Category: Union News

On most days, Robyn Torres is hundreds of feet in the air, working as a tower crane operator for Avenue Building Corporation, a role that demands patience, focus, and the ability to stay calm under pressure Soon, he’ll be facing a different kind of pressure inside the boxing ring. Brother Torres is set to compete in his first sanctioned bout as part of the Victory Gala, a charity boxing event in support of the Pinball Foundation. Brother Torres’ journey into the trades began a couple of years after high school […]

On most days, Robyn Torres is hundreds of feet in the air, working as a tower crane operator for Avenue Building Corporation, a role that demands patience, focus, and the ability to stay calm under pressure

Soon, he’ll be facing a different kind of pressure inside the boxing ring. Brother Torres is set to compete in his first sanctioned bout as part of the Victory Gala, a charity boxing event in support of the Pinball Foundation.

Brother Torres’ journey into the trades began a couple of years after high school when he started working as a labourer until he earned his hoisting and rigging ticket and began working with and around cranes as a swamper and rigger, an experience that sparked a new goal.

“I approached my foremen and informed them of my intention to start a tower crane apprenticeship,” he said. Not long after, he began his 339B apprenticeship at OETIO and became a proud member of Local 793.

As his career progressed, Brother Torres also began paying closer attention to his overall health, which led him to rediscover his love for boxing.

A fan of Manny Pacquiao and the sport itself, this fight is not just about testing his skills on a big stage; it’s about contributing to a meaningful cause.

Balancing his career, family life, and boxing training hasn’t been easy, but Torres credits his wife for her unwavering support. He also hopes to show his children that no matter how busy life gets, it’s still possible to give back.

His message to those considering a career in the trades is: “Nothing was easy when I started my career. I thought about quitting on multiple occasions… but I worked hard, listened, and rarely complained. Through relentless work ethic, patience, and perseverance, I was able to build a life for myself, and my family and I believe if you show up and give it your all every day, you can too.”

To learn more about the fight, visit victorygala.ca

OETIO has been busy actively engaging with Indigenous communities across Ontario to share information about apprenticeship pathways, training programs, pensions and benefits, and to highlight success stories from our Indigenous apprentices. We were invited to the Mnidoo Mnising Employment and Training at Sheguiandah First Nation for a gathering with representatives from Manitoulin Island First Nation communities. These conversations offered a valuable opportunity to discuss career pathways and long-term opportunities as an Operating Engineer. We also visited Sagamok First Nation’s Lifelong Learning Centre alongside the Local 793 team, Eric Giroux, Zenon […]

OETIO has been busy actively engaging with Indigenous communities across Ontario to share information about apprenticeship pathways, training programs, pensions and benefits, and to highlight success stories from our Indigenous apprentices.

We were invited to the Mnidoo Mnising Employment and Training at Sheguiandah First Nation for a gathering with representatives from Manitoulin Island First Nation communities. These conversations offered a valuable opportunity to discuss career pathways and long-term opportunities as an Operating Engineer.

We also visited Sagamok First Nation’s Lifelong Learning Centre alongside the Local 793 team, Eric Giroux, Zenon Konopka, Charlie Peters, and Kyle Park, to discuss apprenticeship opportunities, hands-on training, and available supports through OETIO and Local 793.

Additionally, we participated in the GREAT (Grand River Employment and Training) Job Fair at Six Nations of the Grand River, connecting with students and community members to share pathways to employment with our Signatory Contractors, including A6N (Aecon/Six Nations), proudly based in Six Nations, Ontario.

A big Nyá:węh and Miigwech to all the communities for your warm welcome and continued collaboration. Local 793 and OETIO remain committed to supporting First Nation community members in building successful, long-term careers.

As a Union representing workers in Nunavut, our connection to the community runs deep, with some of our Brothers and Sisters calling it home. It was truly an honour to give back by helping bring this momentous opportunity to the community. Thank you to Hockey Helps the Homeless for bringing the Toronto Maple Leafs and HHTH Alumni together to raise awareness and funds while bringing a sense of joy and a memorable moment to the people of Iqaluit. Watch the SportsNet feature story about this one-of-a-kind experience. You may also […]

As a Union representing workers in Nunavut, our connection to the community runs deep, with some of our Brothers and Sisters calling it home. It was truly an honour to give back by helping bring this momentous opportunity to the community.

Thank you to Hockey Helps the Homeless for bringing the Toronto Maple Leafs and HHTH Alumni together to raise awareness and funds while bringing a sense of joy and a memorable moment to the people of Iqaluit.

Watch the SportsNet feature story about this one-of-a-kind experience.

You may also click this link: Hockey Heroes Travel to Nunavut for One-of-a-Kind Canadian Experience

Sean Stevens has been a proud member of Local 793 for six years. Before joining the Union, he worked in a completely different field until a family member encouraged him to take a new path, one that ultimately transformed his career. “I was in the environmental industry, where I was doing garbage,” Sean recalls. “And my family member told me to join 793. And that’s how I got into the union.” That decision opened the door to new opportunities. Through the Union, Brother Stevens was introduced to water distribution. Although […]

Sean Stevens has been a proud member of Local 793 for six years. Before joining the Union, he worked in a completely different field until a family member encouraged him to take a new path, one that ultimately transformed his career.

“I was in the environmental industry, where I was doing garbage,” Sean recalls. “And my family member told me to join 793. And that’s how I got into the union.”

That decision opened the door to new opportunities. Through the Union, Brother Stevens was introduced to water distribution. Although he had little experience at the start, he embraced the challenge and quickly discovered that he enjoyed the work.

Over the years, that decision has brought stability to his life. Today, he’s able to better support his family and be there for others when they need it.

“It has made a difference because now I have stability,” he says. “I’m able to take care of my family and assist any friends that may need help.”

For Brother Stevens, the most rewarding part of the job goes beyond daily tasks.

“The best part of the work is just knowing that you’re helping the community achieve its goals.”

To him, the Union is a strong support system for its members.

“The Union is like a big family; they try to take care of their members. And yeah, it’s been good so far.”

When asked whether he would encourage others to join a union, his response is immediate:

“I would recommend that anybody who’s not in the union try to get themselves into one because the benefits are way more than anything else.”

Sean believes the skilled trades offer something invaluable: a future you can rely on. He also highlights the sense of security that comes with being part of a strong, unionized trade.

“You could go to a lot of places and be able to afford your life and just afford to live. You don’t want to be out there, and your future is not really secure. Once you’re in your union, I would say that you’re more secure than not being in one.”

Members planning to watch the Leafs take on the Capitals tomorrow night should aim to settle into their comfy chairs a little early if they want to see their Union featured during the pre-game program. Sportsnet will be broadcasting a short film from 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday about the recent Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) inaugural Nunavut Northern Alumni Classic, which was held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, from March 19-22. Local 793 provided one of the largest sponsorships in its history to help ensure the success of the HHTH event. With […]

Members planning to watch the Leafs take on the Capitals tomorrow night should aim to settle into their comfy chairs a little early if they want to see their Union featured during the pre-game program.

Sportsnet will be broadcasting a short film from 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday about the recent Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) inaugural Nunavut Northern Alumni Classic, which was held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, from March 19-22.

Local 793 provided one of the largest sponsorships in its history to help ensure the success of the HHTH event. With a new office opened in the capital and a growing membership across Nunavut, our support for such a worthy cause helped raise our profile and underline the values we stand for.

The video will feature former NHL stars such as Jordin Tootoo, Terry Ryan, Brad May and Joe Thornton on and off the ice as they take in the sights and sounds of Nunavut. Sharp-eyed members should also try to spot Local 793 staff members Kyle Schutte, Mike Schutte and our own hockey legend Zenon “The Destroyer” Konopka, who all made the trip North.

Where to watch: Sportsnet from 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday (ahead of the Leafs game at 7:30 p.m.)

Ratification Meeting: London Roadbuilders/South Western Ontario Road Builders Association (SWORBA) Agreement When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm Where: Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, Ontario Dear Member: We will be holding a Ratification Meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre, located at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, ON. Be sure you attend this important Ratification Meeting and please notify as many of your fellow members as possible who work or may […]

Ratification Meeting: London Roadbuilders/South Western Ontario Road Builders Association (SWORBA) Agreement

When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm

Where: Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, Ontario

Dear Member:

We will be holding a Ratification Meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre, located at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, ON.

Be sure you attend this important Ratification Meeting and please notify as many of your fellow members as possible who work or may work under the London Roadbuilders/South Western Ontario Road Builders Association (SWORBA) Agreement.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Business Representatives Dana Jones or Kelly Burla at the London office 519-652-2740.

Fraternally,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager

Please be advised that all IUOE Local 793 offices will close early today at 1:00 p.m. in observance of the Easter long weekend. Our offices will remain closed on Friday, April 3, 2026, through Monday, April 6, 2026. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. We wish all our Brothers and Sisters, and your loved ones, a safe and happy Easter weekend!

Please be advised that all IUOE Local 793 offices will close early today at 1:00 p.m. in observance of the Easter long weekend.

Our offices will remain closed on Friday, April 3, 2026, through Monday, April 6, 2026. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

We wish all our Brothers and Sisters, and your loved ones, a safe and happy Easter weekend!

IUOE Local 793 was proud to meet with Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini to discuss the important role Operating Engineers play in building and maintaining Ontario’s infrastructure. The meeting provided an opportunity to share our priorities and reinforce the value unionized skilled workers bring to Ontario’s economy and communities. Business Manager Mike Gallagher, President Dave Turple, Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) Director of Training and Apprenticeship Jeff Hewitt, and Labour Relations Manager and Counsel Melissa Atkins‑Mahaney engaged in meaningful […]

IUOE Local 793 was proud to meet with Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini to discuss the important role Operating Engineers play in building and maintaining Ontario’s infrastructure. The meeting provided an opportunity to share our priorities and reinforce the value unionized skilled workers bring to Ontario’s economy and communities.

Business Manager Mike Gallagher, President Dave Turple, Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) Director of Training and Apprenticeship Jeff Hewitt, and Labour Relations Manager and Counsel Melissa Atkins‑Mahaney engaged in meaningful dialogue to ensure decision‑makers understand the requirements of our work, as well as the ongoing need for continuous training, strong apprenticeship programs, safety standards, and workforce development.

IUOE Local 793 remains committed to advocating for our members and strengthening the future of skilled trades across Ontario.

Ratification Meeting: London Sewer and Watermain, Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Contractors Association Agreement When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:00 pm Where: Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, Ontario Dear Member: We will be holding a Ratification Meeting on Wednesday April 1, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre located at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, ON. Be sure you attend this important Ratification Meeting and please notify as many of your fellow members as possible that […]

Ratification Meeting: London Sewer and Watermain, Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Contractors Association Agreement

When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:00 pm

Where: Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, Ontario

Dear Member:

We will be holding a Ratification Meeting on Wednesday April 1, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Best Western PLUS Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre located at 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, ON.

Be sure you attend this important Ratification Meeting and please notify as many of your fellow members as possible that work or may work under the London Sewer and Watermain, Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Contractors Association Agreement.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Business Representatives Kelly Burla or Dana Jones at the London office 519-652-2740.

Fraternally,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager

  We are growing, and so are Local 793’s properties! Local 793 is proud to share that 2285 Speers Road in Oakville is now part of our expanding portfolio of Union-owned properties, and we’re not slowing down! We want to inform our members of the following: This purchase does not affect the future plans to build area offices in Sarnia, Hamilton and Sudbury. All property transactions are self-financed by the Union, ensuring the Union continues to operate with zero debt. The closing date for 2285 Speers Road is scheduled for […]

We are growing, and so are Local 793’s properties!

Local 793 is proud to share that 2285 Speers Road in Oakville is now part of our expanding portfolio of Union-owned properties, and we’re not slowing down!

We want to inform our members of the following:

• This purchase does not affect the future plans to build area offices in Sarnia, Hamilton and Sudbury.
• All property transactions are self-financed by the Union, ensuring the Union continues to operate with zero debt.

The closing date for 2285 Speers Road is scheduled for June 2026, marking another milestone in our continued progress for the future of our membership.