A Message from General President James T. Callahan: We Remain Open for Business

Written by Local 793 Staff

We sincerely hope you and your families are staying safe during this unprecedented time. On behalf of the General Executive Board, please know our thoughts are with you and your loved ones, and with all who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rest assured, the officers and staff of the International Union and […]

We sincerely hope you and your families are staying safe during this unprecedented time. On behalf of the General Executive Board, please know our thoughts are with you and your loved ones, and with all who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Rest assured, the officers and staff of the International Union and our various pension and health and welfare funds continue to work on behalf of all IUOE members. We have successfully transitioned our departments and benefit funds to work remotely and will maintain continuity of service throughout this crisis.

We know it is a stressful and uncertain time. We know that our two nations will be forever changed in the coming weeks and months. Nevertheless, we also believe strongly that our union will continue to thrive and serve all of our active and retired members for generations to come.

We will continue to update this website with information important to IUOE members and their families.

In Solidarity,
James T. Callahan
General President

Brian E. Hickey
General Secretary Treasurer

Local 793 supports Building Trades on Advisor for Construction Workplaces in Ontario

Written by Local 793 Staff

Message from Mike Gallagher, Business Manager of IUOE Local 793 IUOE Local 793 supports the Building Trades on their Advisory for Construction Workplaces in Ontario letter (see letter below). A prolonged shutdown would have a negative impact on members’ benefits, pension and training funds, as they rely on contributions to be able to administer and […]

Message from Mike Gallagher, Business Manager of IUOE Local 793

IUOE Local 793 supports the Building Trades on their Advisory for Construction Workplaces in Ontario letter (see letter below). A prolonged shutdown would have a negative impact on members’ benefits, pension and training funds, as they rely on contributions to be able to administer and provide the level of benefits we currently enjoy.

While a short ‘pause’ could be managed, any shutdown of our industry without corresponding government support of pension, benefits and training funds would inevitably lead to reduced benefits and training delivery.

Our members’ health and safety are our first priority, and employers and the Ministry of Labour need to step up and enforce safe workplaces and best practices.

Also, no member should be disciplined or prevented to being recalled due to the COVID-19 virus or the disruption by school and daycare closures or sick family members. Our members want to work and are known for their exceptional attendance record in normal circumstances. So long as contractors are respectful of the health of our membership and take reasonable measures such as social distancing and good hygiene, then members are prepared to go to work.

On the same token, members should not be disciplined if they have an ill family member, if they themselves are ill, or they are in quarantine or self-isolating on the recommendation of their family physician.

Fraternally Yours,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793

COVID-19 ADVISORY FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKPLACES IN ONTARIO
March 20, 2020

With the ever-evolving situation concerning the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19, we are advising that construction worksites in the province of Ontario remain open and that the appropriate preventative measures be implemented and enforced on every construction worksite in the province. Accordingly, the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario (CECCO), the Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA), the Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO), and the Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO) call on the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to enhance its Enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined below. To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. Below is a list of symptoms that may appear:

· fever
· cough / sore throat
· difficulty breathing / fatigue
· muscle aches / headaches
· runny nose
· diarrhea

In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are preventative steps everyone should be taking now:

· If you are feeling sick, do not go to work or if you’re at work and feel sick, go home
· Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
· Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
· Avoid contact with sick people.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
· Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
· It is especially important to wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Construction industry employers should also:

· Stagger work breaks (including lunch) to ensure social distancing in the workplace.
· Provide access to soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing.
· Provide the appropriate hand sanitizer when soap and running water are impossible.
· Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.

This contagion is understandably consuming Ontarians’ attention and we are trying to monitor the situation as closely as we can. In the interest of the well-being of the construction workforce and the Ontario population in general, the decision to shut down (or not to shut down) the construction industry will be guided by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health in consultation with the appropriate government authorities, construction employers, and the Building Trades Council.

Reminder: All meetings across the province cancelled or postponed

Written by Local 793 Staff

A reminder to Local 793 members that due to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and as per the COVID-19 Emergency Response Measures communicated on Friday March 13, 2020, all Local 793 offices and OETIO training facilities will remain closed until further notice. This includes the cancellation or postponement of all special called ratification vote meetings. […]

A reminder to Local 793 members that due to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and as per the COVID-19 Emergency Response Measures communicated on Friday March 13, 2020, all Local 793 offices and OETIO training facilities will remain closed until further notice.

This includes the cancellation or postponement of all special called ratification vote meetings.

The ratification vote meeting for members working under the Kitchener/Waterloo Area Collective Agreement (now the Central Southwest Ontario Heavy Civil Collective Agreement), scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the Cambridge Office, has been cancelled.

We request that all members working under this agreement inform their fellow brothers and sisters of the postponement. Members will be notified when a new date has been set.

Should you require immediate assistance, please feel free to contact your union representatives via phone or email.

Notice to Members and Students from OETIO

Written by Local 793 Staff

All Members & Students, Please be advised that, effective immediately, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) will be closed until further notice, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, to date, no OETIO staff have tested positive for the virus. However, as always, the health and welfare of all staff, students and members […]

All Members & Students,

Please be advised that, effective immediately, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) will be closed until further notice, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, to date, no OETIO staff have tested positive for the virus. However, as always, the health and welfare of all staff, students and members will continue to be our top priority as the situation continues to evolve. To this end, OETIO is taking every possible precaution to prevent future infection and spread occurring.

Thus, after careful consideration of the recommendations received from public health officials, all OETIO training has been halted until such time as it is deemed safe to resume normal operations in accordance with governmental mandates and public health directives.

The current COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, as do the recommendations from public health officials, which are updated frequently as available information surrounding the virus evolves.

As such, OETIO shall diligently monitor the situation and provide frequent operational updates as information changes. A formal announcement shall be released in the event OETIO reopens and resumes normal training programs, however until such announcement is released, OETIO shall remain closed for the protection of staff, students and members alike.

Thank you for your understanding regarding these ongoing closures.

On behalf of OETIO, we wish you and your family continued health.

Sincerely,
Joe Dowdall
Executive Director
Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO)

Message on behalf of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario

Written by Local 793 Staff

Initial Guidance on COVID-19 To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps everyone should be taking now: If you are feeling sick, do not go to work. Don’t shake hands when greeting others. Try to stay three to […]

Initial Guidance on COVID-19

To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps everyone should be taking now:

  • If you are feeling sick, do not go to work.
  • Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
  • Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
  • It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Construction industry employers should also:

  • Stagger work breaks (including lunch) to ensure social distancing in the workplace.
  • Provide soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing.
  • Provide hand sanitizer when soap and running water are impossible.
  • Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.

The Federal Government has made the following changes to the employment insurance program, waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period, making it easier for workers who self-isolate or quarantine, to apply for support immediately.

“Provide support to workers in quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate who will claim Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits by waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period so they can be paid for the first week of their claim. We are exploring additional measures to support other affected Canadians, including income support for those who are not eligible for EI sickness benefits.”

Special guidance for travel:

Individuals at high risk for complications from COVID-19 should follow the current CDC’s guidance:

  • Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are considered to be at increased risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Learn more here.
  • There are several active travel health notices for COVID-19, to see these and learn more about travel during this time, click here.

We will continue to monitor this situation and do our best to keep you up to date.

Stay up to date by following Health Canada here:

Health Canada COVID-19 Updates

Information on Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits

Written by Local 793 Staff

To better assist our members in this unusual period of time, the Trustees of the Benefits Plan have improved the Short-Term Disability benefits. Effective March 15, 2020: Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefit payments are being topped up to $800 per week. The government policies are evolving very quickly and OEBAC is following all this to […]

To better assist our members in this unusual period of time, the Trustees of the Benefits Plan have improved the Short-Term Disability benefits.

Effective March 15, 2020:
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefit payments
are being topped up to $800 per week.

The government policies are evolving very quickly and OEBAC is following all this to ensure we are coordinating with the Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits.

This is what it means to you:

· IF YOU ARE IN QUARANTINE – EITHER SELF-IMPOSED ISOLATION OR ON THE ADVICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH OR A MEDICAL DOCTOR:

1. Immediately claim the EI Sickness Benefits

2. Contact Service Canada’s new dedicated toll-free phone number to waive the one-week EI Sickness Benefits waiting period, so that you can be paid for the first week of your claim:

Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742

3. Stay tuned for more instructions from OEBAC, as things are evolving very quickly.

Please note that if you cannot complete your claim for EI Sickness Benefits due to quarantine, you may apply at a later date and have your EI claim backdated to cover the period of delay.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or you are in self-isolation or quarantine, do not visit or enter any Service Canada offices. You may access services online or by calling 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

· IF YOUR COMPANY IS SHUTTING DOWN AND YOU ARE LAID OFF:

1. Contact your business reps

Rest assured, your OEBAC benefits coverage continues uninterrupted. However, there may be some delays in getting your claims reimbursement if you submit paper claims rather than submitting claims through the OEBAC Mobile App or on the union website.

OEBAC strongly recommends using the OEBAC Mobile App to submit claims as an alternative to paper claims submission.  Use the “Enter Claims Detail” option to input the details of your claim into the app, and it will be paid without the need for manual claims administration.

Download the OEBAC Mobile App here: IOS Store | Google Store

Fill out the ETF (Electronic Transfer Form) on the OEBAC mobile app so your reimbursement can be transferred directly into your bank account. It is faster than waiting for a cheque, and your deposit will go through without the need for manual intervention.

Watch this video to find out how to add your banking info.

IMPORTANT HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION!
If you are infected or think you may be infected with COVID-19, call your local Public Health Unit right away and follow their instructions. In the meantime, stay home and practice self-isolation.

HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS? CLICK HERE to find your local Public Health Unit.

Click the links below for additional resources:

Emotional Well-Being During The COVID-19 Pandemic (25 minute webinar)
What To Do If You Are Sick
Health Services In Your Community
How Ontario Is Preparing

For further information, you can reach OEBAC by calling 1-844-793-1919 or by email at info@oebac.org

Please be patient, as we are operating with reduced staffing. Thank you for your help and support.

Local 793 Offices Closed Until Further Notice

Written by Local 793 Staff

Please be advised that IUOE Local 793 offices will be closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, IUOE Local 793 is taking every precaution to protect the health and welfare of its membership and staff. To this end, essential services such as Dispatch, Remittances, […]

Please be advised that IUOE Local 793 offices will be closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, IUOE Local 793 is taking every precaution to protect the health and welfare of its membership and staff. To this end, essential services such as Dispatch, Remittances, and Pension and Benefits will continue to operate in an effort to provide continued service to the membership. Dispatch can be reached vis-à-vis your respective area representatives and clearance cards can be accessed online through the IUOE Local 793 member portal.

For health and safety reasons, and in accordance with social distancing recommendations during the outbreak, we ask that you do not visit any office locations until notified otherwise.

Should you require immediate assistance in the interim, please feel free to contact your local district office per the contact list below. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a message with your name, phone number, and a brief summary of what you need help with. A Local 793 representative will call you back as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager

IUOE Local 793 District Office Contacts

Oakville (Head Office)
Phone: 905-469-9299
Toll Free: 1-877-793-4863
Barrie
Phone: 705-734-2494
Belleville
Phone: 613-968-3363
Cambridge
Phone: 519-621-6344
Hamilton
Phone: 905-544-1851
London
Phone: 519-652-2740
Nunavut
Phone: 905-469-9299
Toll Free: 1-877-793-4863
Oshawa
Phone: 905-720-0480
Ottawa
Phone: 613-228-1759
Sarnia
Phone: 519-337-2053
Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705-949-6860
St. Catharines
Phone: 905-227-8211
Sudbury
Phone: 705-675-8643
Thunder Bay
Phone: 807-344-7612
Timmins
Phone: 705-531-3119
Windsor
Phone: 519-250-8877

COVID-19 Emergency Response Measures

Written by Local 793 Staff

Dear Brothers and Sisters: The last few weeks have been trying times for all of us with the onset of a serious pandemic virus originating in Wuhan Province in China. Just recently, the World Health Organization announced that it was escalating the status to a pandemic. It is normal for you to be worried and […]

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The last few weeks have been trying times for all of us with the onset of a serious pandemic virus originating in Wuhan Province in China. Just recently, the World Health Organization announced that it was escalating the status to a pandemic.

It is normal for you to be worried and concerned about your families, particularly when sport leagues like the NBA, the NHL, the MLB etc. have suspended play with no known dates for competition to resume.

We see it at grocery stores and drug stores where full-blown panic has ensued with impulse buying and shortages of masks, hand sanitizers, toilet paper, canned goods, and dry goods. Even when you are out and about people look worried. The full extent can be felt around the world in places like Italy, China, South Korea, Iran, and the United States. Our hearts go out to members who have family in these places.

We are working hard at Local 793, at OETIO, and at OEBAC to ensure that you are not going to experience interruption in benefit payments, pension payments and other important investments you have made in the Union.

We are not in a normal “Business as Usual” environment. We have listened carefully to the statements from the Federal and Provincial Health Agencies of government, the World Health Organization, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We have been tracking these carefully and have sought to minimize risk to staff and members and their families.

This is why I made the decision to cancel our participation in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade where 400 members had registered to attend. Subsequently, the Toronto Parade has been cancelled, in fact, all St. Patrick’s Day parades have been cancelled.

We are all worried about the impact on our economy and other nations’ economy. I am sure you are worried about your pension with market reactions since mid-February.

We are strong. We are stronger than we were in 2008. We get stronger every year. Our pension fund is stronger, our benefit fund is stronger, our training fund is stronger. We will be okay. I have asked Eckler Ltd., our actuary, to prepare a report for our Pension Trustees. Our plan asset allocation is appropriate. Fifty percent of our investments are in cash, bonds, real estate and infrastructure. These measures were taken in 2008 to ensure that our returns would be good despite any market fluctuations.

I have consulted with our Benefit Trustees and met with the Executive Board today, and as a result, I announce some temporary and necessary measures and some benefit plan improvements that will help you.

Members of Local 793 have always been there for the Local. We are here for you now.

The Executive Board has agreed to these necessary actions to protect our members:

1. All monthly district meetings have been hereby suspended until further notice.
2. Special Executive Board and General Membership meetings scheduled for March 21and 22, 2020 have been cancelled.

At a future meeting, to be scheduled, the Executive Board will determine based on a further risk assessment when it will be safe to reschedule these meetings.

We hope the suspension of meetings will only be in place for March and April. This will be extended if necessary.

We will continue to provide you with information through our website, Facebook, and through mass emails.

We ask you not to come to Local 793 union or OEBAC offices at this time. Federal Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu has said that 30 – 70% of Canadians will become ill from COVID-19. Our goal is to mitigate this. We want as few members and staff as possible to get this. I need your understanding to achieve this.

Use our online services on our website. Call, email or text. If a member does not have access to a computer and needs help, call your local area business representative. They will arrange to assist you. This is also a temporary measure.

Every member in good standing will receive a $250.00 Gift Card from Loblaws to assist in costs of hand sanitizer, etc. These will be mailed in the next two weeks. This will help with any extra COVID-19 related expenses.

Also, because of the stressful times this is causing, the benefit trustees have approved the following benefit plan improvements:
1. Benefit coverage for the services of a registered psychologist/psychotherapist/social worker has been increased from $1,000 per calendar year to $2,000 per calendar year – as well as the $500 assessment for a total of $2,500.
2. Short Term Disability will be increased from $575 per week to $800 per week.

I ask for your patience and support for our actions.

Fraternally Yours,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793

Ontario Enhanced Measures for COVID-19

Written by Local 793 Staff

Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-1 Being prepared Although China remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, more countries are reporting cases. Some countries may not have the capacity to detect or contain the disease. This means global efforts to stop the spread of the disease may not be enough to prevent […]

Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-1

Being prepared

Although China remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, more countries are reporting cases. Some countries may not have the capacity to detect or contain the disease. This means global efforts to stop the spread of the disease may not be enough to prevent a pandemic (global outbreak).

At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada but this could change rapidly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:

  • aged 65 and over
  • with compromised immune systems
  • with underlying medical conditions

While a COVID-19 outbreak is not unexpected in Canada, our public health system is prepared to respond. PHAC, along with provincial, territorial and community partners, continues to reassess the public health risk, based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.

In order to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, everyone has a role to play. It takes more than governments and action from the health sector to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Each of us can help our country be prepared in the event of an emergency by understanding how coronavirus spreads and how to prevent illness.

For individuals

Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of any illness, especially respiratory infections.

Now and always during cold and flu season, stay home if you are sick. Encourage those you know are sick to stay home until they no longer have symptoms.

Since respiratory viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, are spread through contact, change how you greet one another. Instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug, a friendly wave or elbow bump is less likely to expose you to respiratory viruses.

Practise frequent hand hygiene and coughing and sneezing etiquette. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys and door handles.

These are the most important ways that you can protect yourself and your family from respiratory illness, including COVID-19.

Make a plan
Fill your prescriptions
Stock up on essentials but avoid panic buying
How to care for those who are ill
Get reliable information
Communicate with family, friends and neighbours

For communities

Social distancing measures are a way to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the community. This means minimizing close contact with others during the peak of an outbreak. In addition to staying home when ill, we should plan for actions we can take if we need to reduce the spread of infection in places where we gather.

Some of the social distancing measures need extensive preparation, especially where large crowds are concerned. Community planners should prepare for:

  • interruptions in social supports
  • reduction in public services like transit and access to community centres
  • financial consequences from the reduction of services or cancelled events

Planners, administrators and employers must work together to put into effect community-based measures that will protect:

  • groups
  • employees
  • the general population
Avoiding crowds
Mass gatherings
Remote and isolated communities
For Indigenous communities

For schools and daycares

School and daycare measures can range from simple (like increasing distancing between desks) to more extensive (like closures).

Widespread school closures as a control measure tend to have a high economic and social cost. This is because school closures impact the many families that have one or both parents working outside of the home.

Public health measures for schools and daycare are intended to provide a safer school environment by encouraging:

  • personal protective measures
  • communication to teachers and parents
  • regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects like door handles, toilets and toys

The following measures are alternatives to school or day care closures.

  • Restrict access to common areas.
  • Divide classes into smaller groups.
  • Cancel or postpone after-school events.
  • Increase desk distance between students.
  • Be flexible with attendance policies for students and staff.
  • Separate children on school busses by 2 metres where possible.
  • Cancel classes that bring students together from multiple classrooms.
  • Stagger the school schedule (lunch breaks and recess) to limit the number of students and children in attendance at one time.

For more information on guidance for schools and day cares, refer to Public Health Guidance for Schools (K-12) and Childcare Programs (COVID-19).

Visit this LINK to find out more.

Also, you can visit the News & Events Menu Tab above and select COVID-19 UPDATES for ongoing information.

For the safety of our members, Local 793 will not participate in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Written by Local 793 Staff

Please be advised that I have made the difficult decision that Local 793 will not be participating in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but […]

Please be advised that I have made the difficult decision that Local 793 will not be participating in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. All information coming from the experts indicates that this virus should be taken seriously, and we cannot take the risk of potentially exposing ourselves to this virus.

While this decision is disappointing, I am confident that it is the right one.

With kindest regards,
Mike Gallagher