Committees

Electrical Trade Bargaining Agency

The Electrical Trade Bargaining Agency (ETBA) is the exclusive bargaining agent representing ECAO contractors in their negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario (IBEW-CCO). The ETBA is made up of one representative from each of the area ECAs as well as one representative from the line contractors committee, the ICA and EPSCA. The ETBA negotiates and administers the provincial agreement with the IBEW-CCO and represents the interests of unionized electrical contractors with government and various industry tribunals.

Electrical Trade Joint Board (ETJB)

During the term of a collective agreement, the ETBA participates in ongoing policy matters and grievance resolution in partnership with the IBEW-CCO through the ETJB under the guidance of the independent Chair, Paul Gardner. The ETBA representatives on the ETJB are:

• Rick Ball

• George Docherty

• Jim Kellett

• Dave Mason

• John Raepple

• Mike Sharp

Along with their IBEW counterparts, these members are responsible for governance of all joint activities between the ETBA and IBEW-CCO.

Joint Electrical Promotion Plan (JEPP)

JEPP is a not-for-profit corporation directed jointly by the ETBA and the IBEW-CCO, whose objectives are to promote the unionized electrical contracting industry, to promote the superior quality and skills of unionized electricians, communication workers and contractors, and to develop leading edge management, technical and safety training programs.

ECAO representatives on the JEPP Board of Directors are:

• Rick Ball

• Ken Crawford

• Dave Mason

• John Raepple

• Eryl Roberts

• John Wright

JEPP continues to review different methods for marketing unionized electrical contractors.  A program including help for contractors to promote themselves, high level image campaigns, community involvement, client relations and local area initiatives is being implemented.

The promotion plan also provides an excellent vehicle for joint political action on issues where the ECAO and IBEW share interests. This attribute is best deployed on issues such as protecting contractor interests against utilities at the Ontario Energy Board and maintaining the integrity of the electrical trade through lobbying the government.