Nondestructive testing services are provided by highly skilled, specially trained technicians. In the unionized sector, these technicians are represented exclusively in Alberta by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 146 and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 488 and Local 496, operating as the Quality Control Council of Canada (QCC).

The QCC and the NDT Management Association (NDTMA) participate in National Bargaining to establish one collective agreement Canada-wide with local regional conditions. In Alberta, they are bound by registration. In Alberta, the NDTMA is a registered employers’ organization representing companies engaged in non-destructive testing.

Up until the early 1970s, NDT technicians had no union representation. Because they were working with boilers and pipes they saw that the unionized workers were being treated far better and being paid far more then they were. When they worked away from home QCC Technicians did not receive Accommodations or a living out allowance.

Many of the Technicians approached the two parent labour organizations, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers) and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), because they have a record and a proud history of representing working people and providing services to the members.

After over three years of organizing the QCC held its Founding Meeting in Edmonton on January 19, 1973. Years later the owners formed the Non destructive testing Management Association (NDTMA) to coordinate bargaining. A regular liaison between the QCC and the NDTMA is maintained between agreement negotiations and due to the critical nature of our work and industry the annual meeting has strengthened labour-management relations between the partners.

At present, there are no formal apprenticeship programs for quality control technicians. Most technicians start as trainees and receive their practical training in-house from their employers however in order to obtain certification from the CGSB (Canadian General Standards Board) they must adhere to strict ISO standards which requires formal training through an independent third party such as NAIT or SAIT and Government Supervised qualifying examinations at licensed facilities.

The QCC and NDTMA jointly administer industry training and upgrading funds which reimburse all training and certification costs for member technicians. The Training fund promotes constant education and upgrading of the QCC members.