Innovation and Success Stories
Case Study #6 - 2005
Victoria Mechanical Industrial Relations Association
-and-
Plumbers and Pipefitters, 324
Victoria Mechanical Industrial Relations Association (“VMIRA”) and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Vancouver Island, Local 324 (“Local 324”)
VMIRA was established in 1956 and currently represents approximately 45 mechanical contractors in the construction industry in the Greater Victoria area, in collective bargaining.
Local 324 was established 103 years ago and currently has about 600 members in its jurisdiction on Vancouver Island.
Approximately 85% to 90% of construction plumbing and pipefitting work in the Victoria area is performed by unionized contractors, most of whom are members of VMIRA.
The last strike occurred in 1977 and there have been a total of six grievances filed since 1984 (three of those were filed by one individual).
Colin Smith, Chair of VMIRA characterizes the relationship with Local 324 as one where “both parties recognize the importance of co-operation” and one which “is based on mutual respect where VMIRA and Local 324 are partners”.
Dale Dhillon, Business Manager of Local 324 echoes those comments and notes the Union “is prepared to look at how to make sure the members of VMIRA are competitive and their customers are happy with the services provided”.
Smith attends and speaks at Union functions while the Union makes its offices available to contractors to meet with its foremen to discuss project issues.
Both parties recognize the importance of continuous problem solving. They meet and communicate regularly regarding upcoming layoffs and to ensure contractors have access to a predictable labour supply before making bids on projects. Once a contractor successfully bids on a project, the parties meet regularly prior to the commencement of work to discuss how that work can be most efficiently performed.
The parties also have more formalized joint structures which include joint labour management meetings (about four each year) at which they discuss strategic planning and solutions to any problems that have arisen. They also assess available resources and discuss training needs, staffing requirements and planning, as well as ways to enhance customer satisfaction.
Local 324 and VMIRA also meet with non-union contractors to discuss industry issues.
Both Smith and Dhillon say many problems are identified and resolved between rounds of collective bargaining. They view that process as enhancing the parties’ collective bargaining relationship as well as simplifying the process of collective bargaining. The last round of collective bargaining concluded in two meetings covering about four hours.
From the Board’s perspective, this example illustrates how a problem-solving, consultative approach based on mutual respect can both engender productive collective bargaining relationships and collective bargaining.
