Thursday, September 10, 2026

From Shovels in the Ground to Completion – What It's Like Working on a Large Industrial Site

Reflections from a rep who's been there

By Paul Milindi, Representative

Many of our members know what it feels like to start on a major industrial project. The early stages can be exciting, but they can also be complex and uncertain.

I have experienced the start of major projects from both the member and union side: first as an equipment operator on the LNGC project in Kitimat, BC, and now as a union representative supporting members working on projects such as Cedar LNG and Woodfibre LNG. Those experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for what members face when a large industrial project is getting off the ground.

In the early phases of construction, the same pressures often come up: logistical issues, camp and travel concerns, shortages of equipment and materials, and the overall sense of disorganization that can come with a project of this size. These realities can make the start of a job feel overwhelming, especially when members are adjusting to a new site, new coworkers, new management, and new routines.

I have learned to expect these growing pains and do my best to help reduce the impact where I can. As people settle into the work, the project becomes more familiar, the issues become more manageable, and confidence begins to replace uncertainty.

One example that may seem small, but is very real for members, is the uncertainty around fly-days. Fly-days are the days designated for flying into site or flying home. As an employee, I often worried about how that day would unfold. What time would I finish my shift? Would I have time to shower? How rushed would I be getting on the flight home? These are the kinds of practical concerns that members deal with every day on industrial jobs. They may not always be the biggest issues on paper, but they matter because they affect people’s comfort and peace of mind while they are away from home doing difficult work.

At the same time, there is a unique sense of pride that comes from being part of a project from the very beginning. Seeing the site in front of you at the beginning and comparing it to the drawings or pictures of the finished product can be inspiring.

The daily grind can make it easy to lose sight of what is being accomplished, but when we take a moment to look up and observe the changes around us, the scale of the work becomes clear. After leaving for a week of rest and then returning to site, I was often amazed by how much had changed.

That progress is the result of skilled, dedicated people showing up day after day and doing the work.

Reflecting on my time at LNGC in Kitimat and on the members I now represent, I am reminded that these projects are about the people who build them.

The early stages will always come with pressure and uncertainty, but the finished product tells a powerful story about the skill, commitment, and resilience of the workers behind it. I am proud to have contributed to that work, and proud to continue representing members who help build these projects.

From Shovels in the Ground to Completion – What It's Like Working on a Large Industrial Site

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