Mechanical Contractors

-      a new 2010/2013 Provincial Collective Agreement was reached with the UA (Ontario Pipe Trades Council), following several months of  meetings/joint exchanges.   Included in the new agreement were significant joint policy/initiatives aimed at immediately assisting UA forces in expanding/retaining market share.  Specific, elements of the deal included improvements in mobility rights with respect to comfort heating pipe fabrication; a Commercial and Institutional Retention/Recovery Initiative; and revision to key travel and board provisions in the North.

-      several of meetings were held jointly with the Ontario Pipe Trades Council (OPTC)/UA, under MIAC (the Mechanical Industry Advisory Committee) which led , by years end, to the major new joint MIAC initiatives with respect to “finite market share analysis/related strategic plans; and achieving significant “cultural change” within the industry at both the Employees and Employers.

-      the new Collective/Agreement was prepped/reviewed/finalized for printing and distribution to all concerned parties across the industry, by year’s end.

-      the Association and UA jointly reached a satisfactory resolve to the  “unfair labour practices action” (initiated in late 2008 against the Niagara Local of the UA/in relation to a major co-gen project).


·    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 is overseeing this initiative – that plans on proceeding with legislative support for the initiative following the 2011 Provincial Election..


·    The Association remained actively involved with the new IHSA (Infrastructure Health and Safety Association). – that is still in tis early stages of operation; and is focusing on major improvement in its programs, services and level of support within the Construction Community.


·    Being well into a two year trial application of  its Welding Procedures “Record/Log Book System”  (that allows testing to MCAO Standard Welding Procedures to have to be conducted only once every two years (vs. annually)), the Association (though our Welding Program/TSSA Liaison Committee  focused on seeking TSSA approval of two year ticket – with implantation in late 2011.


·    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.  Focus also began, late in the year, on the establishment of a form of “Accreditation” being established – for/acceptable to the Construction Industry overall.


·    Following a series of discussions/meetings with key COCA (Council of Ontario Construction Associations) representatives (being in the spring of 2010) that culminated in a concerted effort by MCAO (in August/September) to see key changes in COCA’s focus/operations that several key parties within the industry (including MCAO) were hoping for, we withdrew from Membership in the organization in mid September.


·    We focused on ensuring that the new Ontario “College of Trades” serves the interests of the Mechanical Industry effectively and fairly; submitted briefs to the interims Officials of the College with respect to Compulsory Certification and Apprentice Ratios policy; and began a search for individuals to represent to the Mechanical Industry on this major new Provincial Body.


·    We also continued as strong supporters/members of the Construction Industry Task Force on Workers Compensation (CITF) – that, by years end, had helped the industry gain key attention to the need for major policy change within Ontario’s WSIB System; saw the creation of the Construction Industry Advisory Group (CIAG) and initiation of a major public Review (The Arthurs’ Funding Review) – focused on addressing the 12 Billion plus Unfunded Liability.


·    Our review of  the “Teksmed Quickcare” system continued over 2010; and led to a decision to possibly implement the program (on a 1 year trial) in 2011.


·    MCAO’s 2010 Annual General Meeting and Conference (held during the spring, in Costa Rica) 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 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,  amendments to the provincial Lien Act;  and the implementation of “Prompt Payment” Legislation.


·    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.