Business Manager Mike Gallagher was met with a standing ovation from members as he concluded his report to the General Membership meeting at the OE Banquet and Conference Centre in Oakville on Sunday, March 24. Brother Gallagher had just shared with the assembled members the news that an increase in pension benefits has been approved […]
Business Manager Mike Gallagher was met with a standing ovation from members as he concluded his report to the General Membership meeting at the OE Banquet and Conference Centre in Oakville on Sunday, March 24.
Brother Gallagher had just shared with the assembled members the news that an increase in pension benefits has been approved by the Pension Board of Trustees.
Effective January 1, 2024, the accrual rate – that is the rate at which active members build their pension pot – will increase from 12% to 13.5% for contributions for work months on or after that date.
Retired members also receive a boost as, effective May 1, 2024, all benefits earned up to January 1, 2024, will be increased by 4%.
Members who are entitled to benefits from the Plan as of May 1, 2024 – whether they’re pensioners, active or inactive members – will benefit from the increase. The latest rise is in addition to the 6% increase that came into effect last September.
After the applause had died down, Brother Gallagher said the strength of the Local 793 Pension Plan and the Union’s surging membership has allowed for the latest increases.
He told Sunday’s meeting, “The Trustees have agreed, and the actuary confirms, that we can make this announcement now.
“We haven’t forgotten our active members who are out there putting on their boots every day going out to work: for the first time in a long time, we have been able to improve the accrual rate, so every hour the member is out there working they will be accumulating pension faster, so that when the time comes they will have a good pension waiting for them.”
For more details on the Pension increase, visit the members’ website portal HERE
Brother Gallagher, who confirmed he would be seeking an eighth term as Business Manager in the August election, informed members that the Union is heavily engaged in defending the rights of members by taking several jurisdiction disputes to the Ontario Labour Relations Board. While Local 793 Labour Relations manager Melissa Atkins-Mahaney reported that her team had been racking up win after win at the Board, he insisted the Union would continue to fight its corner against all comers.
A key weapon in the Union’s arsenal, he said, was an expanded Organizing team, which is now 15 strong.
Another success story for the Union is the soon to be constructed district office and training centre in Oro-Medonte for members in the Barrie area.
Bird Construction sent engineers Ibrahim Elbarbary and Ahmed Elkhouly to provide insight on the $25 million project, which is due to open in 2026. The build includes office space, classrooms, a shop, simulator room and a banquet centre able to cater to 250 people.
Brother Gallagher noted that the Union is taking on no debt to pay for the build and that “the Local will never be put at risk under my watch.”
The new facility is just part of a bright future for the Union, with Brother Gallagher also restating his desire to grow the Local to more than 30,000 members and to build new district offices in Sarnia, Sudbury, Hamilton and Thunder Bay should he be elected to another term.
Brother Gallagher acknowledged the honourary lifetime members in attendance on Sunday and especially former President Joe Redshaw, attending his first General Membership meeting since retiring at the end of 2023, when he was succeeded by Dave Turple.
Local 793’s Business Manager then signed off by acknowledging the members.
He said, “I know how hard you all work and for us to step in and help our members, whether it is with the SUB plan or negotiating top agreements within the trades or improving the pension or benefit plans, that is what the Union is doing. We are there for you and your family and will continue to be there.”
Area delegates delivered their reports during Saturday’s meeting, which was of particular note for including a representative from Nunavut for the first time – with Baffinland steward Erich Wittig selected to make the trip south.
Across the weekend, reports were also given by Provincial Director of Health and Safety Andrew Saunders, Labour Relations Manager Atkins-Mahaney and Treasurer and OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr, who kept the good news coming. Brother Kerr’s Financial Report painted a picture of a Union in great shape, while the Training Report also showed that OETIO is expanding and providing members more training than ever before.
