Driving Change: Skilled Trades Members Gather to Shaping the Future
From February 10 to 12, 2023, skilled trades members from all corners of Canada convened in Toronto for the Unifor National Skilled Trades Collective Bargaining & New Technology Conference. This three-day event aimed to tackle the pressing challenges and opportunities facing skilled trades in the nation, highlighting the critical role these professionals play in shaping the workforce of the future.
The Call for Unity and Strategy
Ken Anderson, Chairperson of the National Skilled Trades Council, stressed the importance of collective action. He called for a comprehensive bargaining strategy that will effectively serve Unifor’s approximate 50,000 Skilled Trades members for years to come. “This conference is about setting our key priorities for the bargaining table to improve standards for all Skilled Trades in our workplaces across the country,” Anderson stated.
He underscored key issues such as protecting bargaining unit work and resisting contracting out. “Employers need to be reminded now more than ever that although they own the facilities, we own the work,” he asserted. This declaration set a powerful tone for the conference, emphasizing commitment to member rights and job security.
Leaders in Solidarity
More than 230 delegates participated in the conference, with notable figures such as National President Lana Payne and National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier expressing solidarity and the need for resilience in the face of adversity. “I can’t promise you the year ahead will not get harder because I believe it will,” Payne told the audience. “But I promise you this union is going to fight to secure a future with good union jobs from coast to coast.”
Poirier echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that collective bargaining achievements by skilled trades members not only affect their own workplaces but also set standards for all skilled trades workers in Canada.
Addressing Challenges in the Trade Industry
The conference wasn’t solely focused on bargaining; it also addressed critical issues surrounding apprenticeship and workforce development. Delegates engaged with guest speakers who shared updates on the progress and continuous hurdles in recruiting skilled trades workers. While there have been improvements in access to apprenticeship programs, the shortage of qualified instructors remains a significant barrier.
Shelley Gray from SkilledTradesBC highlighted recent changes in British Columbia aimed at expanding compulsory trades and enhancing industry standards. Meanwhile, Emily Arrowsmith from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum discussed the common barriers apprentices encounter and proposed strategies to improve completion rates.
Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario, reported record numbers of apprentices in Ontario, particularly among women, while emphasizing the need to translate increased interest into actionable training and employment opportunities.
Engaging the Next Generation
The importance of engaging younger individuals in the skilled trades was a major focus during the event. Shaun Thorson from Skills Canada described successful initiatives, including competitions and experiential learning programs that connect students directly with employers. Such outreach efforts are vital for creating pathways into the skilled trades profession.
In Ontario, efforts to simplify the apprenticeship application process were outlined, alongside strategic plans to address the instructor shortage. Dave Cassidy, Skilled Trades Special Advisor to the Ontario Minister of Labour, emphasized the need for ongoing adaptation as technology evolves.
Technology and the Future of Skilled Trades
As industries evolve with digital advancements, the role of skilled trades workers remains pivotal. Ontario Minister of Labour David Piccini discussed the pressing need for more employers to take on apprentices. “Technology is changing how we work, but AI and automation cannot replace the Skilled Trades,” he affirmed.
Technology visionary David Chalk added depth to this discussion by explaining the operational mechanics of AI, asserting the irreplaceable value of human expertise. “AI doesn’t invent new things; it works from existing knowledge. The people who know what to do with AI are you," he said, reinforcing the need for skilled professionals to adapt while preserving their critical expertise.
Closing Messages of Resilience
On the final day of the conference, Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons delivered a message of hope and resilience amidst challenges like the ongoing trade war with the U.S. He encouraged delegates to see adversity as an opportunity for growth, reminding them, “You are greater than the challenge.”
Conclusion: Fostering a Bright Future
Despite the many challenges faced by skilled trades workers—from a volatile trade environment to increasing demands for trained professionals—the conference underscored a wealth of opportunity on the horizon. With a commitment to collective action, skills development, and adaptation to technological change, skilled trades workers will play an essential role in building a stronger, more resilient workforce in Canada.
As discussions concluded, the commitment from union officials, delegates, and guest speakers alike made it clear: the future of skilled trades in Canada is not just a responsibility, but a promise of opportunity, innovation, and enduring community strength.
