Category: Union News

Local 793 is proud to stand in solidarity with the striking members of IUOE Local 772. The stationary engineers represented by Local 772 play a vital role in providing safe drinking water for the people of Hamilton and have been on strike since May 14 seeking a fair wage deal. They are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical systems at water and wastewater treatment plants. This includes the purification process, wastewater discharge, and ensuring the overall safe and reliable operation of the plants. They also handle maintenance […]

Local 793 is proud to stand in solidarity with the striking members of IUOE Local 772.

The stationary engineers represented by Local 772 play a vital role in providing safe drinking water for the people of Hamilton and have been on strike since May 14 seeking a fair wage deal.

They are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical systems at water and wastewater treatment plants. This includes the purification process, wastewater discharge, and ensuring the overall safe and reliable operation of the plants. They also handle maintenance at city reservoirs and pumping stations.

Today’s rally outside Hamilton City Hall was attended by about 200 workers from different unions keen to back our Brothers and Sisters who are standing firm in their fight to achieve a fair agreement.

Local 772 Business Manager Greg Hoath addressed the crowd before thanking Local 793’s South Central Ontario Area Supervisor Andrew Saunders, the staff and members of Local 793 for their support.

Local 793 members in the Hamilton area who are available from noon today are asked to join our striking Brothers and Sisters of IUOE Local 772 in Hamilton as they stage a rally at City Hall. About 60 City of Hamilton water and wastewater operators have been on strike since May 14. Local 772 is seeking a 6% raise over four years to help close a pay gap that leaves some of its members earning less than workers in similar roles. Please join your Union for the rally at City […]

Local 793 members in the Hamilton area who are available from noon today are asked to join our striking Brothers and Sisters of IUOE Local 772 in Hamilton as they stage a rally at City Hall.

About 60 City of Hamilton water and wastewater operators have been on strike since May 14. Local 772 is seeking a 6% raise over four years to help close a pay gap that leaves some of its members earning less than workers in similar roles.

Please join your Union for the rally at City Hall at noon to stand in solidarity with Local 772 workers as they fight for a fair and equitable agreement.

Canada Day feels different when you’re helping build the country you’re proud to call home. Wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day feels different when you’re helping build the country you’re proud to call home. Wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day!

Please be advised that offices will be closed from Monday, June 30, 2025, until Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for Canada Day long weekend.

Please be advised that offices will be closed from Monday, June 30, 2025, until Tuesday, July 1^, 2025, for Canada Day long weekend.

New requirements regarding jobsite washroom standards are due to come into effect across Ontario on July 1. The amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990 focus on improving hygiene, sanitation and overall working conditions and are being implemented as part of the provincial government’s Bill 190 (Working for Workers Five Act, 2024). Sections of the Act will be amended placing new requirements on constructors and employers to ensure washroom facilities are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Constructors and employers will now also be required to […]

New requirements regarding jobsite washroom standards are due to come into effect across Ontario on July 1.

The amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990 focus on improving hygiene, sanitation and overall working conditions and are being implemented as part of the provincial government’s Bill 190 (Working for Workers Five Act, 2024).

Sections of the Act will be amended placing new requirements on constructors and employers to ensure washroom facilities are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Constructors and employers will now also be required to keep and maintain records of cleaning schedules that must be made available to workers. Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspectors will conduct regular inspections of facilities, and non-compliance can result in penalties.

Local 793’s Health and Safety department is optimistic constructors and employers will comply with the new requirements but, as the eyes and ears of the Union, members are urged to bring any concerns they may have over jobsite washroom facilities to their business rep or to Director of Health and Safety Brian Alexander.

You have a right to safe and sanitary washrooms while at work.

The amendments coming into force on July 1 are:

Definition

A “washroom facility” will now be defined as a washroom, toilet facility, clean-up facility, urinal, shower or other similar facility, but does not include an eye wash station or emergency shower; (“salle de toilette”). 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 1 (4).

Washroom Facilities
23.1 (1) A constructor shall ensure, on a project, that the washroom facilities, if any, that are provided by the constructor for the use of workers are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.

Records
(2) The constructor shall keep, maintain and make available records of the cleaning of washroom facilities as prescribed. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.

Regulations
(3) The regulations may modify or supplement this section and may establish new or modified requirements with respect to washroom facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.

Washroom facilities
25.3 (1) An employer shall ensure that the washroom facilities, if any, that are provided by the employer for the use of workers are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.

Same, Exception
(2) For greater certainty, subsection (1) does not apply if the washroom facilities are provided by a constructor on a project and subsection 23.1 (1) applies instead with respect to those facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.

Records
(3) The employer shall keep, maintain and make available records of the cleaning of washroom facilities as prescribed. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.

Regulations
(4) The regulations may modify or supplement this section and may establish new or modified requirements with respect to washroom facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.

Wow, what an incredible turnout at the Hamilton Golf Tournament! It was fantastic to see everyone having a blast and bonding with their Brothers and Sisters! A special shoutout to Bo Levi Mitchell of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for joining us and generously donating his jersey and four tickets to watch their game against the Montreal Alouettes this Friday. Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this event a smashing success! The proceeds from the Hamilton Golf Tournament will benefit Easter Seals Ontario, The FoodBank […]

Wow, what an incredible turnout at the Hamilton Golf Tournament! It was fantastic to see everyone having a blast and bonding with their Brothers and Sisters! A special shoutout to Bo Levi Mitchell of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for joining us and generously donating his jersey and four tickets to watch their game against the Montreal Alouettes this Friday.

Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this event a smashing success! The proceeds from the Hamilton Golf Tournament will benefit Easter Seals Ontario, The FoodBank Waterloo, Feed Niagara, and Hamilton Food Share.

Thank you all for your support!

Environment Canada has issued a warning about the first significant heat event of the season, with dangerously hot and humid conditions expected to persist throughout the week. Daytime temperatures in some areas are forecasted to reach between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius, with humidity making it feel closer to 40 degrees. Officials urge everyone to take action to protect themselves and others, as extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. They recommend assessing if you or those around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable […]

Environment Canada has issued a warning about the first significant heat event of the season, with dangerously hot and humid conditions expected to persist throughout the week.

Daytime temperatures in some areas are forecasted to reach between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius, with humidity making it feel closer to 40 degrees.

Officials urge everyone to take action to protect themselves and others, as extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. They recommend assessing if you or those around you are at greater risk of heat illness.

Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to direct sunlight and humidity exposure. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, drink a cup of water every 20 minutes and wear light-colored clothing when working in such conditions.

If you are concerned that employers are not taking appropriate steps to help workers avoid heat stroke and exhaustion, contact your business representative.

For more information on how to prepare for and recognize heat-related symptoms, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-heat-stress-work

For the latest Heat Warning Alert from Environment Canada, visit https://weather.gc.ca

A group of Local 793’s Irish members took a stroll down memory lane on Friday, June 13, as they took part in a panel discussion on the role of Irish immigrant labour in the building of Ontario after the Second World War. Hosted by St Michael’s College at the University of Toronto as part of the three-day Canadian Association for Irish Studies (CAIS) annual conference, retired members Michael Quinn, Frank Horan and Peter McLaughlin were joined on stage by active member Michael Deasy to talk about their experiences as Irish […]

A group of Local 793’s Irish members took a stroll down memory lane on Friday, June 13, as they took part in a panel discussion on the role of Irish immigrant labour in the building of Ontario after the Second World War.

Hosted by St Michael’s College at the University of Toronto as part of the three-day Canadian Association for Irish Studies (CAIS) annual conference, retired members Michael Quinn, Frank Horan and Peter McLaughlin were joined on stage by active member Michael Deasy to talk about their experiences as Irish Operating Engineers from the 1950s to the present day.

Brother Quinn, an Honourary Lifetime Member, was born in London to Irish parents, Brother Horan is from Co. Galway, Brother McLaughlin was born in Co. Donegal and Brother Deasy, the most recent arrival in Canada, hails from Co. Mayo.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher introduced the panel and also spoke about his own father’s journey from Ireland’s County Westmeath to Canada in the early 1950s. Gerry Gallagher went on to become a revered Union leader in his own right, and winning key rights for workers and immigrants.

Brother Peter McLaughlin

Brother Frank Horan

Brother Michael Deasy

Brother Michael Quinn

Being an operator is a tough job, but what’s even tougher? Being a dad. Happy Father’s Day to all the hardworking dads who build Ontario by day and raise their families at night.

Being an operator is a tough job, but what’s even tougher? Being a dad. Happy Father’s Day to all the hardworking dads who build Ontario by day and raise their families at night.

  The 12th Annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by IUOE Local 793 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON, was a success and a step forward in the fight against esophageal cancer. This event was held in honour of Local 793’s late president, Gary O’Neill, an avid golfer whose strength and leadership continue to inspire us. The proceeds from the tournament support the Esophageal Cancer Program at UHN Foundation, led by Dr. Jonathan Yeung and his team. We extend our thanks to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, […]

The 12th Annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by IUOE Local 793 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON, was a success and a step forward in the fight against esophageal cancer.

This event was held in honour of Local 793’s late president, Gary O’Neill, an avid golfer whose strength and leadership continue to inspire us. The proceeds from the tournament support the Esophageal Cancer Program at UHN Foundation, led by Dr. Jonathan Yeung and his team.

We extend our thanks to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and donours who joined us in commemorating the legacy of President Gary O’Neill and helping further cancer research.