News Archive

Local 562 annual picnic hosted by Bingemans July 19 2026
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
from 10 am until 9 pm
waterpark passes, 1 hour video game card
Rustic Smokehouse BBQ from 11 am - 12:30 pm
Roofers, Sheet Metal Workers and Retirees
Fun times for the whole family.
RSVP before July 4
call 519-744-1311 to save your spot

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Members working under the ICI Sheet Metal and Roofing Collective Agreements are reminded that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a recognized holiday under those agreements. In 2025, this holiday falls on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Employees who work on the holiday are entitled to double the applicable rate of pay for all hours worked on that day. Overtime permits issued by the local union office are required.
Under the ICI Sheet Metal Collective Agreement, employees are also entitled to the additional payment under Clause 13.5 of Appendix "K" when overtime hours are worked.
Please note as well that under the ICI Sheet Metal Collective Agreement, Subclauses 16.1 and 16.2 of Appendix "K" do not apply to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Accordingly, the holiday is observed on the day that it falls and no "option day" applies

September 30, 2021, marked the first observance of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, following the identification of potential unmarked burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.
Survivors across Canada have long told stories of the abuse and deaths that took place at these institutions. The announcement from the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation has galvanized nationwide efforts by Indigenous communities to locate their missing children.
Commemorating this day to honour Survivors and increase understanding of the history and legacy of Residential Schools is one step in a long journey towards truth-telling and meaningful reconciliation.

Heavy Alcohol Consumption

Current research highlights significant prevalence of heavy alcohol use within the trades. Bush and
Lipari (2015) suggest that 16.5% of individuals in the trades industry engage in heavy drinking.
Preliminary findings from a study by the Building Trades MAP reveal that while most respondents
identified alcohol use as the leading cause of missed workdays, they perceived drugs and depression
more harmful overall. This suggests a potential disconnect in the trades – where the visible impact of

alcohol misuse maybe underestimated in comparison to other concerns.

Dealing With Heavy Alcohol Consumption.
• A circle of care is made up by friends, family, and professionals
you can trust; ask them for help.
• Learn more about alcohol misuse, attend AA or Smart Recovery. If
you have friends or family attending, join them at a meeting.
• Call the Building Trades Members Assistance program to enter
counselling to help you understand where the behaviour started
and what the triggers are.
• Foster inner peace through exercise. Meditation and quality sleep.
• When cravings occur, keep busy, go for a walk or talk to
somebody.

Member Actions.
1. Access counselling through Building Trades MAP. Typically,
individuals use alcohol to cope with current stress or historical
trauma, and a counsellor can help you uncover your drinking
triggers.
2. Attend AA, or Smart Recovery, learn about alcohol addiction and
develop positive coping mechanisms.
3. Cravings are like waves; they hit the shore and then recede into
the ocean. Keep busy until the craving recedes and go for a walk;
it also improves overall mental health.


1-800-258-0580

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