Merit Contractors Association has been supporting construction for 3 decades
31 years ago, Saskatchewan’s Merit Contractors Association was launched to support Saskatchewan’s open-shop construction sector with workplace services and industry advocacy. Today, the association represents the interests of most construction and related trades companies working in the province. “We serve the majority of the construction sector here in Saskatchewan,” says Karen Low, President. “We offer exclusive services to the industry that are designed to meet their specific needs.”
Merit Saskatchewan’s workplace benefits plan is by far its most popular and unique offering. The plan uses the power of pooling to give Saskatchewan’s construction sector employees access to health care and life insurance coverage that follows them throughout their career. “By working together with the industry, we’re able to offer benefits coverage that is affordable and stable,” says Low. “Our hour bank plan addresses the seasonality of construction work, and the mobility of construction staff.” The coverage follows employees when they move from one company to another, and allows them to “bank” their benefits so they’re covered all year-round. “It’s a seamless process for both employer and employee,” says Low. “We understand the nature of construction work, and the hours bank plan does too.”
Merit Saskatchewan also conducts leadership and management training for the important soft skills needed to run a company successfully. “Tradespeople are very good at their respective trades, but often need help with the skills to lead and manage people,” says Low. “We offer courses that teach tradespeople how to be good supervisors, which will make them and our industry more successful.”
The association also understands the importance of recognizing the work done by the industry’s labour force. Every year, Merit Saskatchewan celebrates the Merit Awards of Excellence where construction employees come together to acknowledge their achievements. “The awards are a wonderful way to celebrate good work,” says Low. “We hand out nine awards at a dinner and reception in Saskatoon every May.”
Merit Saskatchewan is committed to not only representing and supporting the industry through services and advocacy, but also to safety in the sector. A long-time member of the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association, Merit is pleased to partner with the SCSA on their new Hazard VR safety training. “We know that our industry is filled with kinesthetic learners—people who learn by doing,” says Low. “This new virtual reality training tool will allow construction workers and tradespeople to learn safety skills in a powerful new way.” The tool will roll out to member organizations this spring. “We’re proud to work with them on such an exciting new project,” says Low. “The SCSA is a valued partner to Merit and its members and an important service provider to the industry.”
Merit Contractors Association
#62 17th Street West
Prince Albert
(306) 764-4380
1-844-MERIT4U
meritsask.com
