If any endeavor is going to be worthwhile, it must be meaningful. Any of amount of effort should have some purpose behind it, right?
Often, we get hung up on the difference between a noble purpose and a meaningful purpose. We determine that if something is less noble it has less value. And that may be true, but I would suggest this is a subjective matter and meaning is determined by each of us.
In your business, as a contractor, you provide important services to your community. Every building of every type has the same need; water has to be kept out! This is the primary purpose of siding, roofing, stucco, and all exterior finishes. Water infiltration can destroy a building a render it uninhabitable if left unchecked. It also has to look good while doing its job and last a long time.
Is providing this service a noble purpose? Perhaps not at the level of running an orphanage, but it certainly is meaningful.
Your work is important. It matters. Our society can’t function without this work being done, especially in Manitoba’s climate. When the work doesn’t get done correctly it causes problems for the building. It takes experience and technical skill to do it right, and it certainly can be a lot of physical effort to get the job done. Thousands of people are engaged in this work.
At MECA we believe that this work needs to be more appreciated. That doesn’t mean we need to bring others down, no, the electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are also providing meaningful work, as are the foundation people, the framers, window installers, and the painters. Every piece matters. We have seen that our trade struggles in various ways and can see clearly that we need to work together to bring each other up.
The script has already been written by the trades that are further along that we are. They have clearly demonstrated the benefits that working together to organize can bring. Apprenticeship, advocacy, training, greater professionalism, better run businesses, better services to the community, higher wages, better opportunities and working conditions for employment, more equity in your business, more opportunities for succession, to name a few.
We truly believe that a rising tide floats all boats, and we need you to send some of your energy our way to help this along. We have a team in place with a solid strategy, we have a track record of success. The time is now and the need has never been greater.
There are multiple ways that you can be involved. We need your voice in the mix.
We hold information sessions periodically so you can learn more. Please contact us and we can get things started.