In 1905, the year Alberta became a province, a group of tradesman banded together and joined with the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association to obtain better wages, benefits, safety regulations, and job site conditions..

This Union has continued for almost a century – through recessions and booms – without wavering from its purpose of bargaining for and protecting our membership.

In the early 80’s, Local # 8 had a commercial market share of 80%, and an average hourly rate of about $19.00. Now, the market share has dropped to about 25%, and with that, wages have only increased to an average of $21.00.  Without a collective voice, our wages have only increased approximately 9% in twenty years … without taking inflation into account!

The only way to regain the standard is for workers to unite, and compel employers to bargain with them collectively. Organized companies will then be able to bid competitively, ultimately leading to better working conditions for all.

Local # 8 has administrative offices in Edmonton and Calgary; and holds regular meetings in five cities throughout Alberta. The schedule below is a general guideline of meeting dates – please check the calendar on the Home pages for exact dates each month.