Local 95 Insulators Promote Benefits of Union Membership to Construction Workers on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 16, 2015) - Today, members of the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 95 joined fellow Ottawa Union Construction Workers on Parliament Hill to promote the benefits of union membership to workers at the West Block and 180 Wellington Building job sites.

"Hundreds of Ottawa construction workers have come together today in solidarity with the labourers helping to restore Canada's Parliament buildings," said Dave Gardner, Local 95 Business Manager. "We're here with a positive message about the benefits and protections of union membership and to inform workers about their rights to organize. We're here to support workers, not to disrupt work," added Gardner.

The restoration of Canada's Parliament Buildings is a major construction project of national importance. Unfortunately, not all of the men and women working to restore the home of our democracy are currently protected through union representation. The primary purpose of the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 95 is to improve the working conditions at jobs sites and negotiate contracts that improve wages, benefits and protections.

"Unionized workers earn significantly higher wages, have stronger pensions and have better health and safety protections than non-union workers. In fact, the average union worker earns 30% more than a non-union worker," said Jamie Andre, Canadian Director of Organizing. "Our certified journeyman insulators enjoy first class benefit packages, including defined benefit pensions, outstanding family health benefits, travel benefits and access to a state of the art apprenticeship program. " added Andre.

The Local 95 and the Ottawa Union Construction Workers are neutral parties seeking to provide information on Canadian workers' rights and the benefits of collective bargaining.

About Local 95

The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 95 is a democratic organization of Insulators living and working in Ontario. The primary purpose of our union is to assist our membership in securing employment, to defend their rights and advance their interests as working men and women.