Protected Environment
Whatever facet you work in, whether you’re a plumber, pipefitter, refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic, or any of the other skilled pipe trades, we are all professionals who take great pride in our work. You have too much on the go to worry about what-ifs.
The most important things the Ontario Pipe Trades Council can offer its members are security and peace-of-mind. OPTC represents you and your interests so you can focus on your work and your family.
How do we do that?
Bargaining
What we do is help you negotiate fair agreements with your employer. We enforce the highest safety standards, ensure strong pay rates for your hard work, that overtime is appropriately compensated and that you and your family are secure for your future.
By representing you we are able to offer, on average, $13/hour more than the average non-union pipefitter. What would you do with an extra $23,000 per year?
Our members earn double to three-times the vacation pay than non-unionized employees so that you can spend time with the people who matter most, your family.
Pay and Pension
While contracts and numbers vary slightly from local to local, we are able to provide you with a general overview of the financial benefits of becoming unionized.
• The average non-union pipefitter makes roughly $27/hour. The average union pipefitter with OPTC makes $40.60/hour – some locals offer rates as high at $43.80/hour.
• The national standard vacation pay is 4% of your gross earnings. OPTC members make 10%-12% on average.
• With the Pipe Trades, you will see on average $7.50/hour put towards your pension.
As a union member, your benefits, pension and seniority follow you from one employer to another. If you lose your job, you don’t lose your coverage; OPTC is always looking out for you.
Training
The trade is ever evolving, and so should you! To that end, we offer training courses to our members so that they can stay up-to-date with the latest skills, know-how and hands on experience.