During Ontario’s recent collective agreement negotiations, UBC members from three roofing sectors – flat roofing, shingling, and metal roofing – went on strike, marking the first time these sectors stood together in solidarity.
Facing a challenging residential market, contractors were looking to implement rollbacks that would have undermined wages and benefits for UBC roofers. Historically, these three roofing sectors operated separately under different unions; however, that changed in 2022 when the UBC organized Chouinard Bros., bringing all roofing trades under one banner and thereby strengthening collective bargaining power.
Members decisively rejected an initial proposal that included harmful rollbacks and concessions. A second offer was proposed, which aimed to divide the membership, benefiting only the shinglers, who outnumber the other sectors. But in an unprecedented show of solidarity, they held firm and stood alongside their brothers and sisters, refusing to settle for a deal that didn’t serve all.
On May 20th, 2025, members ratified a new agreement that removed all rollback demands and secured a 9% wage increase over three years for all sectors. This historic action demonstrated the true power of unity and what workers can achieve when they stand together. By rejecting attempts to divide them and holding the line through difficult negotiations, UBC roofers demonstrated that through solidarity and collective bargaining power, no one gets left behind.
