When Local 793 arrived at his non-union worksite years ago, Robert Nurse supported their efforts to improve conditions for workers like him.
Before joining the union, Robert had worked across a wide range of industries from hydrant installation, insulation, trucking, earth coal soil mix, and even in Alberta’s oil fields. So, when Local 793 approached his site, he knew firsthand how much workers stood to gain. He supported the union by helping make connections and access the information they needed.
As he recalls, “When they came to my non-union job site, I shared information, gave sites and people to talk to.”
After he officially joined Local 793, Robert saw a shift in his earnings. He went from making around $30 an hour to what he describes as a “significant pay raise,” finally feeling valued for the work he did.
It has basically made me able to afford life,” Robert says.
With strong union wages and benefits, Robert became the stable provider his household relied on, especially with his wife on disability.
“I’m pretty much the breadwinner. My wife doesn’t work. So, the benefits and everything have been really helpful because she’s been on disability and whatnot. All aspects of 793 have been amazing for me personally.”
Now, after 11 years in the union, Robert is thriving in the heavy civil sector. He operates a range of heavy machinery depending on the needs of each project, work he genuinely enjoys.
“My day consists of possibly being in an excavator, dozer, front-end loader… I enjoy the aspect of making things happen on a project, seeing production.”
Having spent years in non-union workplaces, Robert understands the doubts and worries many workers have. His message to them:
“Don’t believe the rumours. Try and put yourself out there. Any chance you get, bring it to other employees. Let them know it’s a good thing. Union work isn’t a bad thing. Getting the union in your company is not a bad thing. They do work for you. They do help you.”