Membership Benefits
The security and peace of mind that medical and pension benefits provide are important reasons for a person to join a trade union.
Wages and Benefits (May 1st, 2025)
Until UA Local 324 brought in its Health and Welfare and Pension Plan in 1967, Victoria Members had no coverage. New members now qualify for health benefits upon accumulation of 240 hours in his/her hour bank.
Plan benefits cover spouses and dependent children up to age 21.
This is peace of mind.
Some examples of health benefits are:
- Basic dental plan covers 80% of regular work. Plans B and C cover 75% for crowns and bridges. Orthodontics up to $3,500.
- Extended benefits for eyeglasses are paid to a maximum of $600 plus up to $120 for an eye exam.
- Chiropractor, physiotherapist and massage visits are to a maximum of $600 each.
- Hearing aid costs are paid to a maximum of $600.
- Extended health benefit plan reimburses 80% of prescription medication costs.
- Wage indemnity benefits start on the first day of absence due to disability resulting from non-occupational accidents. Benefits run for a maximum of 26 weeks with payments matching unemployment benefits.
- Group life insurance package at $80,000.
- Other packages cover life insurance for dependents, accidental dismemberment and Long Term Disability insurance for members.
- Prescription Drug Card.
Total Wage Package: $66.18
Although the non-union sector may offer a competitive hourly rate, it is important to realize that they fall far behind when the paid benefits are included.
Victoria Mechanical Industry Pension Plan
It is the aim of the Victoria Mechanical Industry Pension Plan:
- To deliver the pension promise to the members in the most cost effective manner possible.
- To communicate and update the plan members at least annually.
- To be open and available to the membership for information and assistance.
- To protect the assets of the Plan.
Some Pension FAQs
How is the Plan Constituted?
The Pension Plan has been set up as provided for in a trust agreement between Local 324, the participating employers and the Trustees of the Plan.
All money contributed to the Plan is held in trust on your behalf.
Who is eligible for membership in the Plan?
All employees who are employed by an employer who has signed a collective agreement requiring them to make contributions is eligible, as well as anyone employed by the Union who is accepted by the Trustees for membership.
How much does my employer contribute to the Plan?
There are many individual contracts that the members work under, but they all are based on a fixed hourly rate as set out in the collective agreements.
Contributions are not made on your behalf if you have reached age 71.
What types of benefits does the Plan provide?
There are 4 types of benefits provided in the Plan to vested members or former members:
- Normal retirement pension benefits.
- Early retirement pension benefits after age 55.
- Pre-retirement death benefits to Spouses and beneficiaries.
- Benefits on termination of membership in the Plan prior to retirement.
Do I get disability benefits from the Plan?
If you are deemed to be totally and permanently disabled and are receiving benefits from the long-term disability plan, you will continue to accrue service in the Plan up to 1,000 hours worked or granted annually at a rate of 83 hours per month.
When can I retire on pension?
You can retire any time after your 55th birthday, assuming you have retired from active employment.
You must retire from the Plan before the end of the year in which you turn 71.
Pension Plan Booklet
This book fully describes the Plan in a simple and easy-to-read manner, go ahead and download it to keep for reference.
Have questions?
Need to speak with us or have questions about membership benefits? Please get in touch and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
UA Local 324 
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