Category: Union News

IUOE Locals from across the country gathered in St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, on September 7 for the 65th IUOE Annual Canadian Conference. Local 793 was led by Business Manager Mike Gallagher and was well represented with 21 delegates. The agenda was filled with many great speakers, including John Zerucelli, Canada’s Secretary of State (Labour), who discussed the federal government’s mandate to create jobs – anchored by nation-building projects such as major energy corridors. He also discussed his government’s 2022 commitment to double funding available through the Union Training and […]

IUOE Locals from across the country gathered in St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, on September 7 for the 65th IUOE Annual Canadian Conference. Local 793 was led by Business Manager Mike Gallagher and was well represented with 21 delegates.

The agenda was filled with many great speakers, including John Zerucelli, Canada’s Secretary of State (Labour), who discussed the federal government’s mandate to create jobs – anchored by nation-building projects such as major energy corridors.

He also discussed his government’s 2022 commitment to double funding available through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), adding that the Liberal government intends to “build big, build bold, build now.”

Following the Etobicoke North MP’s address to delegates, Business Manager Gallagher pressed him on the details, commending him on the government’s plan to build major energy corridors, but demanding a commitment that these projects be built exclusively by actual trade unions like the Operating Engineers and not employer-friendly sham unions such as CLAC.

The Business Manager pointed out that the building trade unions provide top tier pensions for members and invest heavily in training and improving health & safety for both union and non-union tradespeople across this country.

He also reminded the Secretary of State that the Operating Engineers were the first of only two trade unions to support the Liberals during their general election campaign – at a time when the odds strongly favoured a Conservative majority government – insisting that failing to make a commitment to build new infrastructure with union workers would be seen as a real betrayal.

In response, Zerucelli insisted that he is not a fan of CLAC – they don’t provide good pensions and they drive down the price of labour. He promised to continue to fight every day to make sure these new projects would be union ones.

Another noteworthy guest was Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini. Business Manager Gallagher introduced the minister, noting that Local 793 had never endorsed a Conservative government before the current one, but that since doing so the administration of Doug Ford had proven to be strong supporters of Ontario’s trade unions, training and getting things done.

Minister Piccini opened his remarks by emphasizing his government’s $200 billion infrastructure investment before describing the talent pipeline being opened through its support of training centres, citing the multi-million-dollar investment it has made in Local 793’s state-of-the-art facility currently under construction in Oro-Medonte.

He ended by listing the many improvements made to health and safety on job sites during his tenure as Minister of Labour, stating that “because of union advocacy, job site conditions have improved for both union and non-union workers.”

Also in attendance for the conference was Local 793 President Dave Turple, who brought the following emergency resolution forward in support of our members working at the Mobilex Terminal in Thunder Bay:

“The IUOE Canadian Conference of Operating Engineers encourages the Transport Minister, Chrystia Freeland, to collaborate immediately to resolve any and all issues impacting the current waterways of the Port of Thunder Bay, including current draft amendments for the 2025 shipping season, further standardizing draft requirements, and provide ongoing maintenance, scheduling and future planning involving shipping corridors with the Port of Thunder Bay.”

Business Manager Mike Gallagher welcomes Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini to the podium at the IUOE Canadian Conference in St John’s.

Business Manager Mike Gallagher welcomes Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini to the podium at the IUOE Canadian Conference in St John’s.

Business Manager Mike Gallagher addresses delegates at the 65th IUOE Annual Conference.

At just 18 years old, Cole Alexander is already making waves in two different worlds. By day, he’s a mobile crane apprentice with Amherst Crane Rental. Outside work, he’s turning pro on the racetrack, recently becoming a Double Canadian National Champion in the Canadian Superbike Championship. Growing up surrounded by motorcycles, Cole’s passion for racing started early. That passion paid off when he made history by clinching both the Amateur Superbike and Amateur SuperSport titles last August 10, 2025, at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It’s an achievement only three […]

At just 18 years old, Cole Alexander is already making waves in two different worlds. By day, he’s a mobile crane apprentice with Amherst Crane Rental. Outside work, he’s turning pro on the racetrack, recently becoming a Double Canadian National Champion in the Canadian Superbike Championship.

Growing up surrounded by motorcycles, Cole’s passion for racing started early. That passion paid off when he made history by clinching both the Amateur Superbike and Amateur SuperSport titles last August 10, 2025, at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It’s an achievement only three others have accomplished in the history of the series. His current race bike is a Suzuki GSX-R750.

Cole began his apprenticeship in February and has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. “Working long hours definitely takes away from time on my bike,” he admits, “but I do lots of mini-bike training to stay sharp for when I get back on the race bike.” Despite the demanding schedule, he finds joy in his work and looks forward to each day on the job.

Balancing a full-time apprenticeship with a championship racing career is no small feat, and Cole is grateful for the support he receives. He credits Amherst Crane Rental for understanding his racing commitments. He appreciates how OETIO has helped guide his apprenticeship journey on a clear and structured path, especially to his family, who have been behind him through all his races.

He is the son of Local 793 Health and Safety Director Brian Alexander, who is very proud of his son’s accomplishments in both careers he has chosen.

Cole’s journey is proof that with passion, discipline, and the right support, it’s possible to chase more than one dream and win big in both.

Since stepping into the role of Business Manager, Mike Gallagher has been a driving force behind Local 793’s transformation. Under his leadership, the union has: Strengthened our pension and benefits plan Championed health and safety on jobsites Grown our membership to over 20,000 strong His vision and dedication have made a lasting impact on the lives of our members and their families. We thank Business Manager and Union Brother Mike Gallagher for his unwavering commitment and leadership in building the strong, united Local 793 we know today. Read the article below by Gianni Monti, former Toronto […]

Since stepping into the role of Business Manager, Mike Gallagher has been a driving force behind Local 793’s transformation. Under his leadership, the union has:

• Strengthened our pension and benefits plan
• Championed health and safety on jobsites
• Grown our membership to over 20,000 strong

His vision and dedication have made a lasting impact on the lives of our members and their families.

We thank Business Manager and Union Brother Mike Gallagher for his unwavering commitment and leadership in building the strong, united Local 793 we know today.

Read the article below by Gianni Monti, former Toronto Area Supervisor and honorary lifetime member.

As a thank you for supporting Local 793, we’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets at every district meeting in September to see the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, September 28 @ 3:07 pm. To enter the raffle, please bring your Union card to the meeting. Two winners will receive a pair of tickets each for Section 139, 100 Level at the Rogers Centre. Winning members will receive their tickets via email. Tickets are not transferable – only the winning members and their guests […]

As a thank you for supporting Local 793, we’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets at every district meeting in September to see the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, September 28 @ 3:07 pm.

To enter the raffle, please bring your Union card to the meeting. Two winners will receive a pair of tickets each for Section 139, 100 Level at the Rogers Centre.

Winning members will receive their tickets via email. Tickets are not transferable – only the winning members and their guests are eligible. Please enter the raffle only if you are confident you can attend.

Check out https://iuoelocal793.org/events-meetings/ or download the Local 793 mobile app to see your district schedule.

On behalf of myself, the Officers, Executive Board, and Staff of IUOE Local 793, I want to extend warm wishes to you and your families for a safe and happy Labour Day long weekend. As we mark this occasion, we celebrate not only the victories of the past but also the ongoing efforts that shape a brighter future for all workers. Our collective voice, empowered by solidarity, raises awareness and serves as a call to action to protect workers’ rights that the labour movement has fought hard for. Now more […]

On behalf of myself, the Officers, Executive Board, and Staff of IUOE Local 793, I want to extend warm wishes to you and your families for a safe and happy Labour Day long weekend.

As we mark this occasion, we celebrate not only the victories of the past but also the ongoing efforts that shape a brighter future for all workers. Our collective voice, empowered by solidarity, raises awareness and serves as a call to action to protect workers’ rights that the labour movement has fought hard for.

Now more than ever, we need to make Canada stronger so we can face the threats to our freedom, the pressures of trade wars, and the ongoing struggles of workers.

Remember, our strength lies in our unity.

I encourage all members and their families to participate in one of the many Labour Day events across the province. (Please note: Oshawa’s picnic will be held on Sunday.)

I would also like to remind everyone that Local 793 offices will be closed on Monday, September 1st and will resume office hours on Tuesday, September 2nd.

For more details about the parades and events in various districts, visit: https://iuoelocal793.org/events-meetings/

Fraternally yours,

Mike Gallagher

The Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada has established a program for outstanding students who demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to community service. The PLCAC Student Award Program will open on September 18, 2025. If you have a son or daughter attending university or college and are working with a PLCAC member, your child can apply for the PLCAC Student Award Program. To be eligible for this award, the applicant must be enrolled in a full-time program leading to a diploma or degree. Postgraduate students may also be considered. In […]

The Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada has established a program for outstanding students who demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to community service. The PLCAC Student Award Program will open on September 18, 2025.

If you have a son or daughter attending university or college and are working with a PLCAC member, your child can apply for the PLCAC Student Award Program.

To be eligible for this award, the applicant must be enrolled in a full-time program leading to a diploma or degree. Postgraduate students may also be considered.

In addition, all successful candidates need to demonstrate involvement in their community.

The application deadline will be October 17, 2025.

For more information, visit our website https://iuoelocal793.org/why-join/awards/

The Ontario government is conducting a feasibility study exploring how best to establish a new energy corridor from Alberta-to-Ontario. On August 13, 2025, Business Manager Mike Gallagher spoke with CBC to endorse the pipeline project. “As far as I’m concerned, the sooner this gets done the better,” Gallagher told the CBC. “In a time of rising global crises and a rockier relationship with the US, it’s clear that Canada needs our own source of oil.” Today, Canada relies on oil coming from the United States through Line 5, but the […]

The Ontario government is conducting a feasibility study exploring how best to establish a new energy corridor from Alberta-to-Ontario. On August 13, 2025, Business Manager Mike Gallagher spoke with CBC to endorse the pipeline project.

“As far as I’m concerned, the sooner this gets done the better,” Gallagher told the CBC. “In a time of rising global crises and a rockier relationship with the US, it’s clear that Canada needs our own source of oil.”

Today, Canada relies on oil coming from the United States through Line 5, but the Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer has made it her mission to shut down the pipeline.

“For us to be reliant on oil coming from the US through Line 5 at a time when the governor of Michigan is fighting so hard to close it down leaves Canada in a vulnerable position, as it would affect all aspects of our day-to-day life,” said Gallagher.

Local 793 endorsed Prime Minister Carney in the latest federal election because of his commitment to pursue major energy and infrastructure projects that will make Canada self-reliant and create thousands of good jobs for members.

“A new pipeline would not only create jobs, it would strengthen our country’s independence and is exactly the kind of nation-building project that Prime Minister Carney promised to deliver,” Gallagher said.

Canadians are united on this subject. Recent polling shows an overwhelming majority of Canadians support building new pipelines from the West Coast to the East.

“Modern pipelines are safer than they’ve ever been and issues that do arise are quickly addressed by contractors,” said Gallagher.

“Of course, we must consult with all communities that will be affected along the line, and it is the right strategy to partner with Indigenous workers so that the economic benefits of any new development are shared by all Canadians.”

The proposed energy corridor would include new Alberta-to-Ontario pipelines, bringing Western Canadian oil and gas to refineries in Southern Ontario and tidewater ports including a new deep-sea port on the coast of James Bay. Local 793 will continue to advocate for these projects that will bring strength and greater prosperity to Canada and our union.

Exciting times ahead! We’re proud to see the Oro-Medonte Operating Engineers training facility in the spotlight. Thanks to OrilliaMatters for the feature story about the importance of our trade and for highlighting the benefits that the facility will bring to the local community. Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher was quoted in the article underlining the importance of the project and explaining why the time is right to invest in skilled trades training. He said, ” We had an economic study and report done by Prism Economics that showed that […]

Exciting times ahead! We’re proud to see the Oro-Medonte Operating Engineers training facility in the spotlight. Thanks to OrilliaMatters for the feature story about the importance of our trade and for highlighting the benefits that the facility will bring to the local community.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher was quoted in the article underlining the importance of the project and explaining why the time is right to invest in skilled trades training.

He said, ” We had an economic study and report done by Prism Economics that showed that the increasing rate of Local 793 retirements alongside the record levels of provincial construction activity point to the need to increase the number of crane operator apprentices for our trade.

“We decided that we should invest in growth to accommodate these factors, and building another training centre will help to achieve our goals.”

Local 793 is also thrilled to announce that the banquet hall portion of the build has been increased in size, adding to the already planned classrooms and staff offices for the 21-acre site off Hwy 11.

The new facility is being built by signatory company Bird Construction and is scheduled to open in late 2026.

Click here to read the full story: https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/ideal-location-crane-operator-training-facility-rising-in-oro-medonte-11078208

Please note that ALL monthly district meetings across all areas will resume in September. Click on this link: https://iuoelocal793.org/events-meetings/ for more info. Alternatively, you can log in to the members’ website and click the “Events & Meetings” tab or download the Local 793 mobile app by visiting https://iuoelocal793.org/members/services/mobile-app/ for your district schedule.

Please note that ALL monthly district meetings across all areas will resume in September.

Click on this link: https://iuoelocal793.org/events-meetings/ for more info. Alternatively, you can log in to the members’ website and click the “Events & Meetings” tab or download the Local 793 mobile app by visiting https://iuoelocal793.org/members/services/mobile-app/ for your district schedule.

Local 793 Steward Jason Caissie and wife Michelle will be proud parents today as their son, Owen Caissie, steps onto the field at Rogers Centre for what could be his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs. Owen grew up in Burlington, where his love for baseball was nurtured within the family. His work ethic was built over countless hours swinging a heavy axe in the backyard chopping up old, abandoned hydro poles. Now 23 years old, Owen was the top Canadian selected in the 2020 MLB Draft by […]

Local 793 Steward Jason Caissie and wife Michelle will be proud parents today as their son, Owen Caissie, steps onto the field at Rogers Centre for what could be his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.

Owen grew up in Burlington, where his love for baseball was nurtured within the family. His work ethic was built over countless hours swinging a heavy axe in the backyard chopping up old, abandoned hydro poles.

Now 23 years old, Owen was the top Canadian selected in the 2020 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. He became the highest-drafted Canadian outfielder to date and was the second-youngest batting qualifier in the Triple-A International League last season.

Jason and Michelle will be cheering from the sidelines this afternoon as the Cubs face off against the Blue Jays in a series decider.

Local 793 congratulates Brother Jason and the entire Caissie family on this very special day and wishes Owen a long and successful career in the big leagues.

This afternoon’s game is available to watch on Sportsnet from 2:30 p.m.

Photo Credits: Jason and Michelle Caissie, @dunham19