A Bright Future for UBC Millwright Local 2736 British Columbia: Expansion, Innovation, and Opportunity

For members of UBC Millwright Local 2736 British Columbia, the future is looking bright. With ongoing efforts in recruitment, retention, and organizing, Local 2736 and the Millwright Regional Council (MRC) are poised to create unprecedented opportunities for current and future union millwrights across Canada. Marcel Schaubs, a dedicated union representative, sheds light on these efforts and the positive impact they have on the industry and its workers.

Since starting his career in 1999, Marcel Schaubs has played a pivotal role in strengthening the union’s presence and expanding its membership base. “We’ve brought on 180 people in the last 18 month, and my information network of skilled millwrights is probably three times that,” Schaubs shares. This expansive network ensures that the union can continuously tap into a pool of skilled millwrights, ready to meet the demands of many projects.

Two significant projects in British Columbia are set to provide substantial employment opportunities for union members. A large job at the port, expected to take three years, will require 30 to 40 skilled millwrights. Additionally, a distribution center job will need 90 workers, organized with union apprentices on the job. Schaubs is enthusiastic about the prospects these projects bring. “I’m really looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and finding every millwright in the lower mainland,” he says, highlighting the proactive approach to recruitment.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Schaubs’ work is seeing young workers thrive in their careers. “There is an amazing feeling when you send young Millwrights out to work and re-connect with them a year later, when you hear of all the interesting work they have had a chance to be a part of and how their lives have changed. They are supporting themselves and their families while they work towards achieving their Red Seal.” Schaubs shares. The union’s commitment to providing opportunities and training for apprentices ensures a steady influx of skilled workers who can confidently enter the workforce and build successful careers.

The process of recruitment and retention is never-ending, as Schaubs emphasizes. “We need to stay on top of this every day. Millwrights retire, and every day there is more market share to reach,” he explains. This constant vigilance ensures that the union remains robust and capable of meeting industry demands.

The face of the union is always changing, and Local 2736 embraces this evolution. Schaubs notes the importance of being innovative and inclusive. “We need to find a way to move forward, looking at new technologies and new job opportunities,” he says. This forward-thinking approach positions the union and its industry partners to tackle the challenges of the modern workforce.

The efforts of Local 2736 and the MRC are an indication of the union’s dedication to its members and the industry. For current members and those considering a future as union millwrights, the message is clear: there are ample opportunities for growth, development, and success. “It’s all very positive and forward moving,” Schaubs concludes, reflecting the optimism and determination that drive the union’s ongoing efforts.

Local 2736 British Columbia and the Millwright Regional Council are committed to creating a thriving environment for their members. Through continuous recruitment and retention, working with industry partners to prepare for projects, and a dedication to training, the union ensures that its members are well-prepared and supported. As the industry evolves, Local 2736 remains a stronghold of opportunity, empowering both current and future union millwrights to achieve their full potential.

About the Millwright Regional Council

The Millwright Regional Council (MRC) is composed of thirteen affiliated Local Unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) across Canada. UBC millwrights are vital partners in diverse industries such as energy, automotive, aerospace, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. ubcmillwrights.ca

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