Operating Engineers Praised by Politicians

Written by Local 793 Staff

The work of Local 793 and the Operating Engineers was praised by Premier Kathleen Wynne and Labour Minister Kevin Flynn at the 56th Canadian Conference of the International Union of Operating Engineers held at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Premier Wynne said the local was “very instrumental” in convincing Ontarians that the Liberals were the right party in the spring provincial election. “You supported us in every area of the province,” she said. Wynne also acknowledged the work that the Operating Engineers do in training apprentices and working with […]

The work of Local 793 and the Operating Engineers was praised by Premier Kathleen Wynne and Labour Minister Kevin Flynn at the 56th Canadian Conference of the International Union of Operating Engineers held at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.

Premier Wynne said the local was “very instrumental” in convincing Ontarians that the Liberals were the right party in the spring provincial election.

“You supported us in every area of the province,” she said.

Wynne also acknowledged the work that the Operating Engineers do in training apprentices and working with First Nations communities, something that’s top of mind as she deals with Ottawa over the problems faced by Aboriginal youth in northern Ontario.

Labour Minister Flynn, who is MPP for Oakville, said Local 793 has had a tremendous impact on the community – as well as on an orphanage in Kenya thousands of miles away.

He told the audience that a few years back he committed to getting a bulldozer to an orphanage in Kenya and spoke to Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher about the idea.

Just three minutes into a presentation, Gallagher and the union officers said they would do it, he recalled. The union then went about raising money to send the bulldozer to Kenya.

Meanwhile, Flynn noted, the Operating Engineers have given a lot back to the community.

“You continue to build on the generations of hard work that make the province what it is.”

The premier and labour minister both spoke about the importance of unions in building Ontario and the intention of the Liberals to invest in infrastructure.

Premier Wynne said the Conservatives were undermining organized labour in the last provincial election and unions had to band together to put a stop to it.

“I believe in organized labour and the gains they have made over the decades,” she noted.

Wynne said the province will be investing $130 billion into Ontario’s aging infrastructure over the next 10 years and she hopes the federal government will also step up to the plate.

“Since 2003 we have been catching up and our commitment is we will continue to make those investments.”

Labour Minister Flynn said while investing in infrastructure, the province is also committed to ensuring that workers go home from work safely every day.

He noted there’s a lot more work to be done to bring the construction fatality rate to zero and, in order to accomplish that, the province needs a mix of enforcement and prevention.

Flynn also told the audience that the province is still committed to making traning mandatory for operators of rotary drill rigs.

He said substantial progress has been made in developing a standard and the province is continuing to consult with Local 793 on the issue.

“It is my commitment to you that we will push this over the finish line in a way that you can be proud of.”

Challenges on the Horizon: Gallagher

Written by Local 793 Staff

The future looks bright for Operating Engineers across the country but there are challenges on the horizon. That was the message delivered by Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher on Aug. 25 at the 56th Canadian Conference of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Toronto. “Moving forward we have some significant challenges ahead of us,” he said in opening remarks at the event. One of those challenges, he noted, is the right-wing agenda of the federal Conservative government. Gallagher, who was president of the Conference, said the Operating Engineers […]

The future looks bright for Operating Engineers across the country but there are challenges on the horizon.

That was the message delivered by Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher on Aug. 25 at the 56th Canadian Conference of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Toronto.

“Moving forward we have some significant challenges ahead of us,” he said in opening remarks at the event.

One of those challenges, he noted, is the right-wing agenda of the federal Conservative government.

Gallagher, who was president of the Conference, said the Operating Engineers should be concerned because the Tories are intent on destroying unions and passed 11 anti-union resolutions at their convention last year in Calgary.

One of those resolutions called for a law that would allow unionized workers to opt out of paying dues to support political activism while another stated that mandatory union membership – and mandatory dues – limit the economic freedom of Canadians.

With a federal election set for next year, Gallagher encouraged business managers across the country to step up the campaign against the Conservatives.

He noted that unions are dealing with a prime minister that’s established and it won’t be as easy as some people think to uproot Stephen Harper.

Gallagher said that some locals across the country – including Local 793 – have passed resolutions to contribute to a federal political action campaign and he urged others to follow suit.

“This is a very, very important initiative,” he said. “It’s going to be vitally important to our future in Canada.”

Gallagher told the audience that the Working Families Coalition was recently successful in ensuring Tim Hudak was not elected in Ontario.

He said that Hudak got some of his ideas from Conservative Grover Norquist in the U.S. and, had the election swung in favour of the Conservatives, it would have had a domino effect that would have continued across the country.

The province was facing a “bleak future” under then Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak because his vision was an Ontario without labour unions, Gallagher said.

During the campaign, Local 793 freed up business reps to knock on doors and put up signs – and it paid dividends, he said.

The outcome, he said, is that “we are going to be building and building union here in Ontario, incuding the Ring of Fire.”

As for other challenges, Gallagher said the Operating Engineers must continue to meet labour demands with work picking up in the pipeline and energy sectors.

“We have seen work in Ontario that we haven’t seen in quite some time.”

He noted that training centres across the country must continue to turn out new operators and locals have to keep recruiting youth.

“We have to really get at it in terms of training. We need to have the 28 to 35 year olds come on in and train for the future.”

Gallagher noted there is reason for optimism, as the Operating Engineers in Canada are growing and will continue to grow.

He also said the Canadian IUOE office is close to reaching a statement of partnership with Aboriginal communities in Canada.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) agreed in principle last November to enter into a statement of partnership with the IUOE but reached a hiccup when the AFN chief stepped down.

A new leader will be chosen in December and Gallagher said he is hoping the statement will be signed then, resulting in a partnership with the AFN.

“That will be a good thing because we’ll be respected and trusted a little bit more,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Gallagher said, a Remote Learning Centre which was opened recently in Neskantaga is an example of how the Operating Engineers can work with Aboriginal communities. Local 793 supported the centre and the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario will be providing e-learning opportunities to Aboriginals via the centre.

“There’s no reason we can’t replicate that in every territory and every province if it works,” said Gallagher. “I was very proud we got to be pioneers and were able to do that.”

IUOE general president James T. Callahan and IUOE general secretary-treasurer Brian E. Hickey also spoke at the conference.

Callahan reported that the financial status of the International is in great shape both in the U.S. and Canada.

He also noted that the International is available to help Canadian locals, as the issues they face are often the same as those faced by locals south of the border.

“I don’t see a border when it comes to Operating Engineers. As far as I’m concerned it makes no difference.”

Fighting the right-to-work movement in Ontario is no different than in Ohio, he noted. “It’s a battle we will fight to the end.”

General secretary-treasurer Hickey said the fact that the IUOE is in great shape is “great news” that is worth repeating.

With membership on the uptake in Canada, the country is doing a large part to keep the International whole, he said.

Union Members Invited to Design Emblem

Written by Local 793 Staff

Union members are being invited to design an emblem for Local 793. “This is a very special year for our union, as we are celebrating our 95th anniversary,” said Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher. “I believe that a competition to design a union emblem is a good way to stir up interest in the history of our proud union and get members and their families involved.” The competition is open to all Local 793 members in good standing, along with their children and grandchildren. Deadline for submissions is Dec. […]

Union members are being invited to design an emblem for Local 793.

“This is a very special year for our union, as we are celebrating our 95th anniversary,” said Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher. “I believe that a competition to design a union emblem is a good way to stir up interest in the history of our proud union and get members and their families involved.”

The competition is open to all Local 793 members in good standing, along with their children and grandchildren.

Deadline for submissions is Dec. 31, 2014.

The prize is $1,000.

The winner will be announced at the union’s general membership meeting on Sunday, March, 22, 2015 in the union’s banquet hall, 2245 Speers Rd., Oakville.

The emblem will be used on future promotional items that are distributed by Local 793.

Gallagher encouraged union members, their children and grandchildren to get involved in the competition and send in their best emblem designs.

“Our local is one of the largest and most respected construction unions in the province,” he said. “I hope that members and their families participate in this competition.”

Emblems can be emailed to executive@iuoelocal793.org. JPG, PDF or EPS files are preferred.

Emblems can also be mailed to:

Union Emblem Competition
IUOE Local 793
2245 Speers Road
Oakville, Ontario, L6L 6X8

Please include your name, phone number and union registration number when submitting an emblem.

Important Announcement for Local 793 Apprentices

Written by Local 793 Staff

On April 8, 2013, the Ontario College of Trades assumed responsibility for the regulation of apprenticeship training in the province from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. As part of this transition, apprentices who signed a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) in Ontario before April 8, 2013, are now legally required to renew their membership with the Ontario College of Trades by April 8, 2014. This is so they can maintain their employment and their Registered Training Agreement as well as continue their training as an apprentice. Membership in the […]

On April 8, 2013, the Ontario College of Trades assumed responsibility for the regulation of apprenticeship training in the province from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As part of this transition, apprentices who signed a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) in Ontario before April 8, 2013, are now legally required to renew their membership with the Ontario College of Trades by April 8, 2014.

This is so they can maintain their employment and their Registered Training Agreement as well as continue their training as an apprentice.

Membership in the College includes a renewal fee of $60 plus HST that supports its ability to enforce regulations that help protect the public and promote confidence in the skilled trades.

Payments can be made:

  • By phone at (toll free) 1-855-299-0028, or (in the GTA) 647-847-3000
  • At a chartered bank or credit union, please allow for up to five (5) business days for processing.
  • In-person at the College (Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.), suite 600 – 655 Bay Street, Toronto, Ont., M5G 2K4.

The College is an industry-driven, professional regulatory body that protects the public by regulating and promoting the skilled trades. One of the main responsibilities of the College is to ensure that individuals performing the skills of compulsory trades have the training and certification required to legally practice this trade in Ontario.

Schedule of 95th Anniversary Events

Written by Local 793 Staff

Following is a list of events being held across the province in 2014 to mark the 95th anniversary of Local 793: May 3 Thunder Bay An entertainment day will be held at The Sports Dome, 141 Northern Avenue on Saturday, May 3. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. June 21 OETIO Morrisburg A family picnic and rodeo for members and their families is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at the OETIO campus in Morrisburg. Start time of the event has yet to be determined. The event will feature […]

Following is a list of events being held across the province in 2014 to mark the 95th anniversary of Local 793:

May 3
Thunder Bay
An entertainment day will be held at The Sports Dome, 141 Northern Avenue on Saturday, May 3. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m.

June 21
OETIO Morrisburg
A family picnic and rodeo for members and their families is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at the OETIO campus in Morrisburg. Start time of the event has yet to be determined. The event will feature activities for both members and their children.

June 22
Timmins
A barbecue for members and their families is scheduled for Sunday, June 22 at the Rapid Fire Paintball Park, 200 Feldman Rd, Timmins. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

July 13
Toronto & Hamilton
A picnic for members and their families will be held Sunday, July 13, at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Dr., Oakville. Start time has yet to be determined.

July 13
Sudbury
A barbecue for members and their families will be held Sunday, July 13 at the Warren Fairground on Berube Street in Warren. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Aug. 2
Sarnia
A picnic for members and their families will be held Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Suncor Recreation Centre, 2257 Lakeshore Road in Bright’s Grove. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. Activities will include swimming, clowns, horse drawn wagon rides and garden tractor train rides. A barbeque will be held serving sausages, hamburgers and hotdogs.

August 9
Windsor
A picnic will be held for members and their families on Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Rd. E. in Windsor. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature clowns and facepainting for the children.

Aug. 16
London
A family picnic will be held for members and their families on Saturday, Aug. 16 at East Park, 1275 Hamilton Rd. in London. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature hot dogs, hamburgers, potato chips, salads and a variety of drinks. Entertainment will include go-karts, a water slide, mini golf, batting cage and rock climbing.

August 24
Sault Ste. Marie
A barbecue for members and their families will be held Sunday, Aug. 24 at Farmer Bob’s Farm, 943 Landslide Rd, Sault Ste. Marie. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 6.
Toronto
A dinner dance will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.

Local 793 Members Profiled in SAY Magazine

Written by Local 793 Staff

Articles about training opportunities offered by Local 793 and the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) to First Nations peoples were published in a February education guide produced by SAY Magazine. The magazine is distributed to First Nations communities across Canada and the U.S. The articles profiled a number of First Nations apprentices and operators who are members of Local 793, and gave readers an overview of the instruction offered at the OETIO campuses in Oakville and Morrisburg. Click here to view the articles

Articles about training opportunities offered by Local 793 and the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) to First Nations peoples were published in a February education guide produced by SAY Magazine. The magazine is distributed to First Nations communities across Canada and the U.S. The articles profiled a number of First Nations apprentices and operators who are members of Local 793, and gave readers an overview of the instruction offered at the OETIO campuses in Oakville and Morrisburg.

Click here to view the articles

Training Minister Speaks at Fundraiser

Written by Local 793 Staff

Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Brad Duguid says the provincial Liberal government wants to work with labour unions and young people to build a better Ontario. He told an audience in Local 793’s banquet hall Jan. 23 that the Conservatives, meanwhile, are intent on destroying unions. “The Conservatives decided they want to declare war on labour and we can’t let that happen,” he said. Duguid was guest speaker at a fundraiser for Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. In his remarks, he said the provincial Liberals have worked hard to create a […]

Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Brad Duguid says the provincial Liberal government wants to work with labour unions and young people to build a better Ontario.

He told an audience in Local 793’s banquet hall Jan. 23 that the Conservatives, meanwhile, are intent on destroying unions.

“The Conservatives decided they want to declare war on labour and we can’t let that happen,” he said.

Duguid was guest speaker at a fundraiser for Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn.

In his remarks, he said the provincial Liberals have worked hard to create a good labour relations climate in Ontario, yet Conservative leader Tim Hudak is intent on destroying that.

Duguid told the audience that if Hudak is elected, labour would go back to the days of Mike Harris and protests on the front law of Queen’s Park.

By contrast, he noted, the Liberals want to “go forward” with labour and young people.

Duguid said the Liberals will stand up for labour and not let the Conservatives drive down wages.

He also spoke about the track record of the provincial Liberals in creating jobs for young people.

He said 6,463 young people have found jobs over the past four and a half years thanks to the Youth Employment Fund, and the program is well on its way to reaching the goal of 24,000.

“We are proud of the fact what we’ve developed here is working.”

The Fund is part of the government’s new Youth Jobs Strategy, which is helping young people across the province get work experience, start a business or build job skills.

Duguid said the provincial government is creating jobs by investing in the education system and Ontario is leading the world when it comes to post-secondary education.

He noted that the corporate tax rate in Ontario is the lowest in North America and, as a result, has helped attract 435,000 jobs to the province since the recession.

He said the Liberal government’s economic plan entails investing in people while the NDP plan is to tax corporations.

Meanwhile, he said, the so-called Million Jobs Plan proposed by Hudak would actually take away job creation and result in jobs being cut in education and health care.

“That’s wrong-headed. It’s bad economics and bad for our community.”

Oakville MPP Flynn told the audience that people keep telling the provincial government to be fiscally responsible and control spending, but also to keep investing in infrastructure.

He said the province is doing that through its economic plan for growth.

Construction Sites Focus of Winter Safety Blitz

Written by Local 793 Staff

Ontario has launched a province-wide safety blitz of construction projects at commercial and industrial facilities to ensure they have the proper protections in place to keep workers safe. In January, Ministry of Labour inspectors are inspecting a range of workplaces across Ontario that are undergoing major renovations, repairs or additions. The inspectors are focused on making sure: Workers are protected from airborne substances, hazardous materials and extreme noise levels. Workers are protected when equipment and hazardous materials are stored and moved. Personal protective equipment is available and that workers are […]

Ontario has launched a province-wide safety blitz of construction projects at commercial and industrial facilities to ensure they have the proper protections in place to keep workers safe.

In January, Ministry of Labour inspectors are inspecting a range of workplaces across Ontario that are undergoing major renovations, repairs or additions.

The inspectors are focused on making sure:

  • Workers are protected from airborne substances, hazardous materials and extreme noise levels.
  • Workers are protected when equipment and hazardous materials are stored and moved.
  • Personal protective equipment is available and that workers are trained on its use.
  • Emergency contingency plans are in place and communicated to workers and others at the workplace.

The blitz is part of the province’s Safe at Work Ontario strategy.

Labour Minister Yasir Naqvi said building a culture of health and safety is good for workers and the economy.

“These safety blitzes are a key part of our constant focus on protecting all workers in the workplace and making sure they go home to their families at the end of the day.”

Chief Prevention Officer George Gritziotis said workers can be exposed to construction hazards created by high noise levels, construction traffic and dangerous substances such as asbestos, lead and silica.

“We’re working to improve the health and safety of workers in Ontario,” he said.

Since 2008, ministry inspectors have conducted 59 inspection blitzes and 345,000 field visits.

Changes Announced to Executive Board

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of changes to the executive of the union. The changes were prompted by the resignation of financial secretary John W. Anderson who is leaving to take up a new position and challenge as an administrator at Global Benefits. A meeting of the union officers was held Jan. 3 to appoint a replacement. In accordance with Article XXIV, Subdivision 1, Section F of the union’s Constitution, the officers voted unanimously to appoint Rick Kerr as financial secretary. He had been vice-president. […]

L to R are: executive board member Ron Hillis, executive board member Robert Turpin, treasurer Alex Law, business manager Mike Gallagher, executive board member Bob McQueen, president Joe Redshaw, executive board member Joel Collens, financial secretary Rick Kerr, executive board member Dave Turple, recording-corresponding secretary Brian Alexander, and executive board member Bill Boyle.

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of changes to the executive of the union.

The changes were prompted by the resignation of financial secretary John W. Anderson who is leaving to take up a new position and challenge as an administrator at Global Benefits.

A meeting of the union officers was held Jan. 3 to appoint a replacement.

In accordance with Article XXIV, Subdivision 1, Section F of the union’s Constitution, the officers voted unanimously to appoint Rick Kerr as financial secretary. He had been vice-president.

The officers also voted to:

  • Appoint Joe Dowdall as vice-president. He had been recording-corresponding secretary.
  • Appoint Brian Alexander as recording-corresponding secretary. He had been an executive board member.
  • Appoint David Turple as an executive board member.

The officers were sworn in at an executive board meeting Jan. 13.

Article VII of Local 793’s bylaws state that if a vacancy occurs in any office or on the executive board, it shall be filled in accordance with Article XXIV, subdivision 1, section f of the Constitution.

Following is the executive of the union:

Business Manager
Mike Gallagher

President
Joe Redshaw

Vice President
Joe Dowdall

Treasurer
Alex Law

Financial Secretary
Rick Kerr

Recording-Corresponding Secretary
Brian Alexander

Executive Board
Dave Turple
Bill Boyle
Joel Collens
Ron Hillis
Bob McQueen
Robert Turpin

Auditors
Steve Deady
Robbie Hierons
John Monti

Trustees
Andre Chenier
Jonathan Sprung
Robert Taddei

Guard
Shane McComb

Conductor
Brad Sisler

Photos Sought for Commemorative Publication

Written by Local 793 Staff

2014 is the 95th anniversary year of Local 793. To mark the occasion we will be producing a special commemorative publication later this year. We are looking for photos from the past that we can print in the publication. We are also looking for recollections or stories that members might have about the union that we can use as part of the narrative. If you have any material that could be included in the publication, please send it to Director of Communications Grant Cameron via email at gcameron@iuoelocal793.org. You can […]

2014 is the 95th anniversary year of Local 793.

To mark the occasion we will be producing a special commemorative publication later this year.

We are looking for photos from the past that we can print in the publication. We are also looking for recollections or stories that members might have about the union that we can use as part of the narrative.

If you have any material that could be included in the publication, please send it to Director of Communications Grant Cameron via email at gcameron@iuoelocal793.org.

You can also send the information by mail to:

Grant Cameron
Director of Communications
IUOE Local 793
2245 Speers Rd.
Oakville, Ont.
L6L 6X8