Benefits FAQs
Your Travel Medical Emergency insurance is fully insured via Great-West Life and coordinated with their affiliate, Global Medical Assistance. Coverage ceases when the insured Member attains age 70 or retirement, whichever occurs first. The Travel Medical Emergency insurance (policy #165013) requires that when you are traveling and an emergency or accident occurs, you must report the incident to Global Medical Assistance as soon as possible by calling in Canada and the U.S. at 1.800.527.0218; within the United Kingdom at 0.800.252.074, and finally from within Mexico at 001.800.101.0061. If you have any difficulty with any of the Toll Free numbers, call collect at 401.453.6330. Wallet cards are available at the Union Office or the Administrator (Coughlin office) with the relevant information for contact purposes.
Prior to travelling, if you or your eligible dependent(s) have a known medical condition, we encourage you to contact Coughlin & Associate Ltd. (Toll Free 1.888.204.1234) for clarification of coverage, as it may not be applicable subject to the circumstances associated with your medical condition.
The overall maximum for coverage is unlimited although certain treatment limits will apply. Please refer to the Extended Health Benefits section of the Member Benefit Plan Booklet for additional Details.
Coughlin & Associates Ltd., the claims adjudicator, requires the following number to transmit a claim through the EDI system, please ask them to use the number 610105 (referred to as CDANET Carrier Identification Number also known as the BIN number (on the Telus network). Your unique personal Identification Number is your Social Insurance Number and the Policy Number of the Group Benefit Plan is 165013.
Yes, Coughlin and Associates Ltd., will reimburse the dentist directly (via mail), provided you have assigned the benefits payable to the dentist. Furthermore, an explanation of benefits, reflecting the payment to the dentist will be forwarded to the member for their records and review.
You can contact the plan administrator/claims adjudicator (Coughlin & Associates Ltd.) at toll-free 1.888.204.1234 for a health or dental claim form, and for co-ordination of the drug card. Or visit the Coughlin website.
The most common reason for problems with your Drug Card is that the Pharmacist does not have your correct date of birth on the system or alternatively your name is spelled incorrectly on the system versus the name identified on the Prescription (i.e. typo error or as an example the name Bill being replaced by William). In order for the Drug Card to work at the Pharmacists’ office, the name on the card must match identically with name on the prescription. If you are having problems in this area, please contact Coughlin’s office in order for the matter to be corrected.
On disability (Workers Comp, Weekly Indemnity or EI Disability), the Member’s account will be frozen provided he or she has received benefits for at least two consecutive weeks in any month. Furthermore, the Hour Bank will be frozen for a maximum period of 37 consecutive weeks (9 months ) or if the Disabled Member is receiving WCB or auto insurance benefits to a maximum period of 12 consecutive weeks (3 months). All coverage ceases no later than age 70. It is important to notify the Plan Administrator’s office when you are off work due to disability, to enable your account to be frozen. As well, for applications to be made in relation to a Waiver of Life Insurance required at six (6) months of the date of initial disability.
If your coverage has been previously terminated, you will again be covered on the first day of the month in which you have accumulated 390 hours in your Health & Welfare Hour Bank Account as per the initial eligibility requirements of the Plan.
Please contact the Administrator’s office, Coughlin & Associates Ltd., in order that you may acquire the appropriate enrolment forms. Alternatively, you may download a Change Form from the Plan Administrator’s website by selecting the FORMS link at the top of the Home page (then selecting CHANGE FORM from the list of Winnipeg forms). Complete the form, print it off and sign it (any changes must be verified by the Plan Member’s signature) and mail it to the Plan Administrator’s address indicated on the Change Form.
Each month, 130 hours will be deducted from your Health & Welfare Hour Bank Account to provide benefit coverage noting that you may accumulate a maximum Hour Bank Account of 780 hours, equivalent to 6 months coverage.
You must work for a signatory contactor who is making monthly contributions to the Local Union 739 Health & Welfare Trust Fund on your behalf. These contributions are recorded in your Health & Welfare Hour Bank.
If you will be out of country for longer than 90 days, you can purchase an individual policy through Co-operators Life to cover the additional days outside the country. Please call and let Co-operators Life know that you are looking to purchase an individual policy to cover you once your Group Out of Country benefits end. Download the Maximum Benefit Travel Health booklet on this page.
For Members covered under Class 1 or Class 2, you and your eligible dependents are covered under the Johnston Group Inc. Emergency Out of Province/Out of Country Group Policy for 90 days. Co-operators Life, through TIC, provides all emergency medical assistance services.
Your dentist will need your Firm/Division Number, Certificate Number and CDA Net: Carrier #627223 which can be found on the wallet card located at the bottom of your Certificate of Insurance.
Please notify FAS immediately if your Certificate of Insurance or Telus Assure Prescription Drug Card has been lost or stolen.
You can find your Firm/Division Number and Certificate Number on the Certificate of Insurance that was mailed to you when you became covered under the plan.
You must contact the Maximum Benefit Claims Department at 1-800-893-7587. You must provide your Firm/Division Number and Certificate Number to obtain any information.
The Prior Authorization Drug Program applies to a small number of drugs for which prior approval is required before being covered by the plan. For a drug to be approved for coverage, the member and doctor will need to complete a PA kit providing some medical information. PA kits are obtained by calling RESOLVE at .
All drugs must be investigated to verify benefits. Please contact the Maximum Benefit Claims Department at 1-800-893-7587 and include your Firm/Division Number, Certificate Number, the name of the drug and the Drug Identification Number (DIN). You can email this information to info@fasadmin.com or fax to 1-866-878-0951.
The most common reason for problems with your drug card is that the pharmacist does not have your correct date of birth on system. Please verify with them that they are keying in your correct date of birth, and whether you are the employee or spouse.
Your Telus-Assure Prescription Drug Card should be presented to the pharmacy when making all prescription drug purchases. If a prescription was purchased without using the pay-direct drug card, you will need to submit your original receipts to TELUS Health Solutions on the Employee Reimbursement Form for Drug Claims
No deductions will be made from your Health & Welfare Hour Bank account in any calendar month while you are disabled and in receipt of Workers’ Compensation Benefits (WCB), Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits (EI) or Short-Term Disability Benefits (STD) through the IUPAT Local 177 Welfare Trust Fund. The maximum period a Health & Welfare Hour Bank account may be frozen for is six (6) months.
Coverage will be maintained while a member is attending required schooling. No deductions will be made from the Health & Welfare Hour Bank account during this period. You must notify FAS in writing of your required attendance at school and provide the necessary proof of attendance in order to qualify for this extension of coverage.
If your coverage has previously terminated, you will again be covered on the first day of the second month in which you have accumulated 200 hours in your Health & Welfare Hour Bank account, provided your period of termination did not exceed six (6) months. If you were not covered through the Plan for more than six (6) months, you must meet the initial eligibility rule of 300 hours prior to becoming eligible for coverage.
The best thing to do is to contact FAS and tell them who you would like to add or remove. FAS will provide you with instructions and the Maximum Benefit Notice of Change Form which will need to be completed and returned to FAS for processing.
Each month, 100 hours will be deducted from your Health & Welfare Hour Bank account to provide benefit coverage.
You and your eligible dependents will become covered on the first day of the second month following accumulation of 300 hours in your Health & Welfare Hour Bank account and the Maximum Benefit Group Enrolment Form has been completed and returned to the Edmonton Office. You must be a member in good standing with IUPAT Local 177 to be eligible to participate in the Health & Welfare Plan.
You must work for a signatory contractor who will make monthly contributions to the IUPAT Local 177 Welfare Trust Fund on your behalf. These contributions are recorded in your Health & Welfare Hour Bank account.
You should receive an annual pension statement in approximately June of each year that will detail your hours and service and provide your status with the Plan. If you do not receive an annual pension statement, please check with the Fund Administrator to ensure the address they have on file is correct.
No, the benefits payable from the pension plan are in addition to any benefits you may receive from the Canada Pension Plan, and will have no impact on what you will receive from Canada Pension Plan.
No, The pension plan contains provisions prohibiting any assignment, sale or attachment of this pension benefit. It cannot be used as security for a loan. In the two circumstances noted below, a Court Order or Matrimonial Property Order or Agreement may be issued to assign or attach your pension entitlement. The Employment Pension Plans Act contains specific rules for dividing pensions on marriage breakdown. The Act gives the spouse the right to have his or her share of the Member’s pension entitlement (which cannot exceed 50% of the entitlement earned during the period of marriage) transferred out of the pension plan at the time of a marriage breakdown. You should consult a lawyer about your rights and responsibilities int eh event of a marriage breakdown. The Maintenance Enforcement Act contains provisions that provide for the potential attachment of an individual’s entitlement if they have unpaid child maintenance payments.
No, retirement is completely voluntary. You may continue to work after age 65, however, your pension by law must start no later than December 1st of the year in which you have your 71st birthday. If you work past age 71, you will not earn any additional pension service.
Yes, all applications require an acceptable form of proof of age in accordance with standards established by the Trustees.
Your application must be filed with the Fund Administrator at least one month in advance of your expected retirement date, but no more than three months in advance. For assistance please contact the FAS Call Centre 780.452.5161, 800.770.2998.
The pension payments are payable on the first of each month by direct deposit into your bank account.
The normal retirement pension begins the later of the month you reach age 65 or the month following the date you last worked. The early retirement pension begins the later of the month following the month you reach age 53, the month following receipt of your written application or the month following the date you last worked.
A disability pension is not one of the provisions in the Plan. If a member is totally disabled, a member of the union and in receipt of disability benefits from the Canada Pension Plan, he may be eligible to accumulate additional service credits up to a maximum of 350 hours per calendar year.
Effective September 1, 2014, you are immediately Vested once you meet the conditions to join the Plan. Once you are Vested, you will remain entitled to a pension whether or not you remain working.
If a Member, who has yet to retire, has an illness or a disability that is certified by a medical practitioner to be terminal or to likely shorten the Member’s life considerably, that Member may elect to convert all or part of their benefit entitlement to a series of payments for a fixed term to that Member. Alternatively, such Member may elect to withdraw as a lump sum an amount equal to the Commuted Value of the benefit.
Training FAQs
Once you successfully complete level training, and pass, you must submit the following to DC 17 for reimbursement:
- Proof of Attendance Letter
- Marks Received
- Tuition Receipt (usually ~$780)
Send all that information to DC17 Training, training@dc17.ca. We’ll get your reimbursement in the cue for the next round of training trust cheques to be issued.
Description: C1 provides a comprehensive overview of the protective coatings industry. Broader themed than inspection courses (e.g., NACE CIP), it is an ideal introduction to or refresher for reviewing the fundamentals of corrosion and the use of coatings as a protective mechanism against corrosion and deterioration of marine and industrial structures.
Length: 40 hours classroom (can be broken up over a couple weekends) with 100 question exam
Who should attend: in DC 17’s opinion, ALL Industrial Paint members should take C1 at some point.
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
Description: C3 contains specific discussions on protecting workers, compliance with environmental regulations, proper management of waste streams and operations that result in potential exposures to lead and other hazards, and associated control technology. It includes background information on the hazards of lead and other toxic metals (e.g., arsenic) as well as a review of the current legal and regulatory issues. The course also addresses developing programs to effectively control risks to workers, the public, and the environment
Length: 32 hours classroom with 100 question exam
Who should attend: supervisors involved in hazardous paint removal projects.
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
Description: annually (after C3) for QP2 Contractors, biannually otherwise. One day review of C3
Length: 8 hour classroom with 25 question exam
Who should attend: same as C3
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
Description: C2 is not an introductory course. Designed for supervisors and seasoned tradesmen with a solid understanding of coating fundamentals, C2 provides an overview of the principles of planning, awarding, and monitoring the quality of new construction or maintenance painting projects. After completing this training program, students will be familiar with tools to develop effective coating projects and play a more active role in managing painting projects to successful completion.
Length: 40 hours classroom (can be broken up over a couple weekends) with 100 question exam
Who should attend: seasoned industrial painters in supervisory positions
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
Description: SSPC Plural Component Application for Polyureas and High Solid Coatings is a new SSPC training program. The two previous offerings of this course in DC 17 [April 2017 in Edmonton and Saskatoon] were the 1st offerings in the entire IUPAT. Additionally, these were only the 6th or 7th times the courses had ever been offered by SSPC. So, it’s new to the SSPC cue, and probably needs some tweaks. Still, it has some fantastic information re plural equipment and spray; the only other similar program (SSPC C14) focuses exclusively on manifold mix plural spray. But this course dives into both manifold mix (i.e., high solids coatings) and gun mix (i.e., polyurea) plural gear. There is nothing else offered like it out there.
Length: week – two day classroom (w/ written exam), followed by 1 day review of both plural rigs and then practicals on both plural units
Who should attend: seasoned industrial painters in with previous experience (800 hours) on plural equipment.
Enrollment: very limited; 8 max
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694
For all District Council 17 training related questions, or to schedule or request training: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
Yes. Calendar is routinely updated to reflect upcoming DC training events. If you don’t confirm enrollment, the schedule could later shift to accommodate other training demands. To confirm your enrollment: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
- L177EDM: 17804 118 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5S2W3, 780.484.8645
- L739SK: 101A – 135 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon SK S7L6M3, 306.244.6184
- L739MB: 168 Higgins Ave, Winnipeg MB R3B0B8, 204.943.2497
Training is only provided to members working for District Council 17’s signatory contractors. See website links for health and safety training, skills training, and supervisor training. The courses and (when necessary) applicable descriptions are listed there.
Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694 to enroll for in-house Energy Safety Canada (ESC) offerings @ L177EDM (or L739SK) in route to dispatch site
Background: L177 has some non-Alberta resident members who maintain their membership for occasional shutdown work. 11+ months / year they are working ‘back home’, out-of-province. These members are welcome to do this. However, with so few man-hours worked in Alberta, their training contributions are simply insufficient to justify the costs for outsourcing for a month shutdown.
Please e-mail DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694 to discuss.
Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
The Coating Applicator Specialist (aka, CAS) certification is a written and practical (blast & spray) exam by AMPP designating one to have met the minimum knowledge and skillset requirements for an Industrial Coating Applicator as described in the Joint Standard AMPP ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification.
CAS certification is requested by more and more industrial site owners as an Applicator Certification in much the same way as NACE CIP is for coating inspection certification.
AMPP actually has two levels of CAS – Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 is for the inexperienced / new hires. District Council 17 offers CAS “Level 2” as this is the applicator certification that owners prefer.
AMPP is phasing out the interim status. All attendees will now certify as full status. If you still have an interim status please contact training@dc17.ca when renewal is due to fill out an application to challenge full status.
CAS certifications are due for renewal every 3 years. You must have proveable field hours and have a minimum of 36 hours of industry related training over a 3 year period. Contact training@dc17.ca to renew.
Before IUPAT and AMPP negotiated their original agreement, L177 developed the Journeyman Industrial Painter (JIP) program (aka, Gold Seal). Although not quite mirror images, the 177 JIP was modeled off AMPP’s CAS.
As a result, if you have your CAS Level 2 Certification, 177 members do not need to retake the JIP practical. Assuming you have the verifiable industrial hours, if you have CAS, all you need to do is write the JIP. If successful, you will be issued your JIP and dispatched as a Journeyman.
This program will be phased out and replaced with Apprenticeship training. Please click on our Painter Decorator Apprenticeship for more information.
Yes, however the JIP program will be phased out and replaced with Apprenticeship period training. Please click on our Painter Decorator Apprenticeship for more information.
The preferred route for all trades training is the Red Seal Apprenticeship program. Currently Saskatchewan does not offer apprenticeship training. Members are welcome to attend training in Edmonton or Winnipeg however we realize that is not a financially viable option for all members.
CAS is a required step for 739 members to become certified as a Journeyperson in District Council 17. There are many requirements to meet. Please contact training@dc17.ca for more information.
The preferred route to Journeyman status is through period Apprenticeship training. For experienced individuals who have been in the trade for years another option is to challenge the Red Seal Exam. Please view our Painter Decorator Apprenticeship Training section for more information.
Currently it is up to the individual to contact the local apprenticeship authority to challenge the Red Seal Exam.
DC 17 industrial painting members (or reciprocals working in our footprint) with at least 6000 verifiable hours in industrial coatings can challenge the CAS exam.
When evaluating non-union hours, things considered are whether you were truly mentored in that time, what tasks did you perform, what skills did you learn, the reputation of the employer, etc.
Additionally, these hours must be somehow documented – pay stubs, letter from previous employer (manager or higher), etc.
DC 17 offers CAS exams annually or on request. Exams are available at both our training facilities in Edmonton or Saskatoon. DC 17 members can take it in either place.
Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694 for CAS Application.
Applications must be completed in full by the applicant. If applications are missing information they will be rejected.
AMPP CAS consists of a written and blast & spray practical. It is expected that applicants will have learned the required knowledge on the job. CAS is a CERTIFICATION, not an instructional course.
If a preparation course is desired it must be hosted prior to the AMPP CAS certification taking place. Please contact training@dc17.ca to arrange.
For the practical: you’re taking an applicator test for blasting and spray; you either know how to blast and spray, or you don’t. However, in the prep classes, we will review the CAS panel and discuss ‘strategy’ for the practical.
I missed the recent DC 17 CAS, but there is a public one offered nearby. Will the Hall pay for that?
No. Our IUPAT – AMPP agreement does not apply to public offerings. Only private offerings with internal IUPAT AMPP instructors and proctors are have the costs covered for IUPAT members. You can take a public offering, and that certification would clearly count, but the Hall will not reimburse tuition costs for public courses.
No. IUPAT does not have an agreement with CIP courses as we do with the CAS certifications. However, Local 177 has recently began hosting AMPP CIP courses. As a result of this agreement District Council 17 is able to award seats to select members.
If you think you qualify for a seat to attend CIP 1 (Basic) or CIP 2 (Certified) please contact training@dc17.ca.
Nothing – the two organizations have merged.
NACE International, formerly the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, was established by a group of engineers for the petroleum industry. NACE is headquartered in Houston.
SSPC, the Society of Protective Coatings (formerly the Steel Structures Painting Council), headquartered in Pittsburgh, formed after NACE and focused on structural steel.
The merger is still in progress however courses, standards, committees, etc. have been merged or are in the process of mergin.
For signatory contractors, successful training means a better, more efficient workforce, with a ‘positive vibe’, less rework, and ultimately enabling your company to be more profitable.
The high standard of training sets Union Members apart from non-union workers. District Counci 17 wants to demonstrate its highly skilled members on large scale projects across the country. As a result members receive training included in the cost of their training contributions to make them the safest and most skilled workforce on the planet. This investment instills a greater confidence in yourself and your brother and sister coworkers on the job-site.
Geography – District Council 17 is spread across 2 territories and 3 provinces with a footprint almost half the size of Europe. Key training centres in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg reach the majority of our members. Instructors are mobile and also able to reach members in Ft McMurray, Calgary, and Regina on an as needed basic.
Multiple Trades – District Council 17 serves a number of Finishing Trades. We couldn’t possibly offer training for all trades on a scheduled basis however we are more than willing to supply training on an as-needed basis. Reach out to training@dc17.ca with your request.
For all District Council 17 training related questions, or to schedule or request training: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.
Yes but …
Much of DC 17’s training calendar is dominated by Industrial Painting needs (e.g., OSSA, SSPC), which you don’t require.
Meanwhile, much of your commercial construction health and safety training can now be done on-line (e.g., United Academy). So, yours may not show on the website calendar. That doesn’t mean your needs aren’t being addressed. But because they are more on-line, they are being addressed individually, and so not posted on Calendar.
- L177EDM: 17804 118 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5S2W3, 780.484.8645
- L739SK: 101A – 135 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon SK S7L6M3, 306.244.6184
- L739MB: 168 Higgins Ave, Winnipeg MB R3B0B8, 204.943.2497
See website links for health and safety training, skills training, and supervisor training. The courses and (when necessary) applicable descriptions are listed there
Note: the ESC Health & Safety Training, much of the Skills Training, and some of the Supervisory training is unique to Industrial Painters.
For members in commercial markets, particularly in Calgary, Winnipeg and Regina – glaziers, commercial painting, etc. – much of your training can now be done on-line, or at least some combination on-line + practical. Please inquire to training@dc17.ca for more information.
Yes, for Commercial Painters.
Starting this off-season, DC 17 will offer Red Seal Painter & Decorator JM Upgrade classes in Saskatchewan[Why SK? … Because SK doesn’t have a provincial Red Seal Painter & Decorator program]
Career FAQs
Although each organizing drive is unique, they all follow the same basic steps: first, a core committee of trusted co-workers reflecting a variety of backgrounds and jobs within your workplace gathers to plan and carry out the organizing strategy with support from your organizer.
A strong majority of the people in your workplace will need to sign a card saying that you want to join IUPAT. Your employer will never see who signs. The labour relations board will verify the cards and check that enough people have signed to initiate a vote. For further details please contact our organizing department.
Please contact organizing department in your province.
No, employees who feel that the employer has done something wrong, will find that the Union will almost always file the Unfair Labour Practice complaint for you. There are a number of things that an employer may not do during certification or decertification drives. Many are obvious: threats, intimidation, coercion, penalties, or promises. There are less obvious things that employers are not allowed to do, like interfere with or control the administration of a Union. The Union will provide significant help to employees who want to become or remain Unionized and will usually provide an expert or a lawyer to go to the Labour Relations Board for you.
You and your coworkers will work with IUPAT staff to negotiate with your employer to create your first collective agreement, a legally binding contract between a union and an employer that sets the terms and conditions of employment. IUPAT members participate in this process by giving feedback on your top priorities for bargaining joining the bargaining committee, and voting on your contract will bring one agreed upon voice from all co workers.
You will only start to pay union dues after you and your coworkers have voted to bring in a collective agreement that brings improvements to your compensation and working conditions. Union dues are the way union members pool their resources to build collective power and to have one voice.
Yes, Voluntary recognition occurs when an employer enters a collective agreement with a union for a given unit of employees.
Yes, please contact IUPAT DC 17 to be directed.
Forming a relationship with IUPAT will enable you to gain access to a pool of skilled workers, training, and a standardizing wage package to something fair yet predictable. This makes the costs associated with pay and benefits more predictable. Turnover is also less common, since employees generally enjoy the safety, security and a stable compensation package.
Workers want to form unions so they can have a voice on the job to improve their lives, their families and their communities. With IUPAT, working people win basic rights, like a say in their jobs, safety and security. IUPAT will help remedy discrimination because union contracts ensure that all workers are treated fairly and equally. When there’s a problem on the job, workers and management can work together as equals to solve it. Higher union wages translate into stronger tax bases for our communities, better schools and infrastructures and healthier local economies. And when workers have a real say in their hours and working conditions, that means they can spend more quality time with their families. IUPAT will help make sure our nation prioritizes working people’s issues: unions hold corporations accountable, make workplaces safe, protect Social Security and retirement, fight for quality health care and ensure that working people have time to spend with their families.
Start by contacting IUPAT’s organizing department: call 1-800-322 0694, but not on work time! an organizer can help you develop a plan that’s right for you and your workplace. All conversations will be kept completely confidential. Please do not discuss forming a union with anyone at work before an IUPAT organizer has advised you.