Month: January 2024

Work zones are an essential part of keeping transportation infrastructure in good repair. However, how you drive in work zones can be the difference between workers staying safe on the job or suffering an injury or being killed. Going too fast, or driving distracted or aggressively, can cause rear-end collisions and other crashes. And, if […]

Work zones are an essential part of keeping transportation infrastructure in good repair. However, how you drive in work zones can be the difference between workers staying safe on the job or suffering an injury or being killed.

Going too fast, or driving distracted or aggressively, can cause rear-end collisions and other crashes. And, if you’re not paying attention, you could hit – or be hit – by vehicles and equipment working in the zone.

It’s critical that all road users approach work zones with caution and do their part to keep the road safe for everyone. Everyone deserves to get home safe!

IUOE Local 793 stands as a dedicated advocate for the protection of all workers involved in building and maintaining Ontario. The importance of this mission cannot be overstated, emphasizing that safety is not a matter of chance – it’s a deliberate choice that each person must make.

Did you know that a recent survey found 5.2% of Canadians aged 15 and up had suffered from some form of anxiety and that just half of those struggling were able to get the help they needed? With Canadians paying $195 million out of pocket every year on psychologists in private practice, the costs involved […]

Did you know that a recent survey found 5.2% of Canadians aged 15 and up had suffered from some form of anxiety and that just half of those struggling were able to get the help they needed?

With Canadians paying $195 million out of pocket every year on psychologists in private practice, the costs involved with accessing services can act as a barrier to those seeking help. However, as a member of Local 793’s Life and Health Benefits Plan, the help you or a loved one requires is only a phone call away.

With coverage provided for psychological assessments and other services such as behavioural therapy and immediate assistance offered through Members Health, the Operating Engineers Benefits Administration Corporation (OEBAC) will be behind you every step of the way on your journey to mental wellbeing.

For a full list of covered mental health services, log in to the Union website and download a copy of your benefits booklet.

Local 793-sponsored boxers Mohamed “Mighty Moe” Zawadi and Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki are planning to make 2024 a year to remember. Zawadi has been in training for his next pro fight, taking place this weekend, and Rozicki’s camp has been busy angling for a world title shot. Barrie-born Zawadi, a four-time national champion and Canada […]

Local 793-sponsored boxers Mohamed “Mighty Moe” Zawadi and Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki are planning to make 2024 a year to remember. Zawadi has been in training for his next pro fight, taking place this weekend, and Rozicki’s camp has been busy angling for a world title shot.

Barrie-born Zawadi, a four-time national champion and Canada Games gold medallist as an amateur, enjoyed a productive 2023, improving his pro record to 7-1 after victories against Jesus Arriaga and Gregory Miller.

The 22-year-old now faces southpaw Alejandro Lopez on the IBC Championship card at the River Cree Resort Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta, on Saturday, January 20. His opponent, from Ciudad Acuna on the Mexico-Texas border, has a 5-4-1 record and hasn’t fought since suffering a TKO loss to Jesus Arriaga on his last outing in May.

“My training has been going very well,” Zawadi told IUOE Local 793. “I recently re-located to Toronto, and I’ve been getting the best workout. It’s really been upping my game and my skills, and I can’t wait to fight in front of all my supporters this Saturday.”

The fight is available on pay-per-view and can be purchased on fite.tv: https://bit.ly/3SljaSm

Zawadi’s father, Mark, three uncles and a cousin are all members of Local 793.

“Local 793 has been a huge help and a big part of my professional career,” Zawadi said. “They have been supportive of me since Day One. In 2024, I plan to make big moves, have a belt wrapped around my waist and become world ranked.”

Rozicki, who channels the legendary Jack Dempsey when inside the ring, took a giant step towards becoming WBC cruiserweight world champion after he scored his 20th career win in last December’s first-round technical knockout (TKO) of Olanrewaju Durodola – a victory that secured him mandatory challenger status in the division.

Just three months earlier, Rozicki had won the WBC NABF North American title with a 10th round knockout of Alante Green, in what was ranked one of the fights of the year.

Talks are now well underway between Rozicki’s camp and cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian’s manager Don King to work out the details of a title fight in May.

“I’m not sure where it will be yet, but the fight is on, for sure,” Rozicki said. “His best chance to beat me is to box and use the ring to try to stay away from me and beat me in the long stretch or on points. That’s the kind of style we have been training for, but if he wants to stand and fight that’s something I’m always ready for – that’s my style.”

While trying to predict the future is never wise for a boxer, Rozicki is planning to be an active world champion.

“The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds and we’ve tried to plan back-to-back fights before and things haven’t worked out because of injuries and concussions and things like that. This is a pretty serious fight, so we’ll see what kind of state I’m in after the fight.

“If everything goes to plan and I knock him out in the first round then I’ll be fighting again right away within the month – that’s my ideal plan!”

Rozicki, who hails from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, but fights out of Hamilton, is the son of Local 793 Baffinland site rep, Bobby Currie.

Rozicki believes having the Union in his corner has helped him on his long road to the top.

“It has been a big help,” he said. “Sparring partners cost a lot because I’m at the level now where I can’t just spar against anyone, I have to fly in guys from England or the States to spar with me and they have to be paid.

“Food is also pricey – it’s like a race car, right, you don’t just fill it up at the local gas station, you have to get the best. So, when it comes to food, I have to buy all that organic stuff and it’s expensive. All of those costs add up and sponsorship is the key to even be able to do these training camps.”

Follow Moe on Instagram @moeezawadi
Follow Ryan on Instagram @ryan_rozicki

Due to the significant traffic volume on numerous highways, conducting work zone activities during daylight hours poses challenges due to disruptions in traffic flow and heightened risks for both workers and the traveling public. Consequently, a number of highway maintenance projects are being scheduled during off-peak hours, especially at night, to relieve the issues associated […]

Due to the significant traffic volume on numerous highways, conducting work zone activities during daylight hours poses challenges due to disruptions in traffic flow and heightened risks for both workers and the traveling public.

Consequently, a number of highway maintenance projects are being scheduled during off-peak hours, especially at night, to relieve the issues associated with working in traffic.

Whether workers are on-site or not, it is important to exercise caution when driving through work zones at night. The dangers of road construction zones are further compounded by reduced visibility and a higher rate of drowsy drivers during nighttime hours.

To maintain the safety of everyone on the road, drivers should keep the following safety tips in mind when driving through a work zone:

• Stay alert
• Pay attention to road signs
• Merge properly
• Be patient

IUOE Local 793 is a dedicated advocate for protecting all workers involved in building and maintaining Ontario. Safety is not a matter of chance – it’s a deliberate choice that each person must make.

The Ontario government’s recent overhaul of crane regulations reflects a significant commitment from all partners in the crane sector to keep crane operators and the general public safe says the head of the crane workers union. Various crane-related provisions of O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) and others under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) […]

The Ontario government’s recent overhaul of crane regulations reflects a significant commitment from all partners in the crane sector to keep crane operators and the general public safe says the head of the crane workers union.

Various crane-related provisions of O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) and others under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) were updated as of Jan. 1 to improve crane safety on construction sites.

The changes include new installation, inspection and record-keeping regulations, some of which have been called for by crane safety advocates since 2008, said Mike Gallagher, business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793.

“I think they’re very significant changes,” said Gallagher.

“It’s a fairly good overhaul of the regulations. I mean, the real deep dive was done by industry, including employers and the union and engineers.”

To read more, CLICK HERE

In Ontario, it’s against the law to operate hand-held communication and electronic entertainment devices while you’re driving. Texting behind the steering wheel can have deadly consequences. Research has found that a distracted driver is 29 times more likely to cause an accident or near accident in a work zone. Even losing your concentration for two […]

In Ontario, it’s against the law to operate hand-held communication and electronic entertainment devices while you’re driving. Texting behind the steering wheel can have deadly consequences.

Research has found that a distracted driver is 29 times more likely to cause an accident or near accident in a work zone. Even losing your concentration for two seconds doubles your risk of being involved in an accident. This is because when you text and drive, you become distracted in three ways: visually, manually and cognitively. You’re taking your eyes off the road to look at your phone screen, you’re taking at least one hand off the wheel to type and you’re also thinking about something other than driving.

With sudden starts and stops, lane changes and other potential hazards to contend with – including workers and heavy machinery – protect yourself and others by leaving your phone alone when travelling through a work zone.

IUOE Local 793 is a dedicated advocate for protecting all workers involved in building and maintaining Ontario. Safety is not a matter of chance – it’s a deliberate choice that each person must make.

Upgrade your skills this winter by enrolling in a training course at the IUOE International Training and Education Center (ITEC) in Crosby, Texas. Upgrading your skills is often the best way to increase wages and improve job security, while also promoting a safer jobsite environment. There are hundreds of courses offered throughout the year, including: […]

Upgrade your skills this winter by enrolling in a training course at the IUOE International Training and Education Center (ITEC) in Crosby, Texas. Upgrading your skills is often the best way to increase wages and improve job security, while also promoting a safer jobsite environment.

There are hundreds of courses offered throughout the year, including: Crane Operations, GPS Machine Control Training and Pipeline Operations.

For a full list of available ITEC courses and to register, CLICK HERE

As a Local 793 member in good standing, your training, airfare, airport transfers to and from the Training Center, meals, and accommodation expenses are fully covered.

All registration for classes through the ITEC must be completed on their website. Registration must be completed at least one month (4 weeks) in advance of the class you are interested in.

Registration does not mean you are approved. Once your registration is processed you will be notified via email through ITEC whether or not you’ve been approved along with further instruction regarding travel.

Built by IUOE members for members on the outskirts of Houston, ITEC is the largest and most comprehensive training facility for Union operating and stationary engineers in North America.

As we embark on a new year, let’s carry forward the invaluable commitment to safety while driving through work zones. 2024 presents an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to road safety, especially in areas undergoing construction or maintenance. Let’s make a conscious decision in 2024 to: Stay Alert: Remain vigilant and focused while approaching work […]

As we embark on a new year, let’s carry forward the invaluable commitment to safety while driving through work zones. 2024 presents an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to road safety, especially in areas undergoing construction or maintenance.

Let’s make a conscious decision in 2024 to:

Stay Alert: Remain vigilant and focused while approaching work zones. Eliminate distractions and stay mindful of changing road conditions.

Adhere to Speed Limits: Respect posted speed limits within work zones. Reduced speeds are implemented for the safety of both workers and drivers.

Follow Signs and Instructions: Pay close attention to signage and obey instructions from flaggers or construction personnel. Their guidance ensures a smooth and safe passage.

Together, let’s make 2024 a year marked by responsible and conscientious driving, ensuring safety in work zones.

IUOE Local 793 is a dedicated advocate for protecting all workers involved in building and maintaining Ontario. Safety is not a matter of chance – it’s a deliberate choice that each person must make.

Local 793 members are being reminded to make sure their Defence Assessments are up to date. Payments for 2024 were due on January 1, 2024. It is the members’ responsibility to ensure their Defence Assessment is up to date. The annual assessment is $30. Members can make payments in several ways. For example: Members can pay business […]

Local 793 members are being reminded to make sure their Defence Assessments are up to date. Payments for 2024 were due on January 1, 2024. It is the members’ responsibility to ensure their Defence Assessment is up to date.

The annual assessment is $30.

Members can make payments in several ways. For example:

• Members can pay business representatives.
• Members can make payments in person at head office or any district office. Payments must be made by credit card, debit or cheque. Offices do not accept cash.
• Members can login to the members section of the union website by clicking here and make a payment.
• Members can mail payments to head office at 2245 Speers Road, Oakville, Ont., L6L 6X8. When mailing a payment, please ensure it is marked on the envelope as a “Defence Assessment Payment.” The cheque should be made payable to IUOE Local 793.

The fund provides money for the “defence of actions commenced in labour disputes against the local, its officers or members,” according to the bylaws.

The fund is administered by a committee comprised of the business manager, president, recording-corresponding secretary, one other officer selected by the executive board, and five other members who represent different regions of the province as determined by the executive board.

Money in the fund is used to help defray costs incurred by the union as a result of a labour dispute, including strikes or lockouts, and any legal and other fees and expenses incurred in the defence of interests of Local 793.

The account of the defence fund is audited annually by a chartered accountant.

If you have any questions, please call the dues department at head office at 905-469-9299.