Rewards of Respectful & Inclusive Workplaces
Thank you to our panel Bill Ferreira from BuildForce Canada and Bob Condon & Wendy Irwin from Peninsula for their time at the last members meeting. If you missed it please contact Lisa for the presentation slides.
MCA Alberta encourages all of its members to be leaders in providing respectful and inclusive workplaces. The two key business perspectives were shared in this meeting:
- Business and business leaders that actively engage in supporting respectful and inclusive workplaces are more profitable and have higher employee retention than business that don’t
-
Business that don’t take responsibility to provide respectful and inclusive workplaces can face serious consequences and significant financial penalties.
Free resources that all companies can use are below:
The Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Toolkit was developed with input from industry and offers the support needed to assist the construction and maintenance industry in creating a respectful and welcoming workplace for everyone.
The Toolkit includes three tools:
-
The Respectful Workplace Online Self-Assessment Tool for management to evaluate existing corporate policies and procedures and highlight any gaps that may exist.
-
A Respectful Workplace Policy Framework that can be used as is or adapted by construction companies, and a supporting Implementation Guide to assist employers in ensuring that the policy framework becomes a living document that will have a direct and lasting impact on their company’s culture.
-
The Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace online course designed for workers and supervisors.
|
|
*New Resource Page on MCAA website
MCA Alberta has developed a new webpage for service technicians and contractors. This new resource includes training videos, conversion formulas, product catalogs and much more!
Visit here to view and start using this great new tool. The site will continue to evolve so check in often and provide your feedback on how the site works for you and new content you would like to access. We would love to hear from Service Managers in regards to the resources you want your techs to have at their finger tips.
If you are a supplier or manufacturer and have content to add please let me know.
|
|
|
MCA Alberta speaks with Dan Leduc from Norton Rose Fulbright about Payment Clauses.
Statement MCA AB
As you know, jobs are bid for work that won’t start in less than 30 days and currently, suppliers are only offering quotes that are valid for 30 days or less. We are concerned that if there is nothing in the contract that makes provisions for a price increase from the manufacturer, trade contractors will be adversely affected.
Question (from MCA AB): What is your recommendation on how contractors could potentially amend contracts to address the fact that it is not possible to confirm the price of material beyond 30 days?
Answer (from Dan Leduc Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright:
A major feature is using benchmark and the benchmark I have used is quite good at detailing specific components used in the construction industry on a monthly and yearly price increase: https://www.bls.gov/web/ppi/ppitable09.pdf
Price Volatility and Increased Costs Due to COVID-19: The parties acknowledge that some of the materials and products to be used and installed in the construction of this project may become unavailable, delayed in shipment and/or subject to price increases due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, including the COVID-19 pandemic. If a specified product is unavailable or shipment is delayed, subcontractor shall provide written notice and shall be afforded additional time and substitute products may be considered. If there is an increase in price of materials. equipment or products between the date of this contract and the time when the project is ready for the installation of the affected material, as determined by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics Producer Price Index as at today’s date, the amount/price of this contract shall be increased to reflect the additional cost to obtain the materials, provided that the contractor gives the owner/general contractor written notice and documentation of increased costs.
See full conversation here and more on this story below.
CANB-Moncton MCA held a roundtable discussion with contractors and suppliers on the ongoing challenges with the supply of material and price escalation happening in the construction industry.
CANB-Moncton MCA is advising BUYERS (developers, owners, and construction clients) as well as the DESIGN COMMUNITY (architects and engineers) on the impacts of the evolving supply chain and how to work together with the construction industry to move forward in this climate:
-
Ensure your project budget and expectations are in alignment with current reality before tendering. Buyers and design consultants now more than ever need to work up-front with builders on budgets to reflect current market prices.
-
Do not seek a 60 to 90 day bid validity period to approve a project. The shorter the bid approval timeline the better as anything more than 30 days is unworkable given that suppliers and subcontractors are in many cases offering 7-14 day terms on their pricing and in some cases only up until the material has arrived.
-
Plan your project with all parties in the subcontractor and supply chain as early as possible. Order in advance and pay for materials when it arrives. In some cases, consider paying upfront for material to avoid further price hikes. Certain material has seen price increases of 35% with no indication of staying there.
-
Work with contractors to secure realistic timelines and schedules. Flexibility is needed in delivering building infrastructure as pressures from the supply chain and availability of workers hampers contractor’s ability to work within already unrealistic timelines. Certain material that would take two days to ship are now taking 6 to 8 weeks or more many months.
|
|
Do you have summer employment or full-time career opportunities?
The Piping Industry Training School will be concluding a 16 week Introduction to the Pipe Trades course on May 27, with 15 eager High School students looking for summer employment or full time career opportunities. These students have had both practical and theoretical instruction in hand tools, power tools, pipe threading and grooving, copper soldering and brazing, plastic pipe joining, welding, and fixture installation; and also have safety certifications in CSTS 20, WHMIS 2015, Fall Arrest, and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms.
If you or someone you know is looking to give an opportunity to one of these trained individuals, please contact Brad Rudyk at 403-988-5670, or at brudyk@local496.ca for more details.
|
|
City Council approves further pandemic support for business community.
Planning & Development is deferring and/or waiving fee payments in 2021, and providing more flexibility on building permits. The financial changes will help businesses manage their cash flows and move fee due dates closer to project completion when they can start generating revenue. More flexibility on permits means approvals won’t expire due to delays while business owners deal with lockdowns and other health safety measures required by the province.
For a full list of waived fees and deferred fees here
|
|
CAREER's The Next Generation
With more than 43% of Alberta-based companies stressing a need to close the digital skills gap, CAREERS ICT student interns are helping companies with business and marketing, data management, computer automation, and more. More than 200 students are eager to show off their tech talents, and now funding is available for employers to support those student internships.
Did you know that more than 66% of ICT professionals will be working for non-tech companies? That is why CAREERS is working to fill the ICT gaps in all industries, including construction.
Many construction companies already have the software tools within their businesses and just need the talent to utilize them. That is where CAREERS can help.
Click HERE to learn how! Make sure to ask about the Youth Internship Incentive Program! |
|
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Upgrade your knowledge and skills by engaging in live webinars, self-paced online learning and virtual Instructor-led online training.
Virtual Instructor led training (live)
May 12: Field Productivity 101. Register here
May 18: Project Delivery Methods- Know your responsibilities. Register here
May 20: Change Order Management. Register now
May 25: Microsoft Project Intermediate. Register here
May 26: Field Scheduling 101. Register here
May 27: Getting Paid & Managing Cash Flow. Register here
May 27: MS Teams. Register here
May 31: Construction Business Management. Register here
Monthly
Infection Control: Part 1 – Fundamentals. Register here
Infection Control: Part 2 – Effective Implementation and Practical Applications
*These courses sell out very fast. Get your June dates now!
MCA members receive a 5% discount off the $575 you need to use this promotion code MCASE105
Product Technical Training Webinars
Created for MCA
May 19: Air Cooled Chiller Alternatives. Register here
Save the date for:
June 23: Valves & Actuators – Installation & Operation Training.
July 21: Drain Cleaning Training-
E-learning (self guided) NEW
MCA is happy to announce we have a new series of self-paced online
LEAN courses. There are 11 courses in total in the series and include dozens of short 3-9-minute educational videos, as well as reference documents, action items, quizzes, and certificates.
Print course summaries & pricing here.
All courses are online here and can be ordered now!
|
|
FEATURED AFFINITY PROGRAM |
|
New Discount Program:O2 Herbal Therapy
O2 Herbal Therapy specializes in:
- Massage therapy
- Pain Management therapy
- De-Stress therapy
MCA Members receive 20% off all.
|
|
SAFETY TALKS
Do you need ideas for tool box meetings? Here we will list different topics each month that you can take and use at your company.
Hard Hat Inspections
Hardhats will only protect workers heads if they are kept in good conditions. Users must inspect their hardhats, both the outer and inner shell before use for any defects or issues that could affect proper function
You need to be familiar with the following information:
- Expiry Date
- Expiry Information
- How to check the date
- Replacement
Provided by:
Nancy Tucker NCSO,
Phone: 403-605-1385
|
|
LET’S
TALK
SUBSTACE ABUSE
RECOVERY IS IN SIGHT
If you struggle with substance abuse, you are not alone—and if you don’t, chances are you know someone who does. According to the Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, as of June 2020, opioid pain relievers are used by 11.8% of the population and there were at least 15,393 opioid-related deaths in Canada between January 2016 and December 2019. In addition, alcohol misuse is the third leading cause of premature deaths and disabilities worldwide.
The good news? Addiction can be treated, whether through counseling, medication or a combination of both. If you’re ready to get help, we’re here for you.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Remember that substance abuse is a disease, not a character flaw. To start the road to recovery, call Homewood Health at 1-800-384-1152 or visit homewoodhealth.com
NEED HELP NOW? CALL THESE CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINES
24-Hour Crisis Line: 403.266.HELP (4357)
Print this poster and put up in your lunch room. We will provide a new topic each month for you to promote.
|
|
Check out our Member Discount Programs
|
|
Employment Standards Employer tool kit (updated)
The Employment Standards Employer tool kit is an in-depth resource for employers outlining minimum standards for employment in Alberta, including the rules effective November 1, 2020. This kit is now updated with current information, examples, resources and sample forms. Find it here
Free Employment Standards webinars (including live Q&A) are scheduled for the following topics:
-
Employment Standards overview, with a focus on changes related to COVID-19 Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 10 a.m.
-
Averaging arrangements – Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 10 a.m.
|
|
About MCA Alberta
Since the early 1900's, Alberta's plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, gasfitters and mechanical contractors have utilized the united voice, programs, information, service and social network of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta (MCA Alberta).
Today, the MCA Alberta strives to create value for its members by identifying and mitigating issues that affect the industry, the development and delivery of high-quality education programs, providing a competitive group health insurance benefit plan, facilitating member benefit programs and services, and providing opportunity for social and professional networking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
