The office of LIUNA Local 183 in Vaughan recently rang with laughter, camaraderie, and gratitude as thousands of retirees gathered for the union’s much-loved Retiree Holiday Event.
A post on the union’s social media pages captured the spirit: “Our Vaughan office was filled with joy, laughter and the usual camaraderie of the thousands of retirees who helped build the foundation of our great local.”The gathering was more than a festive celebration.
It served as a heartfelt tribute to the men and women whose decades of labour, dedication, and sacrifice have been instrumental in shaping LIUNA Local 183 — laying “the bricks” that created opportunities for generations of members.
Founded in 1952, LIUNA Local 183 has grown from roughly 400 original members to becoming the largest construction local union in North America, representing over 70,000 workers across southern Ontario.
Its reach spans residential, road, sewer and water-main construction, heavy civil works, utilities, and non-construction sectors such as building services, maintenance, and healthcare support. But beyond collective bargaining and job placements, Local 183 provides comprehensive training, apprenticeship programs, and ongoing professional development.
The union’s Training Centre operates across multiple campuses in Ontario, offering construction skills training, health and safety certification, and apprenticeship programs — ensuring members meet evolving industry standards.
LIUNA Local 183’s landmark headquarters in Vaughan — a 290,000-square-foot campus opened in recent years — stands as a symbol of the union’s growth and its commitment to supporting members and retirees alike.
The facility houses training classrooms, wellness clinics, recreation areas, and a large assembly hall designed for union meetings and community events. The Retiree Holiday Event is a regular reminder of the union’s gratitude to those who built its legacy. As LIUNA stated, “You built this union brick by brick, and created the opportunities that generations of members benefit from today.”
The celebration not only honours past service but strengthens the bonds between generations — reminding newer members of the foundation on which their rights, benefits, and opportunities stand.
In an era where labour often goes unrecognised, Local 183’s event underscores the importance of remembering and celebrating the people behind the projects, the roads, the buildings — and the collective achievements that shape communities.
