Season’s Greetings from Business Manager Gallagher

On behalf of the officers and staff of IUOE Local 793, I would like to wish all union members and their families a joyous holiday season. Christmas is a time for relaxing with family and friends, remembering the past and hoping for the future. I encourage all members to take some time during the Yuletide season to spend time with their loved ones. Personally, I would like to thank all members for the support you have given the officers and I in 2016. We had a very good year. We […]

On behalf of the officers and staff of IUOE Local 793, I would like to wish all union members and their families a joyous holiday season.

Christmas is a time for relaxing with family and friends, remembering the past and hoping for the future.

I encourage all members to take some time during the Yuletide season to spend time with their loved ones.

Personally, I would like to thank all members for the support you have given the officers and I in 2016. We had a very good year. We achieved industry-leading collective bargaining settlements, our pension plan is healthy and our finances are in good shape.

We are looking forward to a prosperous 2017.

I hope that this holiday season brings you and your families plenty of joy and good times.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Fraternally Yours,

mike-signature

 

 

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793

Changes to Bill 70 Supported by Local 793

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 […]

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

Bill 70: Frequently Asked Questions

There was a protest recently at Queen’s Park regarding Bill 70. Following is some information that has been prepared by Local 793 regarding the legislation. Q: I heard the proposed legislation contained in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 will impact every compulsory tradesperson in the province. Is that true? A: The amendments proposed in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 may have more of an impact on some compulsory trades than others. Work falling within a scope of practice of a compulsory trade which poses no risk of harm to the […]

There was a protest recently at Queen’s Park regarding Bill 70. Following is some information that has been prepared by Local 793 regarding the legislation.

Q: I heard the proposed legislation contained in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 will impact every compulsory tradesperson in the province. Is that true?
A: The amendments proposed in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 may have more of an impact on some compulsory trades than others. Work falling within a scope of practice of a compulsory trade which poses no risk of harm to the public or other workers on a project may be deemed to be work that can be performed by someone who does not have a Certificate of Qualification in that trade. 

Q: I invested 6,000 hours of my life to earn a Certificate of Qualification to operate a mobile crane on construction projects throughout Ontario. Is it true that I could lose my job to someone who doesn’t have any qualifications at all?
A: No. Per the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects, your Certificate of Qualification as a Hoisting Engineer – Mobile Crane Operator 1 designation is absolutely essential to operate a mobile crane with a maximum hoisting capacity greater than 30,000 pounds on any construction project in Ontario. 

Q: Will Schedule 17 of Bill 70 deregulate the compulsory trades in Ontario?
A: No. Schedule 17 of Bill 70 deals strictly with proposed amendments to the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act – there are absolutely no proposed amendments to any regulations which currently prescribe that certain work must be performed by an individual with a Certificate of Qualification in a compulsory trade. 

Q: I thought the original intent of the Ontario College of Trades was to have a governing body that put more power and control in the hands of tradespeople. Now I hear that if Schedule 17 of Bill 70 as proposed the College of Trades Appointments Council will be responsible for classifying which trades shall be compulsory and which trades shall be voluntary. Is this true?
A: As in the past, trade boards will maintain their ability to initiate the classification review process if they want to see their voluntary trade become compulsory and vice-versa. Schedule 17 of Bill 70 proposes that the Appointments Council will be able to appoint a Classification Panel of five individuals to ultimately decide the fate of the classification review. As things stand now, classification review decisions are decided by a review panel comprised of three individuals appointed by the Board of Governors and the Divisional Board for the trade. If anything, the proposal to increase the number of individuals on the panel from three to five may increase the depth of knowledge and experience on the panel resulting in decisions which are fair and transparent.

Q: I hear that if Schedule 17 of Bill 70 goes through as proposed my jobsite will become less safe. Is this accurate?
A: As of May 2016, the Ontario Ministry of Labour took over the regulatory and administrative oversight of the Ontario College of Trades. The Ministry of Labour’s mission is to “…advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices…” and is the primary reason the Prevention Council was established under the Occupational Health and Safety Act in 2011. As such, the Ontario government would not propose amendments to any legislation with the intent to make construction projects any less safe than they already are.

Renewable Energy Alliance Launches Portal

Following is a letter from Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher on the importance of renewable energy projects and the launch of a Renewable Energy Alliance of Ontario web portal. Dear Brothers and Sisters: I am writing to you on an extremely important matter to our union. Thousands of well-paying jobs in the wind energy sector are at stake. Since 2008, wind energy projects have invested over $14 billion in Ontario’s economy and have created over 200,000 jobs in Ontario, many of which have benefited IUOE members.  The government of […]

Following is a letter from Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher on the importance of renewable energy projects and the launch of a Renewable Energy Alliance of Ontario web portal.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I am writing to you on an extremely important matter to our union. Thousands of well-paying jobs in the wind energy sector are at stake.

Since 2008, wind energy projects have invested over $14 billion in Ontario’s economy and have created over 200,000 jobs in Ontario, many of which have benefited IUOE members. 

The government of Ontario has recently indicated that it may be waffling in its commitment to many of these high-paying jobs. We can not stand still and let this happen.

That’s why we have played a lead role in creating the Renewable Energy Alliance of Ontario (REAO). REAO is a broad coalition of employers, labour and industry groups dedicated to working with the Ontario government to ensure renewable energy, including wind, continues to play a vital role in Ontario’s energy mix.

Our alliance has created a web portal that allows you to express support for these jobs to your local member of provincial parliament with a few simple clicks on your keyboard. I urge you all to go to www.renewourfuture.ca to make our union’s voice heard.

Together we can show the government that our voices matter. We must act now to protect well-paying jobs for our brothers and sisters.

Sincerely,

mike-signature

 

 

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793

Local 793 Social Media Policy

Local 793 has adopted a social media policy for its members. The policy was approved by the executive board and reported by business manager Mike Gallagher at a general membership meeting Sept. 25 at head office in Oakville. Click here to view the policy.    

Local 793 has adopted a social media policy for its members. The policy was approved by the executive board and reported by business manager Mike Gallagher at a general membership meeting Sept. 25 at head office in Oakville.

Click here to view the policy.

 

 

RFQ Issued for Highway 401 Rail Tunnel Project

The following article appeared in Daily Commercial News A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to design, build and finance the Highway 401 rail tunnel project that will support the infrastructure needed to expand GO rail service on the Kitchener corridor. The RFQ, issued by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx, outlines the scope of work required, which includes the construction of a second tunnel under Highway 401/409 to accommodate two additional tracks, future signalling and communications infrastructure and replacing footings of retaining walls that support the ramp from eastbound Highway 409 […]

The following article appeared in Daily Commercial News

A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to design, build and finance the Highway 401 rail tunnel project that will support the infrastructure needed to expand GO rail service on the Kitchener corridor.

The RFQ, issued by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx, outlines the scope of work required, which includes the construction of a second tunnel under Highway 401/409 to accommodate two additional tracks, future signalling and communications infrastructure and replacing footings of retaining walls that support the ramp from eastbound Highway 409 to eastbound Highway 401.

Teams that qualify will be invited to respond to a request for proposals later this year. This project is part of Metrolinx’s GO Regional Express Rail (RER) work, states a release. GO RER will provide transit service across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and includes electrification of core segments of the GO rail network by 2024-25.

Major infrastructure updates are required to bring better service to communities across the region, including: adding track, modifying GO stations, improving rail crossings, building required systems for electrification and adding new locomotives and train control systems, the release reads.

Click here for rest of article

 

Photo Contest Winners Announced

­­Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced winners of the union’s photo contest. The announcement was made at the union’s general membership meeting at head office in Oakville on Sept. 25. Union members were invited to submit their best photos to be judged in a number of categories. The photos were judged by a three-member committee consisting of director of communications Grant Cameron, IT manager Armand Dowdall, and labour relations rep Daveen Lidstone. Winners in each category will receive tickets to a sporting event. Thanks to everybody for submitting […]

­­Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced winners of the union’s photo contest.

The announcement was made at the union’s general membership meeting at head office in Oakville on Sept. 25.

Union members were invited to submit their best photos to be judged in a number of categories.

The photos were judged by a three-member committee consisting of director of communications Grant Cameron, IT manager Armand Dowdall, and labour relations rep Daveen Lidstone.

Winners in each category will receive tickets to a sporting event.

Thanks to everybody for submitting entries.

Below are the winning entries.

Best sunrise photo by Mike Van Duson. Best job site photo by John Daniel. Crane operator at work by Josh Macmillan. Best sunset photo taken by Moe Lepage. Best photo of operator on heavy equipment taken by Joshua Lemon. Best humours photo taken by Jason Phelps. Best photo of an operator holding Making Tracks or Operator magazine taken by Angelo Flammia.

General Membership Meeting on Sept. 25

Local 793’s general membership meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 in the OE Banquet Hall at 2245 Speers Road in Oakville. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Click here for map.

Local 793’s general membership meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 in the OE Banquet Hall at 2245 Speers Road in Oakville. The meeting begins at 10 a.m.

Click here for map.

Local 793 Participating in Terry Fox Run

Local 793 is participating in the annual Terry Fox Run that will be held Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington. If you wish to participate, please contact Russ McBeath at (416) 357-3724 before Sept. 9 so that he can place T-Shirt orders. In the event, participants can run, walk or ride their bikes. For those who cannot participate but wish to make a donation, click on www.terryfox.ca/local793. Our goal is to raise at least $5,000 for Team Local 793. For everyone participating in the Run please […]

Local 793 is participating in the annual Terry Fox Run that will be held Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington.

If you wish to participate, please contact Russ McBeath at (416) 357-3724 before Sept. 9 so that he can place T-Shirt orders.

In the event, participants can run, walk or ride their bikes.

For those who cannot participate but wish to make a donation, click on www.terryfox.ca/local793.

Our goal is to raise at least $5,000 for Team Local 793.

For everyone participating in the Run please meet for a photo on the pier behind the hotel at Spencer Smith Park at 9:30 a.m. The address is 1400 Lakeshore Road.

IUOE – Member Survey Invitation

The following is a notice from Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher regarding a pipeline survey invitation: Dear Member: As business manager of Local 793, I am writing to ask for your assistance in building public – and ultimately political support – for important pipeline projects like TransCanada Energy East, Kinder Morgan TransMountain Expansion and Enbridge Line 3 Replacement. We want to do our part to support projects like these across the country, and educate Canadians about our commitment to operating in an environmentally safe manner as well as how […]

The following is a notice from Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher regarding a pipeline survey invitation:

Dear Member:

As business manager of Local 793, I am writing to ask for your assistance in building public – and ultimately political support – for important pipeline projects like TransCanada Energy East, Kinder Morgan TransMountain Expansion and Enbridge Line 3 Replacement.

We want to do our part to support projects like these across the country, and educate Canadians about our commitment to operating in an environmentally safe manner as well as how pipelines contribute to the Canadian economy.

Pipelines are vital to the strength and economic future of our country and provide the jobs that support our communities.

If you have 10 minutes, I would very much appreciate it if you could take part in our survey.

We are interested to learn about how you feel about pipeline projects, and better understand how we can work with you to move this campaign forward.

  • Click here to get started on the English version of the survey.
  • Click here to get started on the French version of the survey.

If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us:

  • By email: headoffice@iuoelocal793.org
  • By phone: 905-469-9299 or 1-877-793-4863

Sincerely

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793