Celebrations at Morrisburg Rodeo

Written by Local 793 Staff

Members, staff and family were treated to a fun day of celebrations, as Ottawa & Belleville districts and the OETIO Morrisburg campus hosted the 100th anniversary Rodeo Picnic on Saturday. More than 650 Local 793 staff, members and their families registered for the event, which was held at the OETIO campus in Morrisburg. Business manager Mike Gallagher and staff from across the province attended the event. Guests were treated to a wide variety of activities and entertainment, from pony rides, a petting zoo and bouncy castles to a reptile zoo, […]

Members, staff and family were treated to a fun day of celebrations, as Ottawa & Belleville districts and the OETIO Morrisburg campus hosted the 100th anniversary Rodeo Picnic on Saturday.

More than 650 Local 793 staff, members and their families registered for the event, which was held at the OETIO campus in Morrisburg.

Business manager Mike Gallagher and staff from across the province attended the event.

Guests were treated to a wide variety of activities and entertainment, from pony rides, a petting zoo and bouncy castles to a reptile zoo, magician and live DJ.

Operators were put to the test in the IUOE LOCAL 793 MEMBERS COMPETITIONS. Prizes were awarded to the top three operators in four categories: Mobile Crane, Tower Crane, Excavator and Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB).

Following were winners:

Mobile Crane
1st: Zach Borutski
2nd: Michel Alig
3rd: Dan Alig

Tower Crane
1st: Jonathan Sprung
2nd: Vince Beaudoin
3rd: Jose Campos

Excavator
1st: Tim Gilmer
2nd: Donny Molson
3rd: Scott Walker

Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB)
1st: Tim Gilmer
2nd: Donny Molson
3rd: Jason Beckman

Thanks to generous donations by Eastern Ontario contractors, competition winners in each category received $1,500 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third place.

Following the Rodeo, a dinner-dance was held where members enjoyed dinner followed by the sounds of A Bigger Hammer band fronted by Local 793 member Scott Greene. The evening also included a breathtaking professional fireworks display.

Photo credit: Armand Dowdall

 

Sault celebrates 100th anniversary

Written by Local 793 Staff

The third installment of IUOE Local 793’s 100th anniversary celebrations took place at Ojibway Park in Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday. A great day was planned which included bouncy castles, football toss and kick and a “fish pond,” with some games of skill for the adults. Participants received a union t-shirt, a 100th anniversary frisbee, and other great merchandise. Children were given the opportunity to make their own treat bags, which was a big success. Following a hearty lunch, Sault Ste. Marie business rep John Miners and Timmins business rep […]

The third installment of IUOE Local 793’s 100th anniversary celebrations took place at Ojibway Park in Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday.

A great day was planned which included bouncy castles, football toss and kick and a “fish pond,” with some games of skill for the adults.

Participants received a union t-shirt, a 100th anniversary frisbee, and other great merchandise. Children were given the opportunity to make their own treat bags, which was a big success.

Following a hearty lunch, Sault Ste. Marie business rep John Miners and Timmins business rep Tyler L. Levesque gave out raffle draw prizes, such as a Shop-Vac, beauty baskets, gift certificates and other great prizes.

Local 793 encourages all members and family to attend these 100th anniversary celebrations as they roll out provincewide.

Photo credit: Robert Turpin and Kirk Fournier

Local 793 congratulates the Toronto Raptors

Written by Local 793 Staff

IUOE Local 793 would like to congratulate the Toronto Raptors on winning the 2019 NBA World Championship.  The Raptors won the team’s first title in the franchise’s 24-year history on Thursday night in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, defeating the defending champion Golden State Warriors 114–110 at Oracle Arena in California. We The North!

IUOE Local 793 would like to congratulate the Toronto Raptors on winning the 2019 NBA World Championship. 

The Raptors won the team’s first title in the franchise’s 24-year history on Thursday night in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, defeating the defending champion Golden State Warriors 114–110 at Oracle Arena in California.

We The North!

Sudbury kicks off 100th anniversary picnic celebrations

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 held the first of many 100th anniversary celebration picnics on Saturday in Sudbury, Ontario. Held at the Warren Fairgrounds, area supervisor and financial secretary Robert Turpin, Sudbury business rep Kirk Fournier, Sault Ste. Marie business rep John Miners, and Sudbury administrative assistant Lori Trembley organized the event in conjunction with the 100th anniversary committee.  Local 793 members and family were treated to a wide variety of activities and games to keep everyone entertained. From bean bag toss to lawn dart games and inflatables bubble soccer, everyone enjoyed the […]

Local 793 held the first of many 100th anniversary celebration picnics on Saturday in Sudbury, Ontario.

Held at the Warren Fairgrounds, area supervisor and financial secretary Robert Turpin, Sudbury business rep Kirk Fournier, Sault Ste. Marie business rep John Miners, and Sudbury administrative assistant Lori Trembley organized the event in conjunction with the 100th anniversary committee. 

Local 793 members and family were treated to a wide variety of activities and games to keep everyone entertained. From bean bag toss to lawn dart games and inflatables bubble soccer, everyone enjoyed the hot sunny weather and excellent location the fairground provided.  

All attendees received Local 793 merchandise and children had gift bags and treats given upon their arrival.

Afterwards, business manager Mike Gallagher addressed the over 150 attendees which followed with a delicious meal.  

  • Area supervisor Robert Turpin and business manager Mike Gallagher.
  • Retired member Denis Giroux, father of Baffinland business representative Eric Giroux, and Eric’s son Cody Giroux, an earth moving apprentice.
  • Retired member George Cook.

Local 793 members were given raffle tickets for the draw table. Some of the prizes that were available to be won included a Google Home Smart Speaker, a Keurig coffee maker, barbecue cooking sets, beauty baskets, and gift certificates.

Aside from business manager Gallagher, staff from across the province attended the event including Toronto area supervisor and executive board member Dave Turple, South Central Ontario area supervisor and auditor Virgil Nosé, and Simcoe County area coordinator and trustee Justin O’Neill took the journey to join the festivities.

The Sudbury area 100th anniversary celebration was a great success. The International Union of Operating Engineers encourages all members and their families to attend celebrations being held across the province all summer long.

Strike Action

Written by Local 793 Staff

Large-scale projects across the Greater Toronto Area were slowed and some completely shut down this week, as IUOE Local 793 concrete and drain operators went on strike following a breakdown in negotiations with the Ontario Concrete & Drain Contractors Association. The withdrawal of services began at various worksites on Monday. IUOE Local 793 was on-site to lead the strike.

Large-scale projects across the Greater Toronto Area were slowed and some completely shut down this week, as IUOE Local 793 concrete and drain operators went on strike following a breakdown in negotiations with the Ontario Concrete & Drain Contractors Association.

The withdrawal of services began at various worksites on Monday.

IUOE Local 793 was on-site to lead the strike.

  • Mississauga
  • Mississauga
  • North York
  • North York
  • North York
  • North York
  • Etobicoke
  • Brampton
  • Brampton
  • Brampton
  • Brampton
  • Brampton
  • Oakville
  • Toronto
  • Toronto
  • Toronto
  • Toronto
  • Toronto

Operating Engineers Achieve Highest Provincial Collective Agreement Settlement

Written by Local 793 Staff

The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) has just released the 4th edition of the ICI Collective Bargaining Bulletin, an up-to-date look at the Ontario Provincial Collective Agreements.  To date, operating engineershave received the highest settlement of all trades across the province, ratifying a $4.25 increase over three years. Below is the ICI Collective Bargaining Bulletin based on information received by the OCS as of end of day May 29, 2019. Trade Status / Details Boilermaker   Bricklayer Tentative Agreement Carpenter General Carpenter Ranges from $2.70 (London) to $3.65 (Toronto) General Carpenter Board Area 8 ($3.65 […]

The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) has just released the 4th edition of the ICI Collective Bargaining Bulletin, an up-to-date look at the Ontario Provincial Collective Agreements. 

To date, operating engineershave received the highest settlement of all trades across the province, ratifying a $4.25 increase over three years.

Below is the ICI Collective Bargaining Bulletin based on information received by the OCS as of end of day May 29, 2019.

TradeStatus / Details
Boilermaker 
BricklayerTentative Agreement
CarpenterGeneral Carpenter 
Ranges from $2.70 (London) to $3.65 (Toronto)
 
General Carpenter Board Area 8 ($3.65 over 3 years)
Year 1: $1.15
Year 2: $1.30
Year 3: $1.20
 
Formwork Board Area 8 ($3.75 over 3 years)
Year 1: $1.15
Year 2: $1.30
Year 3: $1.30
Cement MasonTentative Agreement
DemolitionTentative Agreement
Electrical$4.05 over 3 years
Year 1: $1.25
Year 2: $1.40
Year 3: $1.40
• Possible post-negotiated wage adjustment of up
to $1.00, depending on the settlements reached with
the eight comparator trades
• Local areas negotiated meaningful changes to their
local agreements
ElevatorYear 1: $1.00 (1.5%)
Wage formula to determine Year 2 and 3
GlazierTentative Agreement
Insulator$4.05 over 3 years
Year 1: $1.50
Year 2: $1.25
Year 3:$1.30
Ironworker 
LabourerTentative Agreement
Millwright$3.98 over 3 years
Year 1: $1.30
Year 2: $1.33
Year 3: $1.35 2% increase to travel and
Board 40 hour work week across the province
OPERATING
ENGINEERS
$4.25 over 3 years
Year 1: $1.50
Year 2: $1.50
Year 3: $1.25
Painter 
Painter
(Taper
Portion)		Toronto ($3.80 over 3 years)
Year 1: $1.20
Year 2: $1.20
Year 3: $1.40
 
Outside Toronto
Varies at lower rate
Plasterer$3.10 over 3 years
PlumberManagement presented final offer on May 27.
Union membership vote to be held on May 30.
PrecastLocal 506 ($3.75 over 3 years)
Year 1: $1.25
Year 2: $1.25
Year 3: $1.25
RefrigerationTentative Agreement
Ratified by Management, Labour ratification expected
by end of June.
RodworkerPrevious tentative agreement voted down
RooferToronto Wage Increase
Year 1: $1.50 includes $0.10 in exchange for
deletion of the WSIB Bill 162 req’t
Year 2: $1.35
Year 3: $1.35
 
Ottawa Wage Increase
Year 1: $1.70 * includes $0.10 in exchange for
deletion of the WSIB Bill 162 req’t
Year 2: $1.25 *
Year 3: $1.00
*includes contributions to Stabilization Fund, Work
Ready Training and Skills Training
 
Provincial Wage Increase
(excluding Toronto and Ottawa)
Year 1: $1.30 includes $0.10 in exchange for deletion
of the WSIB Bill 162 req’t
Year 2: $1.15
Year 3: $1.05
Sheet MetalStrike as of May 6
Sprinkler
Fitter		Tentative Agreement
National agreement, ratification expected by end of June
SteeplejackTentative Agreement
Ratification expected June 1
Teamster 
Tile &
Terrazzo		 

The Honourable Patty Hajdu visits OETIO Oakville campus

Written by Local 793 Staff

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, was a guest of honour at the union’s head office and OETIO campus in Oakville Friday afternoon.  Minister Hajdu was joined by Oakville MP John Oliver, business manager Mike Gallagher, vice-president and government affairs representative Joe Dowdall, director of Toronto area Dave Turple, OETIO executive director Harold McBride and OETIO director of training and apprenticeship Brian Alexander.  The visit was an opportunity for the guests to tour the world-class educational and training facility and a chance to speak to […]

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, was a guest of honour at the union’s head office and OETIO campus in Oakville Friday afternoon. 

Minister Hajdu was joined by Oakville MP John Oliver, business manager Mike Gallagher, vice-president and government affairs representative Joe Dowdall, director of Toronto area Dave Turple, OETIO executive director Harold McBride and OETIO director of training and apprenticeship Brian Alexander. 

The visit was an opportunity for the guests to tour the world-class educational and training facility and a chance to speak to students.

“I want to thank you for choosing a skill trade and investing in yourself,” Hajdu told a classroom of students in the tower and mobile crane apprenticeship program. “Our government is investing heavily in infrastructure, bridges and roads and we can’t actually build the things we need unless we have skilled people like you to do it.

“A skilled trade is a really good middle-class job,” she continued. “You make good money, receive good benefits, pay into a pension and you get unionization, which protects your rights in the workplace. We will always support the critical work unions do in training highly-skilled Canadian labourers as they begin exciting careers in the trades.”

The guests also made a stop at the monument and memorial garden on the union property. The structure was built to honour members of the Local who have died as a result of construction site accidents or due to an occupational illness.

Status of our Formwork Agreement

Written by Local 793 Staff

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Many of you have been asking about the status of our Formwork Agreement since Local 793 voted in favour of ratification, but our friends at Local 183 turned the offer down. Due to the fact that we are in a council with the Labourers Local Unions, including Local 183, and because Local 183, along with 1059 and us have a “veto” on the council regarding ratifications and strikes, if one of either Local 793, 183 or 1059 fail to vote in favour of ratification, the entire […]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Many of you have been asking about the status of our Formwork Agreement since Local 793 voted in favour of ratification, but our friends at Local 183 turned the offer down. Due to the fact that we are in a council with the Labourers Local Unions, including Local 183, and because Local 183, along with 1059 and us have a “veto” on the council regarding ratifications and strikes, if one of either Local 793, 183 or 1059 fail to vote in favour of ratification, the entire Formwork Agreement remains unratified.

On Tuesday May 21, 2019 the Formwork Council of Ontario convened a meeting to discuss next steps. Local 793 voted in favor of supporting Local 183 members who wished to strike. Local 1059 out of London did not support strike action. Therefore, Local 183’s remaining issues are being submitted to final and binding arbitration. The arbitration will be held on June 14.

Since Local 793 members voted in favor of ratification, we proposed and the OFA agreed that our settlement will not be subject to the arbitration. They have agreed to this same protocol for all of the other LiUNA local unions. This means status quo for everyone except Local 183. It is vital that we protect our best in the industry settlement of $4.25 plus various language improvements. We cannot go backwards and we are not prepared to risk the possibility of losing retro pay.

We were in a similar position back in 2010 when the Labourers Local 183 turned down the proposed settlement. In 2010, the Labourers had a settlement on the table of $3.40 for labourers that was turned down and it went to arbitration. In that round of negotiations Local 793 achieved $3.75 for our Operators. Local 183 was seeking $4.00 from the arbitrator. The Arbitrator upheld the $3.40 settlement.

While it is not a perfect system, we have to navigate the system to the best of our abilities and our number one priority remains protecting our settlement and retro pay. Our focus for the next three years needs to be trying to find a way to overturn the archaic Labour Relations Act Provisions, which restrict our right to strike in the residential sector of the construction industry. Local 793 is committed to exploring all avenues to remove this barrier to a successful strike. As we learn further information, we will update the membership. In the meantime it is business as usual.

Fraternally,
Dave Turple • Director of Toronto Area
IUOE Local 793

Update on Collective Agreement Ratification Votes

Written by Local 793 Staff

Greater Toronto Sewer & Watermain Collective Agreement – the Agreement was ratified in favour of the settlement. Provincial Utility Collective Agreement – the Agreement was ratified in favour of the settlement. Toronto and Area Road Builders Collective Agreement (TARBA) – the Agreement was ratified at more than 99% in favour of the settlement. Should you have any questions about this information, or the ratification votes, please contact your Local 793 Business Representative. 

Greater Toronto Sewer & Watermain Collective Agreement – the Agreement was ratified in favour of the settlement.

Provincial Utility Collective Agreement – the Agreement was ratified in favour of the settlement.

Toronto and Area Road Builders Collective Agreement (TARBA) – the Agreement was ratified at more than 99% in favour of the settlement.

Should you have any questions about this information, or the ratification votes, please contact your Local 793 Business Representative. 

Local 793 members on the DT-CSST Project doing foundational drilling in downtown Ottawa

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 members are seen here displaying the 100th anniversary flag atop a Liebherr LB 36 foundational drilling rig. Marthon Underground Constructors Corp. is working on the DT-CSST Project on the corner of Kent and Slater Streets in Ottawa, a very busy corner in the central downtown area. This team of Local 793 members are using the LB 36 to drill a 4-metre wide man-hole access that is 26.2 metres deep, through three meters of overburden and 23.2 metres of rock. Operations manager Pierre Vallieres from Marathon Underground Constructors commented […]

Travis Emmerson, Sateve Burnham (holding flag), and McGyver Barber.

Local 793 members are seen here displaying the 100th anniversary flag atop a Liebherr LB 36 foundational drilling rig.

Marthon Underground Constructors Corp. is working on the DT-CSST Project on the corner of Kent and Slater Streets in Ottawa, a very busy corner in the central downtown area.

This team of Local 793 members are using the LB 36 to drill a 4-metre wide man-hole access that is 26.2 metres deep, through three meters of overburden and 23.2 metres of rock.

Operations manager Pierre Vallieres from Marathon Underground Constructors commented of the great team he has on this job.

Local 793 members seen in the main photo are (L to R) mobile crane apprentice Travis Emmerson, equipment operator Steve Burnham and crane operator McGyver Barber.