ottawa Archives - SMART Union

What started as a regular day on the job quickly turned into an emergency when one of brother Jarid Morelli’s coworkers experienced a medical episode.

As a shop steward at AMBICO and a proud member of SMART Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario), Morelli, along with his colleagues and fellow union members, take safety seriously — making it a top priority to ensure their coworkers can go home to their families at the end of each workday.

That priority became reality when a colleague suddenly collapsed on the shop floor. In a moment where every second counted, Morelli and his coworkers remained calm and acted quickly under pressure. Thanks to their fast response, training in first aid and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site, they were able to save their colleague’s life.

Mayor Sutcliffe visited AMBICO to present awards of commendation to members

It is part of Local 47’s policy to have all officers of the local trained in CPR and first aid. As both the health and safety representative and lead hand at AMBICO, brother Morelli received CPR training through the company as part of his role; training that proved vital in a critical moment.

The actions of Local 47 members Morelli, Luis Lopez, Cameron Pryor, Ruben Fuentes and David Court saved brother Andrew James’ life, and because of their quick thinking and training, James is not only alive today but can return to work. In recognition of their heroic actions, AMBICO worked with the city of Ottawa to get Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to present our Local 47 brothers with awards of commendation, a well-deserved honour that reflects their outstanding service.

The incident served as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety preparedness and the need for the right equipment and training. Access to AEDs and regular emergency response training are vital tools that save lives and foster a work culture where safety and readiness are prioritized.

This potential tragedy was turned into a story of resilience, readiness and the power of looking out for one another.

Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario) sheet metal worker Stuart Simpson started his tradesperson career at a nonunion sheet metal shop. Unlike many nonunion contractors, though, his employer ended up actively encouraging Simpson and his coworkers to join SMART – resulting in a “truly life-changing” shift that Simpson says has transformed the trajectory of his career, leading him to become Local 47’s training coordinator. Read more in his BE4ALL member story:

“I got into sheet metal at a local shop in 1996. I became a registered apprentice and went through my five-year apprenticeship, attended three intakes at our local college (eight weeks each time), wrote my certificate of qualification and became a licensed journeyperson in 2002.

“I joined SMART back in 2011 – before becoming a union member, I worked for a nonunion shop. We normally worked long hours, usually for straight time, and we were paid time and a half when it was available. My employer at the time decided that we should all join the union because of the benefits SMART membership provided. It was a good employer that wanted to give its employees a better future. We were provided with a good pension plan and great benefits, as well as a nice wage increase! My employer did the best it could to provide good benefits and a pension; however, joining the union was an amazing decision. I am truly grateful for that. I was fortunate to work for that company for 19.5 years before it closed its doors.

“Once I became a union member, I started attending union meetings and learned more about what the union has done and could do for its members. By attending more union functions, I got to know the officers of the union, and when my union reached out looking for an instructor to assist with safety training, I submitted my name. Thankfully they liked what I had to offer, and I became one of the safety trainers. Shortly after I also became the part-time training coordinator, and after a few years they brought me on full time to serve as the permanent training coordinator.

“Over the last five years our local has expanded its safety training, brought in two more instructors, and most recently we were awarded our TDA (training delivery agent) status, which will allow us to start teaching the 308A Red Seal sheet metal and the 449A Red Seal roofer programs in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I am so grateful to be a part of SMART, for the education it has provided me, as well as the many skill upgrade opportunities I’ve been able to access. Honestly, joining the union was transformational for me, not only from a financial position, but also because the things I’ve learned and the courses I’ve attended have truly changed my life. When I meet new apprentices, I tell them to take every opportunity to grow their skills, as learning is a lifelong journey. Thank you SMART for all you have done and continue to do for us!”