Following is an overview of key initiatives and activities of the Association over the past year:
  

• We were, again, extremely active on the Labour Relations front   throughout the year; during which:

- we obtained formal accreditation for all mechanical work performed in Ontario’s Extended Power Sector - via decision rendered by the Ontario Labour Relations Board in early August; following an extensive application process carried out over the spring/summer months.

- a series of meetings were held jointly with the Ontario Pipe Trades Council (OPTC)/UA, under MIAC (the Mechanical Industry Advisory Committee) which led to our indentifying four key initiatives to be acted on to immediately address our need for improved competitiveness/market share. The specific items identified included the removal of mobility restrictions on comfort heating pipe fabrication; four man mobility between Zones; a Commercial and Institutional Retention/Recovery Initiative; and revision to key travel board provisions in the North.  By years end, a national pipe fabrication mobility policy was formally announced by the UA; and action on the other three items were left for further discussion into 2010.

- MIAC continued to facilitate (as well as provide legal services support) in relation to completion of the development (jointly with the UA) of a  National Disciplinary Policy - that was ultimately endorsed by both MCAO and the Ontario Pipe Trades Council for incorporation into our Provincial ICI Collective Agreement;  committed to a major ($100,000.00) contribution to Mesothelioma Research and Prevention; as well as $10,000.00 in sponsorship of the Alberta World Skills Competition.

- our “unfair labour practices action” (initiated in late 2008 against the Niagara Local of the UA/in relation to  a major co-gen project) continued throughout the year - pending resolve of a preliminary action before the OLRB – that was ultimately ruled in MCAO’s favour, by years end.

- members of the MTBC (Mechanical Trades Bargaining Committee) attended two key educational sessions in the fall, including MCA America’s Collective Bargaining Seminar; and a special MIAC sponsored Labour/Management Session on Labour Relations held in Atlanta, in early November.

- late in the year, preparations began for the 2010 round of negotiations - for renewal of our provincial ICI agreement with the UA.

• We continued our work on the development of a Provincial Licensing System for Master Plumbers/Mechanical Contractors, targeted at streamlining the Master Plumber Licensing program across Ontario; improving public safety; and ensuring direct impact on decisions affecting our industry.  A broad industry Steering Committee was established by the Association during the year to oversee this major industry initiative.

• Major change to the long established approach to providing services and education related to Construction Safety, was realized in the industry this year – with the amalgamation of the former CSAO (Construction Safety Association of Ontario) into the new WSIB - funded IHSA (Infrastructure Health and Safety Association). MCAO was active in assisting with key steps taken in relation to this amalgamation, and calling for assurances that “the good” our industry has realized out of CSAO for many years, is not lost as a result of this amalgamation.  Key positions on the new IHSA will also be pursued by the Association in early 2010.

• In July, approval was granted to the Association by TSSA (the Technical Standards and Safety Authority) for the implementation of a “Record/Log Book System”  that will allow testing to MCAO Standard Welding Procedures to have to be conducted only once every two years (vs. annually).  Initially in place for a trial period (running Nov. 1, 2009 through to Oct 31, 2011), this program will directly result in both cost savings and productivity improvements for all Member Firms currently signed as participants in our Provincial Standard Welding Procedures Program.

• During 2009, we again conducted the MCAO Salary Survey - that provides valuable assistance to Member Firms in establishing fair compensation for all key management operations personnel.

• MCAO remained strong participants in the extremely successful peer exchange “Safety Group Program” that, since its inception, has realized significant safety policy improvements and costs savings for Member Firms.

• In honour of our founding President Fred Sayers, the Association established the Annual Presidents’ Challenge Event – the first of which was held in August 2009; and in future will include the issuing of an annual industry Scholarship in Fred’s name.

• We focused on ensuring that the new Ontario “College of Trades” serves the interests of the Mechanical Industry effectively and fairly via our active membership on both the COCA Task Force on the College of Trades; as well as the joint Labour/Management “Compulsory Trades Coalition”.

• We also became founding members and strong participants in the newly established “WSIB Task Force” - which, by the end of 2009, had gained the attention of Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board with respect to “the need to listen to key underwriters” of the system; managed to get the WSIB to back off on implementation of an adverse “accreditation program”; and into 2010, continues to gain strength and recognition by the Ministry of Labour and Senior WSIB officials as a key source of direct and immediate advice on Board policy.

• MCAO lobbied the WSIB “directly” for establishment of a “formal policy regarding disciplinary action” (ie. educate first; before prosecuting); brought attention to the need for change with respect to adverse “excess earnings/earnings ceiling” revenue policy existing in the system; initiated a review of the “Teksmed Quickcare” system; and pursued policy change with respect to how musculoskeletal disorder claims are handled.

• MCAO’s 2009 Annual General Meeting and Conference (held during the spring, in Panama) was attended by some 180 delegates and their spouses, from all corners of the Province; and included key formal educational sessions, as well as a host of social and informal exchange opportunities - that our membership has come to value more and more each year.

• We dedicated much of our time as well on working jointly with a number of key industry organizations including COCA (the Council of Ontario Construction Associations), the NTCCC (National Trade Contractors Coalition of  Canada), ORAC (the Ontario Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors) and CIPH (the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating) on matters pertaining to TSSA Policy and Procedures, Apprenticeship Curriculum reform and amendments to provincial Lien Act Legislation; and

• The Association continued to provide advice and assistance to individual member firms, on an ongoing/daily basis, with respect to the successful and efficient operation of their business activities.

back to top