Not all benefit plans are created equal—especially when it comes to the skilled trades. Construction workers face unique challenges that require flexible, portable, and comprehensive coverage. That is why benefit plans designed for office workers often fall short in the trades.
A successful benefit plan for the trades must account for the mobility of the workforce. Workers often move between employers and job sites, which makes traditional benefits difficult to maintain. The Hour Bank Plan, offered through OCIBP.ca and Merit Ontario, solves this by allowing workers to accumulate hours that count toward continuous benefit coverage, regardless of where they work.
Flexibility is another key factor. Tradespeople need access to health, dental, vision, and mental health services that reflect the physical and mental demands of their jobs. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, mental health support is especially important in high-risk industries like construction.
Affordability also matters. Small and medium-sized contractors need benefit plans that are cost-effective and easy to administer. Pooled benefit models, like those offered by Merit Ontario, help employers provide benefits without the administrative burden of managing them alone.
Finally, a good benefit plan should support long-term career development. This includes access to retirement savings programs, disability coverage, and wellness resources that help workers stay healthy and productive throughout their careers.
In short, a benefit plan that works for the trades must be portable, flexible, affordable, and comprehensive. The Hour Bank Plan checks all these boxes, making it a smart choice for Ontario’s construction workforce.
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