UBC Millwrights Organizing, Training & Development
John Baker, Business Manager for UBC Millwright Local 2309 Toronto, brings over 22 years of experience as a millwright, including seven years in a leadership role. In a recent interview, Baker discussed Local 2309’s current organizing efforts and plans for training and education, emphasizing the union’s commitment to supporting its members and the broader community.
Organizing remains a key priority for Local 2309. Baker discussed the goal of having all millwrights in the area unionized, highlighting their success in recruiting quality millwrights from our competitors. “We take a lot of time and effort to find people that are quality millwrights and some of them are working non-union, so we have been focused on finding them and showing them the benefits of working with the union and the Millwright Regional Council”.
Word of mouth plays a crucial role in the recruitment strategy, particularly in identifying potential millwrights from related fields such as auto mechanics. Baker stressed the importance of finding the best and recognizing not only the skill, but the work ethic and the attitude which is key for working with the union millwrights.
Baker also highlighted the success of the Local 2309 high school and college outreach programs in attracting young talent. “The high school and the college outreach programs have proven very successful. We always have a quality group of candidates lined up to write our aptitude test so that they may apply for membership.” However, he acknowledged the challenge of providing enough work to accommodate all applicants, emphasizing the continuous need for more job opportunities to fully utilize the available talent.
Training and education play a key role with the union millwrights and looking ahead, Baker revealed plans for a state-of-the-art training centre. Currently in the tender phase, the facility aims to compete with the most advanced in Canada. “We plan to have the most state-of-the-art training centre within Canada and to put only the best equipment and trainers into that facility,”
The training centre will feature cutting-edge equipment, including alignment equipment, welding equipment, lifting equipment, overhead cranes, and a full-size turbine. It will serve not only local members from Toronto but also provide training opportunities for millwrights from across Canada. “Every member from any Local in Canada is able to train at another Local’s training facility,” Baker explained, highlighting the importance of collective improvement within the Millwright Regional Council (MRC).
John Baker’s insights reflect Local 2309’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. From organizing, expanding recruitment efforts, and building a state-of-the-art training centre, the MRC millwrights and Local 2309 are committed to enhancing the well-being and professional development of millwrights in Toronto and beyond.
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
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew BredinDirector of Communications
Millwright Regional Council
416-757-5161
abredin@ubcmillwrights.ca
