Thomas Redman: A good day’s work equals a great career
- Saskatchewan Building Trades Council | January 17, 2017
From the beginning, Thomas Redman has understood the important of putting in a hard day's work. And as a tradesperson, his solid work ethic and dedication to the job doesn't go unnoticed.
Redman grew up on Standing Buffalo First Nation and graduated from Bert Fox Community High School. After spending five years in the food industry, he switched over to the trades and became a labourer. During a four-month stint with a sub-contracting company in Coronach, Redman caught the attention of the Construction and General Workers, Local 180.
“The main boss, the superintendent, told he me appreciated how hard I was working. He asked if I’d like to join the union hall,” Redman said. “I said I was interested and he gave me papers to sign that same day.”
Before joining Local 180, Redman had to go through a probation period, during which time he continued to apply himself to his work and impress the union representatives. Redman’s affiliation with the union eventually led him to his current job at Mosaic’s potash solution mine in Belle Plaine.
“I didn’t know much about being involved in a union, but all I had heard was good things. Once the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate,” Redman said. “There are great benefits and the pay is great. If you get in the hall, you’ll understand the goodness that it brings.”
A labourer is basically a jack-of-all-trades. As Redman noted, on any given day you could be bush hammering, framing or hauling materials, among other tasks.
He said the career gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to types of job sites. If you’re looking to make a lot of money, you can travel away from home. Last year, Redman spent six months on a job site and collected a healthy paycheque. There is also the opportunity for a work-life balance, such as Redman’s current position with Mosaic. He works Monday to Friday and is able to spend the weekends with his fiancée and three children in Regina.
“My life is good. I like being close to home and being able to make it home in time to tuck my kids in at night,” Redman said. “In my spare time, I take my boy to hockey and my daughter to skating lessons. Pretty much everything I do involves being with family.”
Redman is working at becoming a certified labourer, a status given to those who have logged a certain amount of hours in the various areas of the trade. It will take a lot of hard work, but that’s nothing new for Redman.
“I always tell young guys to work as hard as you can, because somebody’s always watching,” he said. “Try a variety of jobs and ask a lot of questions. People are always willing to help you out.”
Construction and General Workers, Local 180
1866 McAra Street, Regina SK, S4N 6C4
Tel: (306) 525-2336 Fax: (306) 359-0131 Email: lori@local180.ca
Lyle W Daniels, Labour Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Building Trades Council
1111 Osler Street Regina, SK S4R 8R4 Tel: (306) 359-0006