NDP’s Keystone XL Opposition Fails Canadian Construction Workers

Written by Local 793 Staff

In November, the International Union of Operating Engineers issued a press release, objecting to a New Democratic Party Opposition Day motion on the Keystone XL pipeline. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is an IUOE International vice president, and IUOE general president James T. Callahan were disappointed with the NDP’s motion. IUOE Canadian regional […]

In November, the International Union of Operating Engineers issued a press release, objecting to a New Democratic Party Opposition Day motion on the Keystone XL pipeline.
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is an IUOE International vice president, and IUOE general president James T. Callahan were disappointed with the NDP’s motion.
IUOE Canadian regional director James Murphy also sent a strongly worded letter to NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair.
The NDP motion stated that:

“In the opinion of the House, the Keystone XL pipeline would intensify the export of unprocessed raw bitumen and would export more than 40,000 well-paying Canadian jobs, and is therefore not in Canada’s best interest.”

Business manager Gallagher noted in the press release that he is disappointed that the NDP chose to completely ignore the benefit of pipeline construction to working Canadians such as members of the Operating Engineers’ union and other construction trades.
“The Keystone XL project would be a net benefit to workers across Canada who depend on the resource sector and construction for their livelihoods,” he stated. “This hasty action by the NDP without consulting major stakeholders will jeopardize our economic recovery and jobs we had been hoping for.”
General president Callahan said thousands of skilled construction jobs – jobs that feed families, pay mortgages and send kids to university – will be generated from building Keystone XL.
“If you are on the side of working people, then you should be for this project.”
In his letter to Mulcair, Canadian regional director Murphy said that Canada does not have the refining capacity to deal with the amounts of raw bitumen that are being developed in Canada’s oil sands, therefore the product must be exported.
He stated that the union supports Keystone XL because Canada must look at expanding and diversifying its markets.
He noted that Keystone XL will allow Canadian oil companies to expand the reach of their product, which will only benefit Canada’s economy.
“Operating Engineers are among the most highly trained and skilled pipeline workers in the world,” he stated in the letter. “Our expertise will ensure that Keystone is built right, built safe and built to last.”

Memorial Garden to be Built at Head Office

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced that the union is looking at building a memorial garden and monument to honour members who have been killed in construction site accidents or died due to an occupational disease. “This is an important initiative and a respectful way of remembering and honouring our union brothers and […]

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced that the union is looking at building a memorial garden and monument to honour members who have been killed in construction site accidents or died due to an occupational disease.
“This is an important initiative and a respectful way of remembering and honouring our union brothers and sisters who have died under such circumstances,” Gallagher noted in a statement.
The monument will be similar to those that have been erected in memory of police officers and firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We should be doing everything in our power to mark the lives of Operating Engineers who have lost their lives in construction or industrial accidents or because of an occupational illness,” Gallagher said.
Architect Michael Spaziani, who designed Local 793’s head office in Oakville, has put out a request for proposals for a professional artist to design the monument.
The monument will be located at the union’s head office. Names of Local 793 operators who have died in accidents or due to occupational diseases will be part of the monument.
A final design proposal is expected by the end of 2014.
Gallagher said that the proposal will be brought to a general membership meeting for discussion, as input from members on the initiative is essential.
The union would like to hear from anyone who knows of a member who has passed away due to a workplace accident or occupational disease like mesothelioma.
Please contact Crystal Resendes or Debbie Coulson to provide the name and some background on the deceased member. They can be reached at 905-469-9299 or toll free at 1-877-793-4863.

Recipients Receive Long-Service Awards

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 is the strong union it is today because of its dedicated members, business manager Mike Gallagher told a long-service awards ceremony in the union banquet hall Nov. 16. “Without the support of the members, especially the long-service members, all of you who are being recognized today, really absolutely nothing could’ve been accomplished,” he […]

Long ServiceLocal 793 is the strong union it is today because of its dedicated members, business manager Mike Gallagher told a long-service awards ceremony in the union banquet hall Nov. 16.
“Without the support of the members, especially the long-service members, all of you who are being recognized today, really absolutely nothing could’ve been accomplished,” he said.
More than 250 long-service members received an award this year for 30, 40, 50, 55 and 60 years of service. Raymond Crandall of Alliston, Ont. was lone recipient of the 60-year award.
Gallagher spoke at the beginning of the awards ceremony and told the audience that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making the union what it is today.
“There was no magic formula about it,” he remarked.
He said the union’s $1.6-billion pension fund and the benefit plan, which has a $23-million surplus, were only achieved as a result of the battles fought by union members.
Gallagher said he’s traveled to many different parts of Canada and the U.S. and there aren’t any locals that compare to Local 793 in terms of what the union has accomplished, and in keeping the province unionized and fair so operators get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
That has occurred, he said, because operators stood up for their rights over the years on picket lines and because they went out like the professionals they are and put their skills to work making the contractors successful.
He noted that a lot of new contractors are now coming into Ontario from Italy, Spain and Germany and they’re bringing their own ideas on how to do the work.
But, “we know a little thing or two ourselves about building this great province,” he added. “That is something I feel very, very strongly about.”
On the issue of pensions, Gallagher said in spite of the challenges of the past – notably in 2008 when Canadian markets dipped 30 per cent – the plan is in good shape.
As of the end of October, the plan was up 11.6 per cent from the beginning of the year, “so we’re having a very good year in our pension plan.”
On the issue of benefits, he said the plan is in great shape and trustees have decided to make a number of improvements starting in January.
“To me, the most important thing is looking after our own, our families, and those benefits become more and more important as we get on.
“When we’re able to make the benefit plan better and able to have pensions that members retire on – that’s what it’s all about as far as I’m concerned.”

Local 793 Donates to Hospital Cancer Program

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has donated $104,114 to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation cancer program. The donation was made at the union’s annual dinner dance held Nov. 16 in the OE Banquet Hall. The funds were raised at the 2013 Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in […]

ChequeLocal 793 has donated $104,114 to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation cancer program.
The donation was made at the union’s annual dinner dance held Nov. 16 in the OE Banquet Hall.
The funds were raised at the 2013 Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton.
In 2012, the tournament raised $102,000.
Proceeds are used to fund research into esophageal cancer.
Amber Bernard and Josh Lai of Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

Hundreds Attend Annual Dinner Dance

Written by Local 793 Staff

More than 400 people attended Local 793’s annual dinner dance held in the union’s banquet hall in Oakville on Nov. 16. Business manager Mike Gallagher welcomed guests, dignitaries and long-service members to the event and spoke about some of the union’s future plans – and challenges. He said the union is looking at making major […]

Photo of dinner tables with people looking towards the stage More than 400 people attended Local 793’s annual dinner dance held in the union’s banquet hall in Oakville on Nov. 16.
Business manager Mike Gallagher welcomed guests, dignitaries and long-service members to the event and spoke about some of the union’s future plans – and challenges.
He said the union is looking at making major improvements to the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario campus in Morrisburg and will be investing money into that facility.
He said the union has to invest money if it wants its training facilities to remain world-class.
He also said that the union is moving ahead with plans for a monument to honour members who have been killed in construction accidents or died due to occupational diseases.
“We as an organization must remember their contribution and make sure what happened to them doesn’t happen again,” he noted.
As for future challenges, Gallagher said unions like the Operating Engineers are facing a right-wing movement that’s sweeping across North America.
He said unions must fight back because “that’s not the type of vision we have for our province.
“We know the value of working and having safe worksites but unfortunately mean-spirited Conservatism is sweeping across North America.”
The movement, he said, is threatening trade unions.
The Conservatives are “peddling” this vision of Utopia without unions and a system that would allow free riders, Gallagher said.
“We can’t let that happen – not on our watch. We have to fight that tooth and nail.”
Gallagher said the U.S., which has 23 right-to-work states, has been going backwards and unions in Canada must make sure that this country does not follow suit.
“Be vigilant,” he told the audience. “Pay attention and don’t listen to nice-sounding slogans like right-to-work.”
Assistant business manager John W. Anderson spoke briefly at the event. He introduced the winners of the Douglas H. Campbell Awards for top crane apprentices in 2012. Winners were:

  • Sean Caveney – top mobile crane apprentice
  • Ryan Leyten – top tower crane apprentice

Dignitaries at the event included Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn.
Scotty Newlands, who often sings O’Canada at Toronto Maple Leaf home games, sang the anthem. He later performed the ballad Danny Boy.

More Than $65,000 Raised for Injured Operator

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has raised $65,337 for longtime union member and operator Gerry Lukasiewicz of Sarnia who was injured in a construction site accident in 2012. The announcement was made at a fundraiser attended by nearly 100 people at the Sarnia Holiday Inn on Dec. 14. The event also featured a silent auction. Local 793 business […]

ExecutiveLocal 793 has raised $65,337 for longtime union member and operator Gerry Lukasiewicz of Sarnia who was injured in a construction site accident in 2012.
The announcement was made at a fundraiser attended by nearly 100 people at the Sarnia Holiday Inn on Dec. 14. The event also featured a silent auction.
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher had proposed the idea of a fundraiser for Gerry at a general membership meeting of the union on March 24, 2013.
Gallagher had also proposed that the union contribute $10,000 to the fundraiser and the idea received unanimous support from members at the meeting.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to help with the costs of buying and equipping a van for Gerry.
Gerry was seriously injured in an accident on the morning of May 7, 2012. He was struck by a jib weighing 1,500 pounds. He is now confined to a wheelchair.
Gerry is a 39-year member of Local 793. He started his career in the early 1970s with a company called Goodfellows Disposal. He joined the union while working at the company.
Gerry worked on numerous projects in and around the Sarnia area, mostly in the petrochemical sector. He was one of the operators who helped build Shell Chemical.
Retired Southwestern Ontario area supervisor Bob McQueen told those who attended the fundraiser that Gerry was in grave condition after the accident and it’s been a long road to recovery for him.
However, he said, Gerry has fought back and wants to drive again, and the money raised from the fundraiser will enable him to realize that goal.
McQueen noted that shortly after the accident business manager Gallagher visited Gerry in the hospital and told him the union would be there for him.
“My experience has been that when something happens we step up to take care of our own,” said McQueen.
McQueen thanked union staff, business reps and officers for putting the fundraiser together.

Benefit Improvements Announced

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of new improvements to the union’s Life & Health Benefits Plan. “We are always striving to provide the best coverage possible for our members,” he said. “I am therefore pleased to announce these changes on behalf of the Life and Health Benefits Plan trustees.” The […]

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of new improvements to the union’s Life & Health Benefits Plan.
“We are always striving to provide the best coverage possible for our members,” he said. “I am therefore pleased to announce these changes on behalf of the Life and Health Benefits Plan trustees.”
The improvements went into effect on or before Jan. 1, 2014:

For active and retired members:

  • Coverage will now be provided for specific eye exams that are necessary for certain medical conditions.
  • Coverage for orthotics will be increased to a maximum of $300 per year from $200 per year.
  • Coverage for prescription sunglasses will now be provided for up to a maximum of $400 every 24 months. This is included as part of the regular vision care package.
  • Coverage for services from a registered physiotherapist will be covered for up to $1,500 per calendar year for both active and retired members. Previously, the plan covered reasonable and customary charges for retired members.
  • 100 per cent of lab fees will be covered. Previously, the plan covered 100 per cent of the lab fees for active members and 50 per cent of the fees for retired members.
  • Coverage for hearing aids will be raised to $1,000 every five years from $800.
  • Coverage for vision care was raised to $400 every 24 months. Previously, it was $275 for active members and $250 for retirees.
  • Additional life insurance for union members will be increased to $2,000 from $1,000.
  • Erectile dysfunction drugs will now be covered for conditions due to a medical disability.
  • The dental fee guide will be changed to the 2013 ODA fee guide effective Jan. 1, 2014.
  • A Members Assistance Program to provide counseling assistance for active or retired members has started. The program is through Great West Life and Schepell.fgi. The MAP is a confidential and voluntary support service that can help members find solutions to all kinds of challenges at any age and stage of life. The MAP offers assistance for stress, depression, anxiety, anger, crisis situations and life transitions. It also offers help for managing relationships and family, finding child and elder care resources, getting legal and financial advice, dealing with workplace challenges, tackling addictions and improving nutrition. To find out more about the services available under the MAP, call 1-800-387-4765 or visit the Schepell.fgi website at www.workhealthlife.com and click on the ‘My Services’ tab at the top of the page.

For active members:

  • Life insurance has been raised to $125,000 from $100,000.
  • Coverage for laser eye surgery will be increased to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 from $800.
  • Coverage for massage therapy will be increased to a maximum of $800 per year from $500 per year.
  • Coverage for a psychologist will be increased to $800 per year from $500.
  • Coverage for orthodontic services for individuals under age 21 has been raised to a lifetime maximum of $3,500 from $2,500.
  • Coverage for travel-out-of-province insurance will be increased to a maximum of $150 per year from $100 per year.
  • When an active member exceeds the lifetime maximum of $150,000 per person the amount restored each year will increase to $20,000 from the prior amount of only $1,000.
  • The short-term disability payments will increase to $514 per week for claims after Jan. 1, 2014. The previous amount was $501 a week.

For retired members:

  • Life insurance has been raised to $25,000 from $20,000.
  • Coverage for chiropractor, osteopath, naturopath and podiatrist will have a combined maximum of $200 per year.
  • Coverage for a psychologist, acupuncturist and masseur will have separate maximums of $200 per year. The previous limit was $100 per year.

For more information, call Local 793’s pension and benefits office at 905-469-9299 or (toll free) 1-877-793-4863.

Photos Sought for Commemorative Publication

Written by Local 793 Staff

2014 is the 95th anniversary year of Local 793. To mark the occasion, the union will be producing a special commemorative publication later this year. We are looking for photos from the past that we can print in the publication. We are also looking for recollections or stories that members might have about the union […]

2014 is the 95th anniversary year of Local 793.
To mark the occasion, the union will be producing a special commemorative publication later this year.
We are looking for photos from the past that we can print in the publication. We are also looking for recollections or stories that members might have about the union that we can use as part of the narrative.
If you have any material that could be included in the publication, please send it to Director of Communications Grant Cameron via email at gcameron@iuoelocal793.org.
You can also send the information by mail to: Grant Cameron
Director of Communications,
IUOE Local 793, 2245 Speers Rd., Oakville, Ont., L6L 6X8.

Changes Announced to Executive Board

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of changes to the executive of the union. The changes were prompted by the resignation of financial secretary John W. Anderson who is leaving to take up a new position and challenge as an administrator at Global Benefits. A meeting of the union officers was […]

ExecutiveLocal 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of changes to the executive of the union.
The changes were prompted by the resignation of financial secretary John W. Anderson who is leaving to take up a new position and challenge as an administrator at Global Benefits.
A meeting of the union officers was held Jan. 3 to appoint a replacement.
In accordance with Article XXIV, Subdivision 1, Section F of the union’s Constitution and Article VII of Local 793’s bylaws, the officers voted unanimously to appoint Rick Kerr as financial secretary. He had been vice-president.
The officers also voted to:

  • Appoint Joe Dowdall as vice-president. He had been recording-corresponding secretary.
  • Appoint Brian Alexander as recording-corresponding secretary. He had been an executive board member.
  • Appoint David Turple as an executive board member.

Following is the executive of the union:
Business Manager
 – Mike Gallagher
President
 – Joe Redshaw
Vice President
 – Joe Dowdall
Treasurer
 – Alex Law
Financial Secretary 
- Rick Kerr
Recording-Corresponding Secretary
 – Brian Alexander
Executive Board
 – Dave Turple, Bill Boyle, Joel Collens, Ron Hillis, Bob McQueen, Robert Turpin
Auditors
 – Steve Deady, Robbie Hierons, John Monti
Trustees
 – Andre Chenier, Jonathan Sprung, Robert Taddei
Guard
 – Shane McComb
Conductor
 – Brad Sisler

Training Minister Speaks at Fundraiser

Written by Local 793 Staff

Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Brad Duguid says the provincial Liberal government wants to work with labour unions and young people to build a better Ontario. He told an audience in Local 793’s banquet hall Jan. 24 that the Conservatives, meanwhile, are intent on destroying unions. “The Conservatives decided they want to declare war on […]

Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Brad Duguid says the provincial Liberal government wants to work with labour unions and young people to build a better Ontario.
He told an audience in Local 793’s banquet hall Jan. 24 that the Conservatives, meanwhile, are intent on destroying unions.
“The Conservatives decided they want to declare war on labour and we can’t let that happen,” he said.
Duguid was guest speaker at a fundraiser for Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn.
In his remarks, he said the provincial Liberals have worked hard to create a good labour relations climate in Ontario, yet Conservative leader Tim Hudak is intent on destroying that.
Duguid told the audience that if Hudak is elected, labour would go back to the days of Mike Harris and protests on the front law of Queen’s Park.
By contrast, he noted, the Liberals want to “go forward” with labour and young people.
Duguid said the Liberals will stand up for labour and not let the Conservatives drive down wages.
He also spoke about the track record of the provincial Liberals in creating jobs for young people.
He said 6,463 young people have found jobs over the past four and a half years thanks to the Youth Employment Fund, and the program is well on its way to reaching the goal of 24,000.
“We are proud of the fact what we’ve developed here is working.”
The Fund is part of the government’s new Youth Jobs Strategy, which is helping young people across the province get work experience, start a business or build job skills.
Duguid said the provincial government is creating jobs by investing in the education system and Ontario is leading the world when it comes to post-secondary education.
He noted that the corporate tax rate in Ontario is the lowest in North America and, as a result, has helped attract 435,000 jobs to the province since the recession.
He said the Liberal government’s economic plan entails investing in people while the NDP plan is to tax corporations.
Meanwhile, he said, the so-called Million Jobs Plan proposed by Hudak would actually take away job creation and result in jobs being cut in education and health care.
“That’s wrong-headed. It’s bad economics and bad for our community.”
Oakville MPP Flynn told the audience that people keep telling the provincial government to be fiscally responsible and control spending, but also to keep investing in infrastructure.
He said the province is doing that through its economic plan for growth.