The BTA is thrilled to welcome our new Chair Rod McKay and our new Financial Secretary-Treasurer (FST) George Emery. Both Rod and George bring many years of experience within the labour movement to these roles in our Council. We look forward to working with them to grow the BTA and create new opportunities for our members.
We would also like to thank our outgoing Chair, Ian Robb and outgoing FST Trevor Robertson. Both have dedicated years of service to the success of the BTA and its affiliated members. While we are sad to see Ian and Trevor leave as Chair and FST, we wish them the best in their future endeavours and know that they will continue to do great things.
Chair: Rod McKay
Rod McKay is a dedicated and passionate advocate for workers’ rights and fair labor practices. As Business Manager he plays a pivotal role in representing and supporting UA Local 488, a long-established UA local union with over 9300 members chartered in 1904.
The mission of Local 488 is to improve the lives of its members and their families, and Rod’s personal goal aligns with this mission.
He strives to grow local 48& union’s membership, increase its market share, and enhance the terms and conditions of each agreement. Rod has achieved significant accomplishments with Local 488, including signing new contractors, successfully ratifying the ICI agreement, and fostering internal team building.
As Business Manager, Rod McKay assumes responsibility for various aspects of the union’s day to day operations. He leads all negotiations for collective bargaining agreements, manage the union’s finances, responsible for the welfare of union members. while aiming to establish positive relationships between employers, workers, and owners.
Rod firmly believes in the power of collective action and actively promotes solidarity and unity among Local 488 members. He assists in organizing and participating in various events, such as meetings, rallies, family picnic and seminars, along with volunteering in the community.
Financial Secretary-Treasurer: George Emery
George Emery, a proud member the Kehewin Band located in treaty 6 territory and a humble servant of the OPCMIA Local 222 Union, is a dedicated labor activist and union member with over 41 years of experience in the plastering industry. Since 1983, he has excelled as a plasterer, primarily focusing on the industrial and commercial fireproofing sectors. Throughout his career, he has developed strong management, planning, and leadership skills through his roles as a Foreman and Superintendent, successfully managing projects with teams of up to 200 employees.
In 2004, recognizing the need for validation in the fireproofing sector, George transitioned to the role of Training Coordinator for the OPCMIA local union. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in developing North America’s first apprenticeship program for industrial fireproofers, gaining invaluable experience in training and personal development, as well as instructional and technical skills. He also instructed numerous safety courses, including first aid, for Local 222 membership and other unions.
In 2017, George Emery was elected Business Manager for the local union, where he has served for the past seven years. In this role, he also functions as Financial Secretary and has gained experience in strategic planning, conflict resolution, and collective bargaining. He is active in the building trades across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, engaging with union members while managing financial responsibilities and collaborating with the Construction Labour Relation Alberta, and Saskatchewan, (CLRA) and signatory contractors. Additionally, he serves as a trustee on the local’s pension and health and welfare plans, ensuring compliance and reporting on these vital programs.
