Report says Unions Vital to Economic Growth

The Broadbent Institute recently circulated a report that was published earlier by Andrew Jackson, senior policy adviser to the Institute. The report, called Union Communities, Healthy Communities notes that the right-wing’s regressive anti-union rhetoric and U.S.-style attacks on the labour movement threaten Canada’s prosperity. It makes the case that unions are vital to stable economic growth and if we want to pursue a Canadian society of greater equality, social justice and social democracy we would be better served by strengthening, not weakening, our unions. Click here to read the report

The Broadbent Institute recently circulated a report that was published earlier by Andrew Jackson, senior policy adviser to the Institute. The report, called Union Communities, Healthy Communities notes that the right-wing’s regressive anti-union rhetoric and U.S.-style attacks on the labour movement threaten Canada’s prosperity. It makes the case that unions are vital to stable economic growth and if we want to pursue a Canadian society of greater equality, social justice and social democracy we would be better served by strengthening, not weakening, our unions.

Click here to read the report

Benefit Improvements Announced

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of new improvements to the union’s Life & Health Benefits Plan. “We are always striving to provide the best coverage possible for our members,” he said. “I am therefore pleased to announce these changes on behalf of the Life and Health Benefits Plan trustees.” The improvements went into effect on or before Jan. 1, 2014. For example: For active and retired members: Coverage will now be provided for specific eye exams that are necessary for certain medical conditions. Coverage for […]

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced a number of new improvements to the union’s Life & Health Benefits Plan.

“We are always striving to provide the best coverage possible for our members,” he said. “I am therefore pleased to announce these changes on behalf of the Life and Health Benefits Plan trustees.”

The improvements went into effect on or before Jan. 1, 2014. For example:

For active and retired members:

  • Coverage will now be provided for specific eye exams that are necessary for certain medical conditions.
  • Coverage for orthotics will be increased to a maximum of $300 per year from $200 per year.
  • Coverage for prescription sunglasses will now be provided for up to a maximum of $400 every 24 months. This is included as part of the regular vision care package.
  • Coverage for services from a registered physiotherapist will be covered for up to $1,500 per calendar year for both active and retired members. Previously, the plan covered reasonable and customary charges for retired members.
  • 100 per cent of lab fees will be covered. Previously, the plan covered 100 per cent of the lab fees for active members and 50 per cent of the fees for retired members.
  • Coverage for hearing aids will be raised to $1,000 every five years from $800.
  • Coverage for vision care was raised to $400 every 24 months. Previously, it was $275 for active members and $250 for retirees.
  • Additional life insurance for union members will be increased to $2,000 from $1,000.
  • Erectile dysfunction drugs will now be covered for conditions due to a medical disability.
  • The dental fee guide will be changed to the 2013 ODA fee guide effective Jan. 1, 2014.
  • A Members Assistance Program to provide counseling assistance for active or retired members has started. The program is through Great West Life and Schepell.fgi. The MAP is a confidential and voluntary support service that can help members find solutions to all kinds of challenges at any age and stage of life. The MAP offers assistance for stress, depression, anxiety, anger, crisis situations and life transitions. It also offers help for: managing relationships and family; finding child and elder care resources; getting legal advice; getting financial advice; dealing with workplace challenges; tackling addictions; and improving nutrition. To find out more about the services available under the MAP, call 1-800-387-4765 or visit the Schepell.fgi website at www.workhealthlife.com and click on the My Services tab at the top of the page.

For active members:

  • Life insurance has been raised to $125,000 from $100,000.
  • Coverage for laser eye surgery will be increased to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 from $800.
  • Coverage for massage therapy will be increased to a maximum of $800 per year from $500 per year.
  • Coverage for a psychologist will be increased to $800 per year from $500.
  • Coverage for travel-out-of-province insurance will be increased to a maximum of $150 per year from $100 per year.
  • Coverage for orthodontic services for individuals under age 21 has been raised to a lifetime maximum of $3,500 from $2,500.
  • When an active member exceeds the lifetime maximum of $150,000 per person the amount restored each year will increase to $20,000 from the prior amount of only $1,000.
  • The short-term disability payments will increase to $514 per week for claims after Jan. 1, 2014. The previous amount was $501 a week.

For retired members:

  • Life insurance has been raised to $25,000 from $20,000.
  • Coverage for chiropractor, osteopath, naturopath and podiatrist will have a combined maximum of $200 per year.
  • Coverage for a psychologist, acupuncturist and masseur will have separate maximums of $200 per year. The previous limit was $100 per year.

For more information, call Local 793’s pension and benefits office at 905-469-9299 or (toll free) 1-877-793-4863.

New Year's Message from Business Manager Mike Gallagher

2013 was a prosperous year for Local 793 and I am looking forward to another good one in 2014. We are one of the fastest growing locals in North America with more than 13,000 members. The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campuses in Oakville and Morrisburg are at capacity, our finances are healthy, and our pension and life and health benefits plans are also in great shape. We started off the year on the right foot, successfully negotiating a new Provincial Collective Agreement that provided members a total […]

2013 was a prosperous year for Local 793 and I am looking forward to another good one in 2014.

We are one of the fastest growing locals in North America with more than 13,000 members. The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campuses in Oakville and Morrisburg are at capacity, our finances are healthy, and our pension and life and health benefits plans are also in great shape.

We started off the year on the right foot, successfully negotiating a new Provincial Collective Agreement that provided members a total monetary package increase of $3.95 an hour over three years and language aimed at improving protective equipment supplied to operators working in the concrete pumping sector. The settlement set the tone for other collective agreements negotiated throughout the year.

On the organizing front, we had a number of significant victories in 2013. We presently have eight organizers on staff and they were very busy throughout the year.

We successfully certified Chartrand Construction of Timmins and brought more than 200 new members into the union. We also certified Clarida Construction, a company in northern Ontario that builds wind and solar farms. This was a particularly important victory for us as CLAC was trying to organize the company’s workers at the same time. In the end, the workers chose to be represented by our union.

We also certified a number of other companies around the province in 2013, including Sartor and Susan Erosion Control in Vaughan, M. Fudda, a sewer and watermain company in the Barrie area, D. Crupi and Sons Ltd. in Scarborough, Jeff Parnell Contracting near Peterborough, Peter’s Excavating Inc. in Fort Erie, A-1 Asphalt in Hamilton, and Cleave Energy, a company in Picton that specializes in solar panel installations. Meanwhile, a number of other certification applications are pending at the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

At the OLRB, we also successfully defended our jurisdiction in a dispute with Labourers’ Local 247 out of Kingston. We were assigned all of the equipment work on the site related to the preparation and installation of solar panel posts, however, the Labourers claimed the loading, unloading, handling and distribution of the foundation posts on site and the moving and pouring of concrete was their jurisdiction. The OLRB didn’t buy the argument and upheld the contractor’s assignment of work to Local 793 members.

In the summer, we conducted a membership survey to gauge how our union is doing and identify where we needed to make improvements. Improving business rep visibility was an action item and I recently hired five new business reps to better serve our members, along with a northern resource development rep to work out of the Barrie office.

In the survey, members also told us they wanted more information and communication on political and legislative issues and more online resources via our website. As a result, we introduced an electronic newsletter called Local 793 E-News. I encourage members to sign up for the newsletter by visiting our website and clicking on the red Members Login button at the top right and then following the directions.

We are also revamping our website to provide more online functionality and will be re-launching the site by spring. Members will be able to pay their dues online, check the status of their benefits, buy union apparel, as well as use the pension calculator to figure out different retirement scenarios.

The newly revamped website will also feature a political action tab that members will be able to click on to find out more information about political and legislative issues that affect them. Meanwhile, we are also embarking on a political action campaign against Bill C-377 and Right to Work. Hardhat stickers and leaflets are being distributed by business reps.

In 2013, we also made important inroads with First Nations communities in Ontario. IUOE Canadian regional director Jim Murphy and I will be meeting with the Assembly of First Nations to discuss training opportunities. Aecon chief operating officer Teri McKibbon and I agreed on a plan to get more Aboriginals working on projects in northern Ontario and our union also teamed up Gheztoojig Employment and Training to get more Aboriginals working on the expansion of Highway 69 near Sudbury. Meanwhile, we are running a series of articles in SAY Magazine in February that promote training at the OETIO.

On the training front, we remain at the forefront of training at the OETIO. We have pioneered new training courses in concrete pumping and drill rigs and we’re also changing with the times by offering e-learning courses online. We have spearheaded the development of mechanical and virtual reality simulators and developed a wind turbine erection scenario that uses two cranes. This past spring, we developed a drill rig simulator.

On the benefits front, trustees decided to make a number of improvements to our life and health benefits plan. The improvements come into effect Jan. 1, 2014. For more information, call Local 793’s pension and benefits office at 905-469-9299 or (toll free) 1-877-793-4863.

As of Jan. 1, 2014, Local 793 members will also have access to a Members Assistance Program (MAP) through Great West Life and Schepell.fgi. The MAP is a confidential and voluntary support service that can help members find solutions to all kinds of challenges at any age and stage of life.

The MAP offers assistance for stress, depression, anxiety, anger, crisis situations and life transitions. It also offers help for:

  • Managing relationships and family
  • Finding child and elder care resources
  • Getting legal advice
  • Getting financial advice
  • Dealing with workplace challenges
  • Tackling addictions
  • Improving nutrition

To find out more about the MAP, call 1-800-387-4765.

On the pension front, our plan is doing well and the fund’s investment managers are bringing in returns better than the market. The strong returns are due to a rebound in investment markets and healthy work levels.

Contributions to the plan are expected to be about $111 million in 2013, the highest amount ever.

Early unreduced retirement at age 60 will continue until at least Sept. 1, 2015.

Meanwhile, at our dinner dance in November, I presented a cheque for $104,114 to the University Health Network for research into esophageal cancer.

The funds were raised at the second annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer.

Just before Christmas, I received notice that financial secretary John W. Anderson, our assistant business manager, would be leaving to take up a new position and challenge as an administrator at Global Benefits. I know it was a tough decision for John. He has been with our union for 28 years. I hate to lose him but this is a new challenge for him and I certainly wish him all the best.

I recruited John as a business rep years ago and appointed him as assistant business manager in 1996. He has certainly contributed to our success as a union.

John will be available to provide assistance to us for a transition period of several months. He takes up his new position full-time at the beginning of March.

John joins in a fine tradition at Local 793 where members like Jack Redshaw and Ernie Ford moved on to second careers and made us proud.

I announced John’s departure at a staff function in December. John told staff that it wasn’t an easy decision for him.

He said he never thought he’d end up as assistant business manager at our union and he thanked the many people who helped him along the way.

John had some very nice words to say about the union and myself, and I thank him for that.

As for the future, our union faces a number of challenges in 2014, namely the right-wing agenda being proposed by PC Leader Tim Hudak.

If Hudak gets his way, years of gains for workers would be scrapped and we would embrace right-to-work legislation that he’s proposing. He wants to get rid of the Rand formula, which requires all employees in a closed union shop to pay dues. The Rand formula promotes stability and ensures unions have the resources to negotiate on behalf of their members.

Such legislation would undo the gains that unions have made in securing wages, benefits and pensions.

Hudak must be stopped. With the possibility of a provincial election looming this spring, it is important for Local 793 members to be aware of what he is proposing. Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric. His plans would be devastating for Ontario and its unionized workers.

On a happier note, Local 793 will be celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2014. We are planning to hold a number of events in the various districts throughout the year. Information about these events will be posted on our websites and in our magazines, so stay tuned.

Local 793 has always been a leader in the construction industry. We have grown over the years because of the strength of our membership and the vision of our leaders.

In 2014, I intend to make sure we continue that tradition. I am confident that our union will remain strong and continue to prosper – as we have done in the past.

Fraternally Yours,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793

 

Holiday Message from Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher

On behalf of the executive board and officers of Local 793, I would like to wish all union members and their families the very best over the holiday season. As we break for the Yuletide season, I would encourage all members to reflect on what’s important in life and spend time with your family and friends. We sometimes get so busy with our daily routines that we forget what’s most important in our lives. This holiday season, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of this festive time of year […]

On behalf of the executive board and officers of Local 793, I would like to wish all union members and their families the very best over the holiday season.

As we break for the Yuletide season, I would encourage all members to reflect on what’s important in life and spend time with your family and friends.

We sometimes get so busy with our daily routines that we forget what’s most important in our lives.

This holiday season, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of this festive time of year and focus on spending more quality time with your loved ones.

Again, please accept my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Fraternally Yours,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793

Local 793 Grateful to CFB Trenton Team for Rescuing Crane Operator

Local 793 has issued a press release commending a helicopter search and rescue team for airlifting a tower crane operator trapped on a construction crane above a massive fire in Kingston on Dec. 17. According to news reports, the crane operator, stationed in his cab high above the building when fire broke out, had walked out to the end of the boom only minutes before his cab was engulfed in flames. A helicopter crew from CFB Trenton rescued the operator. Click here for the press release Click here for story in […]

Local 793 has issued a press release commending a helicopter search and rescue team for airlifting a tower crane operator trapped on a construction crane above a massive fire in Kingston on Dec. 17. According to news reports, the crane operator, stationed in his cab high above the building when fire broke out, had walked out to the end of the boom only minutes before his cab was engulfed in flames. A helicopter crew from CFB Trenton rescued the operator.

Click here for the press release
Click here for story in Kingston Whig Standard
Click here for story, photos & video on CBC News
Click here for story, photos & video on CTV News

 

Union Honours Nelson Mandela

On Friday, Dec. 6, the union and Canadian flags were flown at half mast as a sign of respect for the life of Nelson Mandela who died on Dec. 5. Mandela served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and his government focused on the dismantling of apartheid. Click here to see a message from Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher.

On Friday, Dec. 6, the union and Canadian flags were flown at half mast as a sign of respect for the life of Nelson Mandela who died on Dec. 5. Mandela served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and his government focused on the dismantling of apartheid.

Click here to see a message from Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher.

Union Articles Posted on Websites

Ken Georgetti, president of the 3.3-million-member Canadian Labour Congress, has an article posted on the Kootenay District Council website about the Conservative government’s recent volleys against workers and their unions. Click here to read the article. Jim Stanford, economist with Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, has an article posted on The New York Times website about the role and power of unions in Canada. Click here to read the article.

Ken Georgetti, president of the 3.3-million-member Canadian Labour Congress, has an article posted on the Kootenay District Council website about the Conservative government’s recent volleys against workers and their unions.

Click here to read the article.

Jim Stanford, economist with Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, has an article posted on The New York Times website about the role and power of unions in Canada.

Click here to read the article.

Electronic Newsletter Launched by Union

Local 793 has introduced an electronic newsletter that is distributed periodically to members. The newsletter, called Local 793 E-News, contains messaging and information that is of importance to members. To sign up for the e-newsletter, click on the red Members Login button at the top right of this site, and follow the directions to register for the union’s private site and the newsletter.

Local 793 has introduced an electronic newsletter that is distributed periodically to members.

The newsletter, called Local 793 E-News, contains messaging and information that is of importance to members.

To sign up for the e-newsletter, click on the red Members Login button at the top right of this site, and follow the directions to register for the union’s private site and the newsletter.

2014 Safety Course Schedule

The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) has released its 2014 safety training schedule. Courses are being offered at the Oakville and Morrisburg campuses. To find out more information about the courses at the Oakville campus, call 1-877-793-4863. To reach the Morrisburg campus, call 1-877-543-3549. E-learning courses are also available. For more information, call 1-855-353-2761 or email elearning@oetio.com. Click here to see the 2014 schedule.  

The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) has released its 2014 safety training schedule.

Courses are being offered at the Oakville and Morrisburg campuses.

To find out more information about the courses at the Oakville campus, call 1-877-793-4863. To reach the Morrisburg campus, call 1-877-543-3549.

E-learning courses are also available. For more information, call 1-855-353-2761 or email elearning@oetio.com.

Click here to see the 2014 schedule.

 

Recipients Receive Long-Service Awards

Raymond Crandall was honoured for 60 years of service at the long-service awards ceremony. Local 793 is the strong union it is today because of its dedicated members, business manager Mike Gallagher told a long-service awards ceremony in the union banquet hall Nov. 16. “Without the support of the members, especially the long-service members, all of you who are being recognized today, really absolutely nothing could’ve been accomplished,” he said. More than 250 long-service members received an award this year for 30, 40, 50, 55 and 60 years of service. […]

Raymond Crandall was honoured for 60 years of service at the long-service awards ceremony.

Local 793 is the strong union it is today because of its dedicated members, business manager Mike Gallagher told a long-service awards ceremony in the union banquet hall Nov. 16.

“Without the support of the members, especially the long-service members, all of you who are being recognized today, really absolutely nothing could’ve been accomplished,” he said.

More than 250 long-service members received an award this year for 30, 40, 50, 55 and 60 years of service. Raymond Crandall of Alliston, Ont. was lone recipient of the 60-year award.

Gallagher spoke at the beginning of the awards ceremony and told the audience that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making the union what it is today.

“There was no magic formula about it,” he remarked.

He said the union’s $1.6-billion pension fund and the benefit plan which has a $23-million surplus were only achieved as a result of the battles fought by union members.

Gallagher said he’s traveled to many different parts of Canada and the U.S. and there aren’t any locals that compare to Local 793 in terms of what the union has accomplished, and in keeping the province unionized and fair so operators get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

That has occurred, he said, because operators stood up for their rights over the years on picket lines and because they went out like the professionals they are and put their skills to work making the contractors successful.

He noted that a lot of new contractors are now coming into Ontario from Italy, Spain and Germany and they’re bringing their own ideas on how to do the work.

But, “we know a little thing or two ourselves about building this great province,” he added. “That is something I feel very, very strongly about.”

On the issue of pensions, Gallagher said in spite of the challenges of the past – notably in 2008 when Canadian markets dipped 30 per cent – the plan is in good shape.

As of the end of October, the plan was up 11.6 per cent from the beginning of the year, “so we’re having a very good year in our pension plan.”

On the issue of benefits, he said the plan is in great shape and trustees have decided to make a number of improvements starting in January.

“To me, the most important thing is looking after our own, our families, and those benefits become more and more important as we get on.

“When we’re able to make the benefit plan better and able to have pensions that members retire on – that’s what it’s all about as far as I’m concerned.”