Changes to Bill 70 Supported by Local 793

Written by Local 793 Staff

Following is a press release issued by Local 793 regarding Bill 70. CONSTRUCTION UNION APPLAUDS PROPOSED CHANGES TO BILL 70 OAKVILLE — Mike Gallagher, business manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, says he fully supports amendments being proposed by the Ontario government to Schedule 17 of Bill 70. “The government […]

Following is a press release issued by Local 793 regarding Bill 70.

CONSTRUCTION UNION APPLAUDS PROPOSED CHANGES TO BILL 70

OAKVILLE — Mike Gallagher, business manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, says he fully supports amendments being proposed by the Ontario government to Schedule 17 of Bill 70.

“The government is recommending changes that will make Bill 70 better for all the trades and the public,” he said. “The changes will address concerns that had been raised by industry stakeholders and go a long way towards improving the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act.”

Gallagher and representatives of the union had met with Ontario Labour Minister Kevin Flynn and ministry staff to discuss the Bill, as well as language in the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act that will protect and promote the trades in Ontario.

The union is pleased that amendments being proposed require the Ontario Labour Relations Board to recognize and give consideration to the duty to protect the interests of the public and “objects” or core responsibilities of the College of Trades when reviewing decisions made by College inspectors.

“These changes are important because they will ensure that the original vision of the College of Trades is maintained,” said Gallagher. “Going forward, inspectors from the College of Trades will have the tools to maintain professional standards and ensure the public is adequately protected.”

Gallagher said Local 793 was in a good position to work with the government on this because the union represents operators in compulsory trades like tower and mobile cranes, as well as voluntary trades such as concrete pumps, excavator, dozer and tractor-loader-backhoe vocations.

“It was important to balance the interests of both certified and non-compulsory trades,” said Gallagher. “These proactive changes will go a long way towards making the Bill better for all trades.”

The amendments will be presented Dec. 6 to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers represents more than 14,500 highly skilled crane and heavy equipment operators across Ontario. The union has a head office, banquet hall and training campus in Oakville, and another training campus in Morrisburg.

For additional information contact:
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher
905-469-9299, ext. 2202

IUOE GP Issues Statement on U.S. Election

Written by Local 793 Staff

The following statement was issued by IUOE General President James T. Callahan in response to the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president: Last night, the Operating Engineers and organized labor sustained political losses throughout the country that will change the landscape for labor into the foreseeable future. No one knows for certain what a […]

The following statement was issued by IUOE General President James T. Callahan in response to the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president:

Last night, the Operating Engineers and organized labor sustained political losses throughout the country that will change the landscape for labor into the foreseeable future.

No one knows for certain what a Trump Administration will bring, but if he keeps his campaign promises, many of our sacred labor protections will be truly tested. Many union households voted against their economic futures, which is troubling at best. 

Now that the initial disappointment has been processed, it is time to do what every Operating Engineer in a leadership role has always done. We will stand strong, stand together, and continue to hold off attempts to erode away our collective bargaining rights. 

In the coming days, as we determine where these attacks will develop, rest assured that this administration, staff and the General Executive Board of our great organization is prepared to stand with you on the battlefield that lies before us, wherever our resources are needed.

God Bless you,
God Bless the Operating Engineers, and
God Bless America.

Operators Ratify Provincial Collective Agreement

Written by Local 793 Staff

Following is a press release issued by Local 793, regarding ratification of the Provincial Collective Agreement. OPERATING ENGINEERS RATIFY NEW AGREEMENT WITH CONTRACTORS OAKVILLE — Members of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers have ratified a new three-year Provincial Collective Agreement with contractors. Union members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the agreement […]

Following is a press release issued by Local 793, regarding ratification of the Provincial Collective Agreement.

OPERATING ENGINEERS RATIFY NEW AGREEMENT WITH CONTRACTORS

OAKVILLE — Members of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers have ratified a new three-year Provincial Collective Agreement with contractors.

Union members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the agreement at ratification meetings held across the province on June 9, 2016.

The agreement affects operators who work on cranes and heavy equipment at construction sites across the province and who are involved in activities such as steel erection and mechanical installations, foundation piling, caisson boring and excavation, general construction and surveying.

The agreement runs from May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2019. It provides for a total monetary package increase of $3.95 an hour over three years. Wages rise by $1.35 an hour retroactive to May 27, 2016, by another $1.30 an hour on May 1, 2017 and by another $1.30 an hour on May 1, 2018. The agreement also contains many language improvements and schedules for travel, room and board and meal expenses were also increased. No concessions were made by the union. The wage settlement is the highest of any of the trades so far in the ICI construction sector.

“We are pleased to have been able to work with our employers to reach a settlement,” said Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher. “Given our strong overall work situation, this was the right deal. We were determined to get a fair deal and we are comfortable that that was achieved.”

Gallagher said a settlement was reached because the union and employers took a mature approach to the talks and were respectful of each other. He noted that Ken Williams Jr., president of Pumpcrete Corporation and president of the Crane Rental Association of Ontario (CRAO), stepped up after the death of Ray Goodfellow, former president of the CRAO, on behalf of employers.

In addition to the monetary package, the agreement contains language aimed at improving safety equipment provided to operators.

The agreement adds a new provision to ensure that employers will supply employees with fall protection equipment and safety vests. A new provision was also added that tower crane cabs are to have suitable cab seats, including but not limited to, padded seats, arm rests and back rests.

Meanwhile, the agreement contains a new provision that allows regular employees that do crane and equipment rental work and who have been on the employer’s payroll for six consecutive months or more to be reimbursed for Ontario College of Trades annual membership fees and also for obtaining an applicable medical report for AZ licence requirements.

Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers represents more than 14,000 highly-skilled crane and heavy equipment operators across Ontario. The union has a head office, banquet hall and training campus in Oakville, and another training campus in Morrisburg.

For additional information contact:
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher
905-469-9299, ext. 2202

EPSCA Special Called Ratification Vote Meetings

Written by Local 793 Staff

Your Union will be holding ratification vote meetings on Thursday, October 22, 2015 to renew the terms and conditions of the Electrical Power Systems Construction Association Collective Agreement. Click here to see the notice.

Your Union will be holding ratification vote meetings on Thursday, October 22, 2015 to renew the terms and conditions of the Electrical Power Systems Construction Association Collective Agreement.

Click here to see the notice.

New Red Seal Endorsements for Heavy Equipment Operator Trades

Written by Local 793 Staff

The following press release was issued recently by the Ontario College of Trades: The first ever Interprovincial Red Seal exams for the heavy equipment operator trades are anticipated to be available in Ontario in spring/summer 2016. Once released, individuals will be able to achieve a Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) on their Certificate of Qualification (C […]

The following press release was issued recently by the Ontario College of Trades:

The first ever Interprovincial Red Seal exams for the heavy equipment operator trades are anticipated to be available in Ontario in spring/summer 2016. Once released, individuals will be able to achieve a Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) on their Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) in the following three trades:

  • Heavy equipment operator – dozer (636C)
  • Heavy equipment operator – excavator (636B)
  • Heavy equipment operator – tractor loader backhoe (636A)

The availability of the three heavy equipment operator Interprovincial Red Seal exams and their associated RSE is new across Canada.

The RSE is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge, skills and experience of the journeyperson. The RSE signifies the standard of excellence of the Red Seal Program.

Once the Red Seal exams are implemented for the three heavy equipment operator trades, the provincial C of Q will no longer be available. At that time, all individuals interested in obtaining a C of Q will be required to write and pass the Interprovincial Red Seal exam.

Effectively immediately, and prior to the release of the Red Seal heavy equipment operator exams in Ontario, the following opportunities are available:

  • Holders of a Certificate of Apprenticeship issued by the Ministry in any of the heavy equipment operator trades can apply to become a member of the College’s Journeypersons Class and be issued a provincial C of Q without passing a C of Q exam.
  • Individuals who are approved through the College’s Trade Equivalency Assessment can apply to become a member of the College’s Journeypersons Class and be issued a provincial C of Q without passing a C of Q exam. To be eligible for the Trade Equivalency Assessment, 2,500 applicable trade hours are required.


Note: The introduction of the RSE does not impact the voluntary status of any of the heavy equipment operator trades; holding and maintaining a valid C of Q remains voluntary for these trades.

Should you have questions, please review our frequently asked questions document or contact the College’s Client Services Department toll-free at 1-855-299-0028 between Monday to Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Unionized Construction Firms are Safer: Study

Written by Local 793 Staff

A new study published by the Institute for Work & Health has confirmed what construction unions have long maintained – that unionized construction firms in Ontario are safer than non-union firms. The study was funded by the Ontario Construction Secretariat and published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Click here to view the […]

A new study published by the Institute for Work & Health has confirmed what construction unions have long maintained – that unionized construction firms in Ontario are safer than non-union firms. The study was funded by the Ontario Construction Secretariat and published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Click here to view the study.

Below is the press release from the Ontario Construction Secretariat.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – (Marketwired – Sept. 3, 2015) – A groundbreaking new study by the Institute for Work & Health, published online today in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, reports evidence that unionized construction firms in Ontario are safer than non-union firms.

The study, which examined Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims data between 2006 and 2012 from more than 40,000 construction firms across Ontario, shows that unionized workers reported 23 per cent fewer injuries requiring time off work than non-union workers.

This is the first peer-reviewed Canadian study to examine the occupational health and safety benefits of unions in Ontario’s industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) construction sector.

In particular, workers at unionized firms were 17 per cent less likely to experience musculoskeletal injuries (injuries or disorders affecting mobility, especially muscles, tendons and nerves) and 29 per cent less likely to suffer critical injuries (injuries with the potential to place workers’ lives in jeopardy) while on the job.

Despite filing fewer claims resulting in critical injuries and time off work, unionized workers did report a greater total number of “no lost time” claims – incidents that did not result in lost wages, productivity, or disability or impairment.

“These findings suggest that unionized workers are encouraged to report injuries, including injuries that don’t require time away from the job,” says Institute for Work & Health Senior Scientist Dr. Ben Amick, co-lead investigator on the study with fellow Senior Scientist Dr. Sheilah Hogg-Johnson. “At the same time, these reporting practices enable construction unions to better identify and proactively manage workplace hazards that lead to injury.”

When researchers eliminated the effects a firm’s size has on its overall rate of workplace injuries – larger firms typically have greater resources to devote to workplace health and safety programs – unionized firms still reported 14 per cent fewer injuries requiring time off work, and eight per cent fewer musculoskeletal injuries. (Data for critical injuries could not be measured when controlling for firm size.)

In the journal article, the scientists discuss other factors that might explain the union safety effect. These include more robust specialized apprenticeship, upgrade and safety training requirements for union members; programs and practices that more effectively identify and reduce construction work hazards; a safety net that allows union workers to report accidents without fear of repercussions; ongoing skills training programs that provide a foundation for safer skilled work throughout one’s career; and a more effective role for unions in influencing government regulations designed to improve workplace health and safety.

“Creating safe and healthy workplaces continues to be a core value of the unionized construction industry in Ontario,” says Sean Strickland, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Construction Secretariat. “This first-of-its-kind study shows that the union safety effect is having a tangible impact in Ontario’s ICI construction sector and through our investments in safety, specialized training and apprenticeship programs the unionized construction sector in Ontario is showing its commitment to being a leader in worksite safety and productivity.”

The study by the Institute, which was funded by the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS), will be published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Altogether, seven years of injury claims data for unionized and non-unionized firms employing more than 1.5 million full-time-equivalent workers were analyzed for this study.

 

Liberals Would Repeal Bill C-377

Written by Local 793 Staff

The following press release was issued by the federal Liberal Party. It confirms that the Liberals would repeal Bill C-525 and Bill C-377, and that they would work collaboratively to develop a made-in-Canada solution to Canada’s skills shortage. For Immediate Release August 15, 2015. Trudeau: Labour movement essential to middle class growth TORONTO – A […]

The following press release was issued by the federal Liberal Party. It confirms that the Liberals would repeal Bill C-525 and Bill C-377, and that they would work collaboratively to develop a made-in-Canada solution to Canada’s skills shortage.

For Immediate Release
August 15, 2015.

Trudeau: Labour movement essential to middle class growth

TORONTO – A Liberal government will work with Canada’s labour movement to create jobs, grow the economy, and strengthen the middle class, said the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today at the 2015 LiUNA Local 183 Family Day Event in Toronto.

“As one of the leading forces fighting for well-paying, good quality jobs, unions are vital to promoting and protecting Canada’s middle class,” said Mr. Trudeau. “Hard-working Canadians deserve a government that, instead of attacking unions, works with them to ensure that everyone has a real and fair chance at success.”

A Liberal government will ensure respect, fairness, and inclusion for Canada’s labour movement. Liberals will repeal the Conservatives’ unfair Bills C-377 and C-525. We will work with provinces and territories, workers, and employers to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), to ensure that all Canadians can retire with dignity. We will work collaboratively to develop a “made in Canada” solution to solve the skills shortage in our country, by investing directly in skills development and by assisting training centres with the costs of investing in trades training. Furthermore, Liberals will be presenting a real plan to update Canada’s roads, bridges, transit, and other infrastructure, which will create jobs and prepare us for the changing global economy.

“While the middle class is struggling to make ends meet, Stephen Harper’s plan has failed to help Canadians get ahead. Instead, he gives billions in benefits to the wealthiest few – a plan irresponsibly supported by Thomas Mulcair,” said Mr. Trudeau. “Only Liberals have the team and the plan to support and protect hard-working Canadians and their families.”

Operating Engineers Union Believes Harper’s Campaign Call Will Backfire

Written by Local 793 Staff

OTTAWA—The following statement was issued today by the International Union of Operating Engineers following Prime Minister Harper’s decision to call an 11-week campaign: “Once again, the Harper Conservatives have thumbed their nose at the working people of Canada,” said Michael Gallagher, IUOE Canadian Conference Chairperson and Ontario-based Local 793 Business Manager. “They have rigged the […]

OTTAWA—The following statement was issued today by the International Union of Operating Engineers following Prime Minister Harper’s decision to call an 11-week campaign:

“Once again, the Harper Conservatives have thumbed their nose at the working people of Canada,” said Michael Gallagher, IUOE Canadian Conference Chairperson and Ontario-based Local 793 Business Manager. “They have rigged the system and will spend tens of millions in taxpayer money in an attempt to drown out the voices of working families who are suffering in the Harper economy. But weeks of negative ads can’t change the years of failed policies under the Conservatives. It’s time for a change.”

From Washington, DC, General President James T. Callahan said, “Stephen Harper is employing the worst of U.S.-style campaign tactics. Canadians must brace themselves for eleven weeks of half-truths and double-speak. Members of the Operating Engineers—the men and women who build and maintain Canada every day—are ready to change the government. No amount of attack ads can paper over the Conservatives’ failed record.”

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Click here to see the original press release

 

 

 

Local 793 Donates to Cancer Program

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 recently donated $106,048 to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation cancer program. A presentation was made at Local 793’s 95th anniversary dinner dance held at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Dec. 6, 2014. The funds were raised at the third annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer […]

Local 793 recently donated $106,048 to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation cancer program.

A presentation was made at Local 793’s 95th anniversary dinner dance held at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Dec. 6, 2014.

The funds were raised at the third annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, Ont. The tournament is named after the union’s late president.

The tournaments have now raised more than $312,000. Proceeds are used to fund research into esophageal cancer.

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher and president Joe Redshaw presented a cheque to Dr. Gail Darling, director of thoracic surgery clinical research at Toronto General Hospital, at the dinner dance.

“The money raised from the Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament is being put to good use in caring for patients and conducting scientific research into treatments for esophageal cancer,” said Gallagher. I would like to thank all the contractors who participated in the golf tournament and helped raise funds for this truly worthy cause.

“Funds raised from the golf tournament have helped doctors make significant strides in research and clinical programs to detect and prevent esophageal cancer. We are proud to be part of that effort.”

Dr. Darling said past donations by Local 793 have enabled the foundation to buy a generator to treat patients who have Barrett’s esophagus, an abnormal change in the cells of the lower portion of the esophagus, which is a pre-cursor to esophageal cancer.

The doctor said the next step is to bring on board a device that can be used to screen patients who are at risk of esophageal cancer without having to have them undergo an endoscopic procedure.

Meanwhile, the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation presented business manager Gallagher with a bronze medal for the union’s fund-raising efforts.

The local had earlier been the recipient of a copper medal.

The union received the bronze because of the more than $100,000 that was raised at the 2014 golf tournament.

Gallagher said he accepted the bronze medal on behalf of the union.

“We’re going to keep on raising money until we get a cure,” he said.

$400,000 Fine in Accident is Not Enough: Gallagher

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has issued a press release in response to a company being fined $400,000 in connection with a drill rig accident that killed 24-year-old union apprentice Kyle James Knox at a construction site in Toronto three years ago. For Immediate Release November 28, 2014 $400,000 FINE IN DRILL RIG ACCIDENT IS NOT ENOUGH: LOCAL […]

Local 793 has issued a press release in response to a company being fined $400,000 in connection with a drill rig accident that killed 24-year-old union apprentice Kyle James Knox at a construction site in Toronto three years ago.

For Immediate Release
November 28, 2014

$400,000 FINE IN DRILL RIG ACCIDENT IS NOT ENOUGH: LOCAL 793 BUSINESS MANAGER

OAKVILLE — Mike Gallagher, business manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, says the $400,000 fine levied against a company involved in a fatal drill rig accident three years ago is not nearly enough to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in future.

“This disastrous accident was much more deserving of the maximum fine of $500,000 that can be imposed on a corporation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for such a fatality. In fact, the maximum fine should also be increased where gross negligence is involved so that it might act as a greater deterrent to companies that are intent on disregarding proper safety practices.”

Gallagher said authorities must not lose sight of the fact that 24-year-old Kyle James Knox, a promising young apprentice with Local 793, lost his life Oct. 11, 2011 when the drill rig collapsed and toppled onto the backhoe he was operating at a construction site at York University in Toronto. Dan DeLuca, another union member, was also seriously injured and is permanently disabled.

The company, OHL-FCC GP Canada Inc., pleaded guilty to a charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and was fined in court Nov. 28.

Gallagher said such a fine will not provide any comfort or solace to the family of the young operator who was killed. He called on the government to adopt training standards that have been developed by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and an industry committee of contractors, manufacturers and labour representatives, and also to make training mandatory for drill rig operators. Local 793 and the foundation and piling industry were instrumental in drawing attention to the issue and lobbying for the industry committee to be formed.

“We can prevent future disasters like this if we quickly legislate that only licensed, fully-trained operators be permitted to operate this equipment, changes which the industry committee of experts has proposed. We must move much more quickly when lives are endangered.”

During the sentencing hearing, the Crown prosecutor noted that the site preparations were a significant factor in causing the accident and that site preparations on the day of the accident were inadequate.

An investigation determined that major factors in the tipping of the drill rig were inadequate site preparation, a soil base unable to withstand the weight and pressure created by the drill rig combined with a procedure of digging dispersal holes filled with wet material, and the fact the drill rig was operating on a slope greater than allowed within safe parameters.

Gallagher said he is encouraging industry stakeholders and the public to participate in the Ministry of Labour consultation process and support new training requirements that would better protect drill rig operators.

“Imposing mandatory training for drill rig operators would help to make construction sites safer and ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.”

Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers represents thousands of highly-skilled crane and heavy equipment operators across Ontario. The union has a head office, banquet hall and training campus in Oakville, and another training campus in Morrisburg.

For additional information contact:
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher
905-469-9299, ext. 2202