About Us

The Building Trades of Alberta coordinates and promotes the interests of 16 local Alberta trade unions whose more than 60,000 members work in the residential, commercial and industrial construction, maintenance, and fabrications industries.

LOCAL488 2

Providing Expert & Honest Service Since 1906

How It All Started…

The Building Trades of Alberta traces its history back to 1906.

In that year, the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council applied for and received its charter on August 1, 1906.

The charter members were the Lathers Local 205, Plumbers Local 488, Typographers Local 604, Bricklayers Local 1, Painter Local 1016, and Carpenters Local 1325.

Our History

From the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council, the Edmonton Building and Construction Trades Council was formed, receiving its charter on July 15 1946. From the Edmonton Building and Construction Trades Council, the Northern Alberta and District of MacKenzie Building and Construction Trades Council was formed and received a charter on March 1st, 1976.

Building Trades of Alberta is allied with Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU). This national organization is an alliance of 14 building and construction unions, representing more than 500,000 skilled building trades workers in Canada. CBTU originated more than 100 years ago.

Councils

At an international level, the Canadian Executive Board is one of seven standing committees that provide policy support to the governing board of the Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD). At a national level, the Building Trades of Alberta joins other Provincial Councils of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. At a provincial level, the Building Trades of Alberta has a provincial council and two local councils. The councils represent members’ interests in their jurisdictions and work to improve provincial labour laws and educational standards.

Mainland 1
CBTU 1
NABTU 1
BC
Sask
Manitoba
Building
CPI
Mainland

Board Members

The Executive Board of the Provincial Council conducts the business of the Council between Conventions. Among other responsibilities, the Executive Board is responsible for the strategic direction of the BTA, the financial well-being of the organization, the hiring of the Executive Director, and reporting to stakeholders on priorities and results.

Ian Robb, Chairman
UNITE HERE! 

Trevor Robertson, Financial Secretary Treasurer
United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 496

Alan Ramsay, International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Local 1

Shawn Griffin, Sheet Metal Workers International Local 8

John Sedor, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 17

John Desrosiers, Construction & General Workers Local 92

Kevin Lecht, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 110

Michael McLean, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 122

Mike Savoie,  International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 130

George Emery, Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Local 222

Bernie Haggarty, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 362

Mike Reinhart, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 424

Rod McKay, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488

Keith Stevenson, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 720

Jason Smart, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Ironworkers – Local 725

Derrick Schulte,  The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers Local 1325

Stan Howell, Millwrights, Machinery Erectors and Maintenance Union (Alberta Regional Council) – Local 1460

News

Want to stay in the know? Browse our recent News posts below!