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 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 […]

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.

Union Officially Launches Pipeline Training Program

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has made a considerable investment in a new pipeline training course at the OETIO, showing its commitment to the industry, business manager Mike Gallagher said at a media event to launch the program Sept. 29 at the campus in Morrisburg. “We are really showing a commitment to our industry,” he said in remarks at the event. “I am very, very proud of what we’ve done here.” The local purchased two John Deere 850 sidebooms at a cost of $1.35 million and two used D6 dozers for $373,000 to […]

Local 793 has made a considerable investment in a new pipeline training course at the OETIO, showing its commitment to the industry, business manager Mike Gallagher said at a media event to launch the program Sept. 29 at the campus in Morrisburg.

“We are really showing a commitment to our industry,” he said in remarks at the event. “I am very, very proud of what we’ve done here.”

The local purchased two John Deere 850 sidebooms at a cost of $1.35 million and two used D6 dozers for $373,000 to be used in the three-week pipeline training courses.

The union is also putting $11 million into renovations of the OETIO building, he noted.

The first pipeline training course kicked off in June. The OETIO plans to hold eight courses a year in Morrisburg.

The media event was held to showcase the program and give contractors an opportunity to view field training in progress at the OETIO.

Contractors were shown a pipeline training video and were taken on a tour of the site.

Gallagher noted in his remarks that there will be a demand for more pipeline operators if the Energy East project gets the green light.

The project would transport about 1.1 million barrels of oil per day from Alberta and Saskatchewan to refineries and port terminals in eastern Canada. The pipeline would run 4,600 kilometres and pass through Ontario.

Gallagher said the project would employ more than 3,000 Operating Engineers across the country “so it shows the value to the Canadian economy that this job will bring.”

He noted that pipelines are the safest way to move oil and it would be foolish not to go ahead with it, as there are refineries already built in the east that could handle the oil.

He encouraged politicians of all stripes to take a look at the economic benefits that the pipeline would bring to Canada.

“It will bring good jobs across the country. We all need to get behind it and build it with Canadian workers.”

IUOE Canadian regional director Lionel Railton said Local 793 and the OETIO have shown their commitment to the industry with their investment in the pipeline training program.

Pipelines like Energy East are “nation-building projects” and the Operating Engineers are ready and willing to build them, so “let’s get it done,” he said in his remarks.

John Soini, Energy East project director at TransCanada Pipe Lines, said in remarks at the event that he was “extremely impressed” with the OETIO and the training program.

He said the program and OETIO campus will enable workers to get the skills needed to meet the demand for planned pipeline projects.

He also noted that TransCanada is committed to using the skilled trades and 76 per cent of pipeline work done by the company across Canada has been given to unionized companies.

“I am pleased that our company has a long history of working with the building trades,” he said.

Soini thanked the OETIO for investing in the skills training of pipeline workers.

“Having Operating Engineers involved in Energy East will make sure this pipeline gets built right.”

Flyers mailed to Operating Engineers

Written by Local 793 Staff

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) has mailed out flyers to most of the Operating Engineers across Canada, regarding the upcoming federal election. The flyer reminds members that it’s time for a change in Ottawa. Click here to see the flyer. Click here for more information on the IUOE campaign.

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) has mailed out flyers to most of the Operating Engineers across Canada, regarding the upcoming federal election. The flyer reminds members that it’s time for a change in Ottawa.

Click here to see the flyer.

Click here for more information on the IUOE campaign.

Date Set for General Membership Meeting

Written by Local 793 Staff

A general membership meeting of the union is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2015 in the OE Banquet Hall at head office, 2245 Speers Road, Oakville. The meeting starts at 10 a.m.

A general membership meeting of the union is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2015 in the OE Banquet Hall at head office, 2245 Speers Road, Oakville.

The meeting starts at 10 a.m.

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. 24 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. 24 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.

NDP’s Keystone XL Opposition Fails Canadian Construction Workers

Written by Local 793 Staff

In November, the International Union of Operating Engineers issued a press release, objecting to a New Democratic Party Opposition Day motion on the Keystone XL pipeline. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is an IUOE International vice president, and IUOE general president James T. Callahan were disappointed with the NDP’s motion. IUOE Canadian regional director James Murphy also sent a strongly worded letter to NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair. The NDP motion stated that: “In the opinion of the House, the Keystone XL pipeline would intensify the export of unprocessed […]

In November, the International Union of Operating Engineers issued a press release, objecting to a New Democratic Party Opposition Day motion on the Keystone XL pipeline.
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is an IUOE International vice president, and IUOE general president James T. Callahan were disappointed with the NDP’s motion.
IUOE Canadian regional director James Murphy also sent a strongly worded letter to NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair.
The NDP motion stated that:
“In the opinion of the House, the Keystone XL pipeline would intensify the export of unprocessed raw bitumen and would export more than 40,000 well-paying Canadian jobs, and is therefore not in Canada’s best interest.”
Business manager Gallagher noted in the press release that he is disappointed that the NDP chose to completely ignore the benefit of pipeline construction to working Canadians such as members of the Operating Engineers’ union and other construction trades.
“The Keystone XL project would be a net benefit to workers across Canada who depend on the resource sector and construction for their livelihoods,” he stated. “This hasty action by the NDP without consulting major stakeholders will jeopardize our economic recovery and jobs we had been hoping for.”
General president Callahan said thousands of skilled construction jobs – jobs that feed families, pay mortgages and send kids to university – will be generated from building Keystone XL.
“If you are on the side of working people, then you should be for this project.”
In his letter to Mulcair, Canadian regional director Murphy said that Canada does not have the refining capacity to deal with the amounts of raw bitumen that are being developed in Canada’s oil sands, therefore the product must be exported.
He stated that the union supports Keystone XL because Canada must look at expanding and diversifying its markets.
He noted that Keystone XL will allow Canadian oil companies to expand the reach of their product, which will only benefit Canada’s economy.
“Operating Engineers are among the most highly trained and skilled pipeline workers in the world,” he stated in the letter. “Our expertise will ensure that Keystone is built right, built safe and built to last.”

Redshaw Scholarship Winners Announced

Winners of the Jack Redshaw Scholarship have been announced.
A total of 12 scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded. The Crane Rental Association of Ontario donated funds for two of the awards.
Local 793 president Joe Redshaw said in a statement that he would like to thank the Crane Rental Association for making the donation.
The scholarship winners were:

  • Stefanie Bogaert – Sarnia area
  • Devon Coles – Hamilton area
  • Ryan Coulson – Toronto area
  • Mitchell Fedorchuk – St. Catherine’s area
  • Robyn Hansen – Hamilton area
  • Sarah Kazak – Ottawa area
  • Lindsay Kuiack – Cambridge area
  • Darquise Mantha – Sudbury area
  • Alexandra Scandolo – Toronto area
  • Benjamin Schwarz – Toronto area
  • Nicole Selman – Sarnia area
  • Irena Sziler – Windsor area

The criteria for the scholarships is as follows:

  • The awards are available to the sons, daughters and grandchildren of members who are in good standing at the time of selection of the awards.
  • The scholarship recipient must be entering the first or subsequent year of a full-time course of study (at least two years in length) leading to a diploma, certificate or degree from any recognized public Canadian college or university.

Applications must be supported by transcripts of high school achievement and accompanied by a detailed letter of recommendation from an individual with personal academic knowledge of the candidate, outlining reasons why the scholarship should be awarded.
In addition, applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay on the reason(s) why the scholarship will be of assistance and the impact that being a dependent or grandchild of a Local 793 union member has had on the applicant’s life.
Once the recipients have been selected, they will be notified and asked to provide further proof from the Office of the Registrar that they are currently attending full-time studies in their selected program.
Eligible persons are able to apply more than once, however, once they have received a bursary, they are no longer eligible to receive another award.
The deadline for receipt of the application shall be the first Friday in the month of September.
Application forms are available on Local 793’s website or from area offices.

Union Supports Fund-raiser for Anishinabek Nation Charity

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, president Joe Redshaw and a number of other union representatives attended a fund-raiser Oct. 17 for the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity.
The event, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, provided an opportunity for corporate and government partners to meet and network with leaders of First Nations communities across Ontario.
More than 200 people attended the event. A business networking reception was followed by a panel discussion on issues of importance to the people of the Anishinabek Nation.
Funds raised from the event will go to scholarships and bursaries and to support education, healthcare and other under-funded services in the 39 Anishinabek communities. The Charity has raised $600,000 since 1999.
Dignitaries attending the event included: Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee; former Prime Minister Paul Martin; Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne; former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine; Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer; and John Tory, former PC Party leader and host of Live Drive on Newstalk 1010.
Local 793 was the only union that had representatives at the event. Grand Council Chief Madahbee sat at the table with Local 793 representatives.
Business manager Gallagher said it was important for Local 793 representatives to be at the event because the union is working to get more people from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities into training programs at the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO).
“We are working closely with First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities and reaching out to the Aboriginal population to get more youth into our apprenticeship programs and good paying jobs in the construction trades,” he said. “By attending this event we are demonstrating our commitment to work with these communities and Aboriginal leaders.”
During the panel discussion, dignitaries addressed a number of issues, including education and the importance of having a skilled workforce available to fill key positions.
Former Prime Minister Martin complimented the work being done by Local 793 during his remarks.
Martin spoke about some of the things unions like the Operating Engineers are doing and how they are an important part of the fabric of Canada.
Premier Wynne shared her vision on enhancing student success in First Nation communities in Ontario.
Grand Council Chief Madahbee told the audience that First Nations communities support development but only with community control and benefits.
“We have to empower our people … to take control of our lives” and “put in place our way of thinking, our world view,” he said in a story published in Anishinabek News.ca. “We don’t need somebody dictating what we can do and cannot do. We know how to do the job.”
Meanwhile, former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Fontaine said the single most important issue to face Canada is First Nations poverty and how to eradicate it.
“We have to move quickly and … persuasively,” he said in Anishinabek News.ca. “Partnerships are our best option to create a better future for Canada and Aboriginal people.”
The Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity is the official charitable fundraising arm of the Anishinabek Nation. The Charity is committed to improving the quality of life of Anishinabek Nation citizens by providing support where no other funding exists.

More Than $50,000 Raised for Injured Operator

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has raised more than $50,000 for long-time union member and operator Gerry Lukasiewicz of Sarnia who was injured in a construction site accident in 2012. The announcement was made at a fundraiser attended by nearly 100 people at the Sarnia Holiday Inn on Dec. 14. The event also featured a silent auction. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher had proposed the idea of a fundraiser for Gerry at a general membership meeting of the union on March 24, 2013. Gallagher had also proposed that the union contribute $10,000 […]

Local 793 has raised more than $50,000 for long-time union member and operator Gerry Lukasiewicz of Sarnia who was injured in a construction site accident in 2012.
The announcement was made at a fundraiser attended by nearly 100 people at the Sarnia Holiday Inn on Dec. 14. The event also featured a silent auction.
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher had proposed the idea of a fundraiser for Gerry at a general membership meeting of the union on March 24, 2013.
Gallagher had also proposed that the union contribute $10,000 to the fundraiser and the idea received unanimous support from members at the meeting.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to help with the costs of buying and equipping a van for Gerry.
Gerry was seriously injured in an accident on the morning of May 7, 2012. He was struck by a jib weighing 1,500 pounds. He is now confined to a wheelchair.
Gerry is a 39-year member of Local 793. He started his career in the early 1970s with a company called Goodfellows Disposal. He joined the union while working at the company.
Gerry worked on numerous projects in and around the Sarnia area, mostly in the petrochemical sector. He was one of the operators who helped build Shell Chemical.
Retired Southwestern Ontario area supervisor Bob McQueen told those who attended the fundraiser that Gerry was in grave condition after the accident and it’s been a long road to recovery for him.
However, he said, Gerry has fought back and wants to drive again, and the money raised from the fundraiser will enable him to realize that goal.
McQueen noted that shortly after the accident business manager Gallagher visited Gerry in the hospital and told him the union would be there for him.
“My experience has been that when something happens we step up to take care of our own,” said McQueen.
McQueen thanked union staff, business reps and officers for putting the fundraiser together.

Hundreds Attend Annual Dinner Dance

More than 400 people attended Local 793’s annual dinner dance held in the union’s banquet hall in Oakville on Nov. 16.
Business manager Mike Gallagher welcomed guests, dignitaries and long-service members to the event and spoke about some of the union’s future plans – and challenges.
He said the union is looking at making major improvements to the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario campus in Morrisburg and will be investing money into that facility.
He said the union has to invest money if it wants its training facilities to remain world-class.
He also said that the union is moving ahead with plans for a monument to honour members who have been killed in construction accidents or died due to occupational diseases.
“We as an organization must remember their contribution and make sure what happened to them doesn’t happen again,” he noted.
As for future challenges, Gallagher said unions like the Operating Engineers are facing a right-wing movement that’s sweeping across North America.
He said unions must fight back because “that’s not the type of vision we have for our province.
“We know the value of working and having safe worksites but unfortunately mean-spirited Conservatism is sweeping across North America.”
The movement, he said, is threatening trade unions.
The Conservatives are “peddling” this vision of Utopia without unions and a system that would allow free riders, Gallagher said.
“We can’t let that happen – not on our watch. We have to fight that tooth and nail.”
Gallagher said the U.S., which has 23 right-to-work states, has been going backwards and unions in Canada must make sure that this country does not follow suit.
“Be vigilant,” he told the audience. “Pay attention and don’t listen to nice-sounding slogans like right-to-work.”
Assistant business manager John W. Anderson spoke briefly at the event. He introduced the winners of the Douglas H. Campbell Awards for top crane apprentices in 2012. Winners were:

  • Sean Caveney – top mobile crane apprentice
  • Ryan Leyten – top tower crane apprentice

Dignitaries at the event included Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn.
Scotty Newlands, who often sings O’Canada at Toronto Maple Leaf home games, sang the anthem. He later performed the ballad Danny Boy.

Operator Receives Safety Award

Local 793 operator Cedric LeBlanc was presented with the Kyle James Knox Memorial Award at the union’s annual dinner dance Nov. 16.
The award is named after Knox, a 24-year-old apprentice who was killed when a rotary drill rig collapsed in Toronto on Oct. 11, 2011. It is given to operators who go above and beyond the call of duty.
On Nov. 27, 2012, LeBlanc came to the rescue of crane operator Jean Marc Legault who was working in a crane at a jobsite in Ottawa.
Legault had accidentally sliced his wrist while cutting a grease tube, leading to a serious arterial bleed. He was in the cab of a crane 60 metres above ground level.
LeBlanc provided first-aid and helped bring Legault to ground level.
Legault recovered in hospital.
Business manager Mike Gallagher told those at the dinner dance that LeBlanc is to be commended for his actions.
If LeBlanc had not acted as quickly as he did, another member might have lost his life, Gallagher noted.

Local 793 Donates to Hospital Cancer Program

Local 793 has donated $104,114 to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation cancer program.
The donation was made at the union’s annual dinner dance held Nov. 16 in the OE Banquet Hall.
The funds were raised at the 2013 Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton.
In 2012, the tournament raised $102,000.
Proceeds are used to fund research into esophageal cancer.
Amber Bernard and Josh Lai of Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

Recipients Receive Long-Service Awards

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.”

Memorial Garden to be Built at Head Office

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced that the union is looking at building a memorial garden and monument to honour members who have been killed in construction site accidents or died due to an occupational disease.
“This is an important initiative and a respectful way of remembering and honouring our union brothers and sisters who have died under such circumstances,” Gallagher noted in a statement.
The monument will be similar to those that have been erected in memory of police officers and firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We should be doing everything in our power to mark the lives of Operating Engineers who have lost their lives in construction or industrial accidents or because of an occupational illness,” Gallagher said.
Architect Michael Spaziani, who designed Local 793’s head office in Oakville, has put out a request for proposals for a professional artist to design the monument.
The monument will be located at the union’s head office. Names of Local 793 operators who have died in accidents or due to occupational diseases will be part of the monument.
A final design proposal is expected by the end of 2014.
Gallagher said that the proposal will be brought to a general membership meeting for discussion, as input from members on the initiative is essential.
The union would like to hear from anyone who knows of a member who has passed away due to a workplace accident or occupational disease like mesothelioma.
Please contact Crystal Resendes or Debbie Coulson to provide the name and some background on the deceased member. They can be reached at 905-469-9299 or toll free at 1-877-793-4863.

Benefit Improvements Announced

Written by Local 793 Staff

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 active and retired members: Coverage will now be provided for specific eye exams that are necessary for certain medical conditions. Coverage for orthotics will […]

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 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 travel-out-of-province insurance will be increased to a maximum of $150 per year from $100 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 and 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 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

Written by Local 793 Staff

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 website 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