Month: March 2023

Brothers and Sisters, As a Local representing more than 18,000 crane and heavy equipment operators and other skilled workers in all sectors of the construction industry across the province of Ontario and the territory of Nunavut, the fight for safer workplaces remains our number one priority. On March 20th, 2023, 352 charges were laid in connection with an unlicensed crane inspection service under the name AJ Ontario Hoist Inspections in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The press release by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) can be found HERE. In order to ensure the […]

Brothers and Sisters,

As a Local representing more than 18,000 crane and heavy equipment operators and other skilled workers in all sectors of the construction industry across the province of Ontario and the territory of Nunavut, the fight for safer workplaces remains our number one priority.

On March 20th, 2023, 352 charges were laid in connection with an unlicensed crane inspection service under the name AJ Ontario Hoist Inspections in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The press release by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) can be found HERE.

In order to ensure the crane you’re operating is inspected by a licensed professional engineer or a firm holds a certificate of authorization (C of A), search the directories of practitioners (licence and C of A holders) at www.peo.on.ca

To report unlicensed individuals and unauthorized companies, contact PEO’s enforcement hotline at 416-840-1444 or 1-800-339-3716, ext. 1444, or email enforcement@peo.on.ca

We are all responsible for ensuring workplace safety and accident prevention. Stay aware, stay safe.

Fraternally yours,

Mike Gallagher,
Business Manager

Both the federal and provincial budgets released in late March commit billions of dollars to rebuilding Canada’s key infrastructure and transitioning to a clean economy. Taken together, the investments will provide plenty of work for Local 793 members well into the future. Among the commitments made by the federal Liberal government is the attaching of labour conditions to the $83 billion in clean investment tax credits it is providing up to 2035. This means that companies will need to pay wages that are at or above the prevailing Union rate […]

Both the federal and provincial budgets released in late March commit billions of dollars to rebuilding Canada’s key infrastructure and transitioning to a clean economy. Taken together, the investments will provide plenty of work for Local 793 members well into the future.

Among the commitments made by the federal Liberal government is the attaching of labour conditions to the $83 billion in clean investment tax credits it is providing up to 2035. This means that companies will need to pay wages that are at or above the prevailing Union rate and that registered apprentices perform at least 10% of the worked hours.

The budget also contains a pledge to prohibit the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout.

Provincially, the latest budget sets aside $184 billion over 10 years for major infrastructure projects, including $27.9 billion for highway expansion and rehabilitation projects, $70.5 billion for a massive expansion of Ontario’s transit system and $63 billion over 10 years to build and renew schools and hospitals.

Of particular interest to Local 793 and OETIO is the $224 million that has been made available to expand training centres, including Union training halls. Our objective has always been to develop training facilities at our planned hub offices, so this is funding we could certainly put to good use.

With plenty of work lined up for this season and lots more coming our way, these are positive times for the Union and our members.

Local 793 members are installing a 10-inch sewer line and a 1600 manhole for the Finch West LRT project on Finch Avenue West and Weston Road, York Region. Contractor: Green Infrastructure Partners  

Local 793 members are installing a 10-inch sewer line and a 1600 manhole for the Finch West LRT project on Finch Avenue West and Weston Road, York Region.

Contractor: Green Infrastructure Partners

Ontario’s 2023 budget represents good news for the construction industry, building on the government’s commitment to invest huge sums of money in key infrastructure, transport systems and training. Announced on Thursday, March 23, the budget sets aside $184 billion over 10 years for major infrastructure projects – an increase of nearly $25 billion on last year’s figure. With the construction industry facing a historic labour crunch, the government has also recognized the key role unions play in the recruitment and training of the next generation of skilled trades workers, with […]

Ontario’s 2023 budget represents good news for the construction industry, building on the government’s commitment to invest huge sums of money in key infrastructure, transport systems and training.

Announced on Thursday, March 23, the budget sets aside $184 billion over 10 years for major infrastructure projects – an increase of nearly $25 billion on last year’s figure.

With the construction industry facing a historic labour crunch, the government has also recognized the key role unions play in the recruitment and training of the next generation of skilled trades workers, with $224 million being added to the Skills Development Fund to build and upgrade training centres.

“Investing in the province’s critical infrastructure now will provide long-term employment for IUOE Local 793 members and position the province for future growth,” said Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher.

“The government’s platform to continue tackling affordability and the housing crisis is of particular importance to our members, who are on the front lines every day building the homes, hospitals, and roads that will not only allow the province to keep going but will also improve the lives of everyone who makes Ontario their home.

“The rebuilding of Ontario’s economy requires a highly skilled workforce to get it done, and that is why the government’s ongoing support of the industry’s efforts to recruit more people to the skilled trades and provide them the training they need to succeed is also so welcome.”

The main spending highlights contained in the 2023 Ontario budget include:

• $27.9 billion to support the planning and construction of highway expansion and rehabilitation projects such as Highway 413, a new 400-series highway and transportation corridor across Halton, Peel and York regions, the Bradford Bypass, a new four-lane freeway connecting Highway 400 in the County of Simcoe and Highway 404 in York Region, and the new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph.
• $70.5 billion for transit over the next 10 years, including continuing to transform the GO Transit rail network into a fully integrated rapid transit network; and the largest subway expansion in Canadian history that includes the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Yonge North Subway Extension and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.
• Over $48 billion in hospital infrastructure over the next 10 years.
• $15 billion in capital grants over 10 years to expand and renew schools.
• In the mining sector, an additional $6 million is being spent over two years in the Ontario Junior Exploration Program to help more companies search for potential mineral deposits and attract further investments. Work is also continuing to build the roads to the Ring of Fire.
• Providing $224 million in 2023–24 for a new capital stream of the Skills Development Fund to leverage private-sector expertise and expand training centres, including union training halls to provide more accessible, flexible training opportunities for workers.

A new training course that is being specifically tailored for IUOE organizers in each of the provinces was put through its paces in Oakville this week. Tapping into the experiences of organizers and staff from Locals across the country, the IUOE Canadian Region Organizing Course aims to distill that expertise into a three-day course that will give new organizers the skills they need to succeed in their roles. Attended by IUOE Canadian Regional Director Patrick Campbell, International Representative André Chenier and other subject matter experts from Local 793 and across […]

A new training course that is being specifically tailored for IUOE organizers in each of the provinces was put through its paces in Oakville this week.

Tapping into the experiences of organizers and staff from Locals across the country, the IUOE Canadian Region Organizing Course aims to distill that expertise into a three-day course that will give new organizers the skills they need to succeed in their roles.

Attended by IUOE Canadian Regional Director Patrick Campbell, International Representative André Chenier and other subject matter experts from Local 793 and across the country, the event was aimed at testing the course material and gathering feedback that will be used to inform the final product.

“At the request of all Canadian IUOE business managers and with the support of IUOE General President James T. Callahan, the Canadian Regional office set out to develop a comprehensive Canada-wide organizing course,” Campbell said.

“Under the direction of International Representative André Chenier, the province-specific course was developed on March 21 and 22 as organizing subject matter experts came together from across Canada to vet the draft course content to ensure all the necessary tools are available to grow the Canadian IUOE membership.

“I want to thank all the participants – as well as give a special thanks to Local 793 Business Manager Michael Gallagher for hosting this critically important event.”

The course content will cover elements such as the different labour laws that exist in each province, effective communication, and research techniques. Local 793’s successful organizing of the Baffinland mine in Nunavut will also be included as a real-world example of how to conduct an effective organizing drive.

Local 793 Director of Organizing Kyle Schutte predicted the new course will provide long-term benefits once it is rolled out across the country.

“We had seasoned organizers from across the country in attendance, including Local 793 Vice President Dave Turple. With a group like that, things just flow. The discussion alone provided the International with tremendous feedback that will surely help new hires for years to come.”

Brothers Marc Gauthier and Charles McConnell prepare the ground for new water infrastructure on Kukagami Lake Road in Sudbury. The project will allow the municipality to run the existing watermain underground approximately 600 metres along Kukagami Lake Road from Highway 17 and provide access to a reliable water source needed for future business expansion plans. Contractor: Garson Pipe

Brothers Marc Gauthier and Charles McConnell prepare the ground for new water infrastructure on Kukagami Lake Road in Sudbury.

The project will allow the municipality to run the existing watermain underground approximately 600 metres along Kukagami Lake Road from Highway 17 and provide access to a reliable water source needed for future business expansion plans.

Contractor: Garson Pipe

Dear Members: It has just come to my attention that an alleged con artist is facing over 350 charges and is accused as acting as an unlicensed engineer in Ontario. A significant portion of his illegal work related to the inspection of cranes. Jay Lawrence Harding operated his business under the name AJ Hoist Inspections. A copy of the news article can be found HERE. It is imperative that you immediately confirm with your employer the last time your crane was inspected and receive confirmation of the name and company […]

Dear Members:

It has just come to my attention that an alleged con artist is facing over 350 charges and is accused as acting as an unlicensed engineer in Ontario. A significant portion of his illegal work related to the inspection of cranes. Jay Lawrence Harding operated his business under the name AJ Hoist Inspections. A copy of the news article can be found HERE.

It is imperative that you immediately confirm with your employer the last time your crane was inspected and receive confirmation of the name and company that inspected your crane. If your employer refuses to provide you with this information, it is within your rights to refuse to operate the crane until such time as you can be assured your crane was not inspected by this fraudulent inspector.

If you determine that your crane was inspected by either Jay Lawrence Harding or AJ Hoist Inspections, please contact IUOE Local 793’s Director of Provincial Health and Safety Andrew Saunders at: asaunders@iuoelocal793.org or (289) 772-5987.

We all bear responsibility to be vigilant in ensuring our industry remains safe.

Fraternally,
Mike Gallagher,
Business Manager

Building the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, takes a lot of heavy lifting. Although two Comansa tower cranes have been the most visible throughout most of the project, many other cranes play vital roles in building the bridge. IUOE, Local 793 has 60 to 80 of its Operating Engineers working on the project at any given time, with an expected increase in demand for skilled tradespeople throughout the season. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2024. Watch the video below to see IUOE […]

Building the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, takes a lot of heavy lifting.

Although two Comansa tower cranes have been the most visible throughout most of the project, many other cranes play vital roles in building the bridge. IUOE, Local 793 has 60 to 80 of its Operating Engineers working on the project at any given time, with an expected increase in demand for skilled tradespeople throughout the season.

Construction is expected to be completed by November 2024.

Watch the video below to see IUOE Local 793 members hard at work and the project’s progression this month.