"Whatever their faults, unions have been the only powerful and effective voice working people have ever had in the history of this country."

Bruce Springsteen

For more than a century, the United Association has remained a strong, vital organization comprised of thousands of highly skilled men and women who share the same goals.  Over 340,000 members strong, the UA has consistently strived to improve the way people live and work, from developing training programs that increase skills to increasing job productivity and safety.  Local 516 is the HVAC/R local union in British Columbia and currently has approximately 1,000 members.

UA Local 516 is dedicated to protecting and advancing the economic and social goals of its members.  The voices of many are louder than the voice of an individual.  Local 516 speaks for its members, working to achieve job security, health and welfare benefits, a living wage, a safe working environment, and a comfortable retirement income.  Each member has the opportunity to voice his or her concerns and suggestions, working for a better life for all.

Membership meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month (with the exception of June, July and August) at the JARTS training facility adjacent to the Union office at 19560 96th Avenue, Surrey.

HISTORY OF UA LOCAL 516

In August 1942 a group of 38 hard working men under the direction of L.R. Wintell applied for and received the charter from the United Association that was to be the beginning of UA Local 516.  The original charter is proudly displayed in our office.  Mr. Wintell would remain Business Manager for the Local until 1974.  Sadly, not many records were kept and a lot of the earlier facts about the Local Union are not available.

In 1974 Wintell was succeeded by Daniel Shewchuk.  At this time refrigeration was an industry on the rise and the membership had begun to increase.  Vancouver was a growing city and the need for a well trained work force was a necessity.  The industry as a whole was also changing and air conditioning was becoming more popular; the need for service technicians was growing.  The Local was still run as a low key operation with the offices located in Dan's basement.  

We have come a long way since then with our beautiful building located in Surrey housing our local union office and the Joint Apprentice Refrigeration Training School.   Local 516 now has the large majority of technicians and apprentices practicing the trade in its membership.  Due to the leadership of Local 516 the HVAC/R trade in British Columbia is now a thriving industry.  The low-paying industry that no one knew about has now become one of the highest paid and most recognized trades.

On May 13, 1993 Daniel Shewchuk retired and Business Agent Richard Seder became only the third Business Manager in the history of Local 516.   From the office in the basement we have grown to become a multi-million dollar organization and the primary trainer of journeymen and apprentices in British Columbia.

With its focus being the welfare of its members, UA Local 516 has developed the best retirement plan and health and welfare plan within the trades.  With retirement  savings contributions of up to $9.75 per hour our members can look forward to a secure future.