The IABSORIW takes seriously its status as an International Union and, in order to serve all of its members effectively, relies on the Canadian Office to support its members in Canada. The Canadian Office furnishes wide-ranging services and acts as the point of contact for Canadian members in their dealings with the International Union by providing information and leadership. The Office also ensures that any directive from International Headquarters is carried out effectively throughout the Canadian local unions.
One of the many important functions provided by the Canadian Office relates to jurisdiction. In the matter of Iron Workers jurisdictional disputes, the Office collects and provides evidence to the Canadian local union business managers and, if a case moves to Arbitration, the Office presents the Iron Workers case. These jurisdictional disputes are part of the ongoing effort to safeguard our Canadian members' work opportunities.
The Office also provides advocacy regarding Canadian legislative issues that have an impact on the International Union's membership. These issues are myriad and include workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and workplace equity. The Office is also very active in establishing and administering effective and up-to-date training programs for ironworker apprentices, thus ensuring that our Canadian members continue to provide the highest quality work possible.
