Local 793 welcomes Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford to training centre

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher, alongside officers, executive board members, staff and students, welcomed Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford to the Union’s head office and training facility in Oakville on Friday, May 27. His visit was to officially accept the Union’s endorsement of his party ahead of the June 2 provincial election. Having […]

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher, alongside officers, executive board members, staff and students, welcomed Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford to the Union’s head office and training facility in Oakville on Friday, May 27.

His visit was to officially accept the Union’s endorsement of his party ahead of the June 2 provincial election.

Having backed the Liberal Party for many years, Business Manager Gallagher gave three reasons why the Union has switched its support to Ford’s PC Party this time around.

“The number one reason would be his leadership,” Gallagher said. “Doug Ford has shown his leadership throughout the last two years where we had an unprecedented pandemic, and he was able to adapt to changing circumstances that happened very quickly. The ability to keep everyone informed on a weekly basis as Premier Ford did at the time was absolutely essential to the safety of the people here in the province of Ontario and to our members of Local 793.

“Another reason would be the unprecedented $158 billion investment in much-needed infrastructure. We need to keep the economy going, especially with the impact of inflation and the pandemic that we went through. We fully support the investment in needed infrastructure and the commitment to affordable housing which has been made.

“Last but not least, is the commitment to skills training, compulsory certification and mandatory training,” Gallagher added. “Here today we have a graduating class of our students who will go out into the industry and help build it for the future and we need jobs. We need jobs for them and we need support for our skills training. So, it’s definitely hats off to the Premier and his team.”

During his visit, Ford shook hands and chatted with apprentices and grabbed the chance to operate a Liebherr HS 8050 crawler crane (under the careful supervision of Local 793 Vice-President Dave Turple), fulfilling, in the words of Local 793 President Joe Redshaw, “every little boy’s dream.”

Ford, who was joined by Ontario Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford and Mayor Rob Burton for the event, has already picked up several endorsements from construction unions during his election campaign.

“Each of these organizations knows what it takes to build and each of these unions are lining up behind our plan to build Ontario,” he said.

“Every day more and more people are lending their support for our plan to build Ontario and nowhere is that support growing more than among our women and men who work in the skilled trades. I’ve been so proud to welcome the support of a growing number of unions representing the women and men who are building Ontario.”

Pointing to the apprentices lined up behind him, he added, “Make no mistake, each and every one of these folks, they’re helping to build Ontario. We couldn’t build anything if it wasn’t for the cranes right here, so I am very, very grateful.”

Business Manager Gallagher urged all members to cast a vote in Thursday’s election and ended his comments by adding, “We look forward to working with Doug Ford when he is returned as Premier of the province of Ontario on June 2.”

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IUOE Local 793 endorses Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in 2022 Election

Written by Local 793 Staff

Following is a press release issued by IUOE Local 793 regarding IUOE Local 793 endorsing the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in the 2022 Election. OAKVILLE, ON, May 27, 2022 /CNW/ – The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 (“Local 793”) announced its full endorsement of Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party […]

Following is a press release issued by IUOE Local 793 regarding IUOE Local 793 endorsing the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in the 2022 Election.

OAKVILLE, ON, May 27, 2022 /CNW/ – The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 (“Local 793”) announced its full endorsement of Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party for the June 2 provincial election.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher stated the endorsement in a letter sent to Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, writing that the backing is centred on the Progressive Conservative government’s clear commitment to the skilled trades in Ontario, their strong emphasis on safety and training, and promise to invest in infrastructure.

“Your Party has focused on the recruitment of young workers into the skilled trades and emphasized significant highway, transit, and infrastructure spending to grow our economy, keep employment high and ultimately build our economy back stronger than it was pre-pandemic,” Business Manager Gallagher stated in the letter.

Business Manager Gallagher noted that the decision to endorse the Ontario Progressive Conservatives is also based on Minister McNaughton’s legislative approach to preserve the compulsory and voluntary trades and understanding the importance of having properly trained and licensed tradespeople doing dangerous work to ensure all workers and the public are protected.

Business Manager Gallagher added that the Party’s continued effort to tackle affordability and the housing crisis is of particular importance to the more than 18,000 members of Local 793.

“These government priorities align closely with what Local 793 and my members value the most, and we look forward to working cooperatively with you and Leader Doug Ford when the PC Party of Ontario is successfully re-elected on June 2, 2022,” said Business Manager Gallagher.

The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 is a long-established trade union which received its original Charter in 1919. Today, we proudly represent over 18,000 crane and heavy equipment operators and other skilled workers employed in all sectors of the construction industry, industrial and mining sectors across the province of Ontario and the territory of Nunavut. Members of Local 793 operate mobile cranes, tower cranes, concrete pumps, bulldozers, excavators, graders, tractor loader backhoes, heavy haul trucks and many other types of heavy equipment.

SOURCE International Union Of Operating Engineers – Local 793

For further information: Local 793 Business Manager, Mike Gallagher, 905-469-9299, ext. 2202

Press Release: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/iuoe-local-793-endorses-progressive-conservative-party-of-ontario-in-2022-election-839433630.html

Operators Ratify Formwork Agreement

Written by Local 793 Staff

Following is a press release issued by Local 793, regarding ratification of the Formwork Collective Agreement. OPERATING ENGINEERS RATIFY FORMWORK AGREEMENT WITH CONTRACTORS OAKVILLE — After a successful strike, members of Local 793 will be returning to work after the Formwork Council of Ontario has successfully ratified a new three-year Formwork Agreement with contractors.  The International […]

Following is a press release issued by Local 793, regarding ratification of the Formwork Collective Agreement.

OPERATING ENGINEERS RATIFY FORMWORK AGREEMENT WITH CONTRACTORS

OAKVILLE — After a successful strike, members of Local 793 will be returning to work after the Formwork Council of Ontario has successfully ratified a new three-year Formwork Agreement with contractors.  The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 is a member of the Formwork Council of Ontario, along with all LIUNA locals.

Local 793 members voted strongly in favour of the agreement at ratification meetings held across the province on May 20, 2022.

The agreement affects the majority of tower crane operators in the province and covers well over 10,000 LIUNA members.

The agreement runs from May 21, 2022 to April 30, 2025. For local 793 members, it provides for a total monetary package increase of $9 an hour over three years. Operators’ wages will rise by $3 an hour each year of the agreement.

“Though this was a challenging round of negotiations, we are very pleased that our members have voted in favor of accepting the employers’ last offer,” said Virgil Nosé, Chair of the Highrise Forming Council. “Our members will be returning to work right away.”

LIUNA locals have separate schedules with different increases.

The settlement includes a single wage schedule for all operators across the province regardless of where they work, an increase in parking reimbursement, and increases to travel, room and board allowances. All of these items were key priorities for members.

“No one wants to strike but sometimes it is necessary to ensure that a fair offer is brought to the table – an offer that members can feel confident ratifying,” said Nosé. “We thank the employer’s for recognizing this and coming back to the table to bargain a fair deal.”

“Members are excited to get back to work building much-needed housing”.

Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers represents more than 17,900 highly skilled crane and heavy equipment operators across Ontario. The union has a head office, banquet hall and training campus in Oakville, and another training campus in Morrisburg.

For additional information contact:
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher
905-469-9299, ext. 2202

Highrise Forming Agreement Successfully Ratified Across The Province

Written by Local 793 Staff

Friday, May 20, 2022 Dear Members: We had a record turnout of members across the province at today’s meeting.  I am pleased to advise you that the Formwork Agreement has been successfully ratified by an overwhelming majority of members.  You may now return to work right away. Congratulations on an excellent settlement and thank you […]

Friday, May 20, 2022

Dear Members:

We had a record turnout of members across the province at today’s meeting.  I am pleased to advise you that the Formwork Agreement has been successfully ratified by an overwhelming majority of members.  You may now return to work right away.

Congratulations on an excellent settlement and thank you for the solidarity you have shown over the past three weeks which has enabled us to achieve this record settlement for members.

Fraternally,
Mike Gallagher,
Business Manager

Provincial Collective Agreement Successfully Ratified Across The Province

Written by Local 793 Staff

Friday, May 20, 2022 Dear Members: We had a record turnout of members across the province at today’s meeting.  I am pleased to advise you that the Provincial Collective Agreement has been successfully ratified by an overwhelming majority of members.  You may now return to work right away. Congratulations on an excellent settlement and thank […]

Friday, May 20, 2022

Dear Members:

We had a record turnout of members across the province at today’s meeting.  I am pleased to advise you that the Provincial Collective Agreement has been successfully ratified by an overwhelming majority of members.  You may now return to work right away.

Congratulations on an excellent settlement and thank you for the solidarity you have shown over the past three weeks which has enabled us to achieve this record settlement for members.

Fraternally,
Mike Gallagher,
Business Manager

Strike Success: Operators Ratify Provincial Collective Agreement

Written by Local 793 Staff

Following is a press release issued by Local 793, regarding ratification of the Provincial Collective Agreement. OPERATING ENGINEERS RATIFY NEW AGREEMENT WITH CONTRACTORS OAKVILLE — After a successful strike, members of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers have ratified a new three-year Provincial Collective Agreement with contractors. Union members voted strongly in favour […]

Following is a press release issued by Local 793, regarding ratification of the Provincial Collective Agreement.

OPERATING ENGINEERS RATIFY NEW AGREEMENT WITH CONTRACTORS

OAKVILLE — After a successful strike, members of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers have ratified a new three-year Provincial Collective Agreement with contractors.

Union members voted strongly in favour of the agreement at ratification meetings held across the province on May 20, 2022.

The agreement affects operators who work on cranes and heavy equipment at construction sites across the province and who are involved in activities such as steel erection and mechanical installations, foundation piling, caisson boring and excavation, general construction and surveying.

The agreement runs from May 21, 2022 to April 30, 2025. It provides for a total monetary package increase of $9 an hour over three years. Wages rise by $3 an hour each year of the agreement. The agreement also contains many language improvements and increases to travel, room and board and meal allowances. The travel, room and board allowance will increase 19% over three years. Meanwhile, room and board allowances will now be paid daily for all schedules.

The union made no concessions on any of its proposals. The wage settlement is the highest of any of the trades so far in the ICI construction sector.

“Our members have spoken on the provincial strike and have accepted the employers’ last offer,” said Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher. “Members across the province in every area voted to accept the settlement and go back to work.”

Notably, the agreement adds a new provision to ensure that employers will provide parking or a refund to employees working within the downtown area of Toronto for up to $15 per day effective May 1, 2024.

“We appreciate all the hard work of our legal staff and business representatives, the organizers and every member who supported the strike, stood together, and held the line,” Gallagher said.

“We look forward to getting back to building our province’s much-needed schools, hospitals and highways, and other vital infrastructure.”

Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers represents more than 17,900 highly skilled crane and heavy equipment operators across Ontario. The union has a head office, banquet hall and training campus in Oakville, and another training campus in Morrisburg.

For additional information contact:
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher
905-469-9299, ext. 2202

Special Called Meeting: Ratification vote meeting for the Provincial Collective Agreement

Written by Local 793 Staff

Dear Members: Your Union will be holding a ratification vote on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at the locations noted below for all members that: 1) are currently working under the Provincial Collective Agreement; and 2) may work under the Provincial Collective Agreement, but are not employed in any employment on May 20th. […]

Dear Members:

Your Union will be holding a ratification vote on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at the locations noted below for all members that:
1) are currently working under the Provincial Collective Agreement; and
2) may work under the Provincial Collective Agreement, but are not employed in any employment on May 20th.

The Provincial Collective Agreement applies to the following types of work:

◉ Crane & Equipment Rental
◉ Steel Erection and Mechanical Installations
◉ Foundation Piling and Caisson Boring
◉ Excavation
◉ General Construction
◉ Surveying (related to the above work)

Be sure you attend this important meeting and please notify as many of your fellow Brothers and Sisters as possible that currently work or may work under the Provincial Collective Agreement. Should you have any questions please contact your district Union office.

 

Fraternally yours,

Mike Gallagher,
Business Manager

Special Called Meeting: Ratification vote meeting for the Formwork Collective Agreement

Written by Local 793 Staff

Dear Members: Your Union will be holding a ratification vote on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. at the following two (2) locations: 1) Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Road, Oakville – beside the Holiday Inn. 2) IUOE Local 793, 4096 Meadowbrook Drive, Unit 115, London for all members that: 1) are currently working under the Formwork Collective […]

Dear Members:

Your Union will be holding a ratification vote on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. at the following two (2) locations:

1) Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Road, Oakville – beside the Holiday Inn.

2) IUOE Local 793, 4096 Meadowbrook Drive, Unit 115, London

for all members that:

1) are currently working under the Formwork Collective Agreement; and

2) may work under the Formwork Collective Agreement, but are not employed in any employment on May 20th.

Be sure you attend this important meeting and please notify as many of your fellow Brothers and Sisters as possible that currently work or may work under the Formwork Collective Agreement.

Should you have any questions please contact your district Union office.

Fraternally yours,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager

Response to letter from Operating Engineer Bargaining Agency

Written by Local 793 Staff

Re: Response to Letter from Operating Engineer Bargaining Agency Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am writing in response to the open letter sent to all employees by their employers who are working under the Provincial Collective Agreement. First off, I want to thank all members who came out to vote on the proposed Provincial Settlement […]

Re: Response to Letter from Operating Engineer Bargaining Agency

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am writing in response to the open letter sent to all employees by their employers who are working under the Provincial Collective Agreement.

First off, I want to thank all members who came out to vote on the proposed Provincial Settlement on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Having your voice heard by voting to either accept or reject an agreement is one of the most important jobs you have as a member every three years. In this case, the will of a majority of members was to reject the proposed settlement and proceed to strike with the goal of achieving an improved settlement. Though the settlement was a good settlement, with a 12.2% increase on wages and 5% per year increase on room and board, it was not good enough since the members rejected it by a strong majority.

As soon as the settlement was turned down on Sunday, May 1, 2022, I immediately advised the Employer Bargaining Agency. Since that first communication, I have connected with the Chair of the Employer bargaining daily to indicate the Union’s willingness to meet on short notice to recommence bargaining to achieve an improved settlement that the members of Local 793 can feel confident ratifying. My goal continues to be reaching an improved settlement and ending this strike.

On Tuesday, May 9, 2022, more than a week into the Provincial strike, the Chair of the Employer Committee requested the Union send a formal proposal to the Employer Bargaining Agency as a launching point for further discussions. After discussion and approval from the Union’s bargaining committee, I sent the Chair of the Employer Committee a revised proposal focusing on the three key areas of concern voiced by members throughout the province at the May 1, 2022, ratification vote. Those key areas are wages, room and board and parking. I firmly believe members who are sent by their employers to work away from home should have their hotels and meals paid for and not be out of pocket for these living expenses.

In my view, this request from the employers should have come on Monday, May 2.

I expected a response to that proposal by now and at minimum, an invitation to return to the bargaining table, but as of today I have not received notice that the employer’s wish to return to bargain an improved agreement. The minute the employer’s make such a request, me and my entire committee will return to the table. We are waiting on standby.

If the employers are serious about getting a deal done which will end this strike and are truly “committed to achieving an agreement that ensures you remain among the best compensated trades in the construction industry and is in keeping with and exceeding what other construction unions have been achieving in their ratified renewal agreements,” I would expect them to extend an invitation to return to the bargaining table right away. No one likes being on strike, least of all you, our members. We want to get you back to work and have been working to achieve that since the proposed settlement was rejected on Sunday, May 1, 2022. I will continue to call on the employers to come back to the table until we reach a deal.

I am incredibly proud to lead our members during this strike. You are united and firm in your belief that an improved deal can be achieved that will get you back to work while at the same time feeling fairly compensated with your importance to your employer and the construction industry as a whole.

In Solidarity,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager

Happy Mother’s Day from Local 793

Written by Local 793 Staff

Mother’s Day celebration is about honouring your mom, her motherhood, and the special role of moms in our lives. Seize the opportunity to thank her for all the love and work she put in through the years. Happy Mother’s Day from Local 793.

Mother’s Day celebration is about honouring your mom, her motherhood, and the special role of moms in our lives. Seize the opportunity to thank her for all the love and work she put in through the years.

Happy Mother’s Day from Local 793.