First and foremost, the Union belongs to its members. We have a say in how our organization operates. We elect our own leaders from within our ranks, so our representatives understand our trade and the issues that matter to us because they have done our jobs.

As a union member you will have the protection of a union contract with basic rights including:

• Improved job conditions.
• The right to a fair hearing.
• The ability to speak out for yourself and your fellow workers on work-related issues.

We collectively bargain our own contracts. Our representatives are committed to negotiating better wages, benefits and conditions for their members. Through bargaining, we negotiate benefits such as:

• Health and welfare to protect you and your family when you’re sick or injured.
• Dental and vision care benefits.
• Pension benefits to help you live the quality of life you deserve upon retirement.
• Normal working hours, shift work, travel pay and overtime, etc.

We bargain for safer job conditions and enhanced health and safety programs that can help you prevent on-the-job injuries and better equip you for today’s market.

If you would like to get paid while you learn then check out our Apprenticeship, Health & Safety page for more detailed information on training and a career in the OPCMIA.

There is also a directory of the Local Unions in the United States and Canada where you can contact the local union of your choice to obtain more detailed information regarding wages, benefits, apprenticeship and health and safety.

Browse through this website and see what the OPCMIA has to offer.