long, slender piles into the ground to provide foundational support for structures such as buildings, bridges, and offshore platforms. Piledrivers use heavy machinery and techniques such as impact or vibration to drive piles deep into the soil or seabed, ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity for the structures above.
Residential
Residential construction encompasses building and renovating homes, including single-family houses, apartments, and condominiums. Our members specialize in sectors such as low-rise and high-rise trim, caulking, roofing, and siding, handling everything from site preparation to interior and exterior finishing. These skilled professionals ensure homes are built to code and tailored to homeowners' needs and preferences.
Healthcare
Healthcare, Office and Professional Employees (HOPE) Local 2220 is dedicated to representing healthcare and office professionals. In 2011 and 2012, the workers at several LTC homes and other healthcare units decided to leave their old union and start their own. The UBC offered its assistance and backing and now represents this contingent of vital workers. HOPE Local 2220 empowers its members to excel in their respective fields. The local is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, enhancing the quality of services provided by its members.
Industrial
Industrial construction encompasses the building of facilities such as factories, refineries, power plants, and manufacturing plants. Industrial construction projects require expertise in heavy-duty infrastructure, including specialized machinery installation, structural steelwork, and utility systems that support large-scale industrial operations.
Diving
Commercial divers perform construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair work in various marine settings, such as at offshore oil rigs, shipyards, bridges, and dams. Our members are experts in rigging, underwater welding, and the use of specialized underwater tools.
More
UBC members work across a full range of subtrades and specializations. If you don't see your particular specialization here, check with us - the full list of what falls under our jurisdiction is extensive.
Our members are proud to work in a diverse industry that includes many skilled trades.
Our members are proud to work in a diverse industry that includes many skilled trades.
UBC TradesContact Your Local
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