Category: Union News

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher was at Queen’s Park today to attend a National Day of Mourning ceremony, hosted by Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Labour David Piccini. Brother Gallagher was on hand for the unveiling of a design concept for a new memorial to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of Ontario’s construction workers who have built Ontario into what it is today. Expected to be completed next year, the design features a collection of plaques that come together to form a self-supporting raised design to honour the […]

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher was at Queen’s Park today to attend a National Day of Mourning ceremony, hosted by Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Labour David Piccini.

Brother Gallagher was on hand for the unveiling of a design concept for a new memorial to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of Ontario’s construction workers who have built Ontario into what it is today.

Expected to be completed next year, the design features a collection of plaques that come together to form a self-supporting raised design to honour the names of workers who lost their lives on the job. It will be erected on the grounds of Queen’s Park near the intersection of College St. and University Ave.

Business Manager Gallagher said, “It will be a fitting memorial to all those workers who have been tragically killed and injured on job sites, including the 51 members of Local 793 who have lost their lives since 1970. It will also stand as an important reminder of what the consequences are of not making worker safety a priority.”

Local 793 will be holding a ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Oakville head office to mark Canada’s National Day of Mourning.  The ceremony will be held in our Memorial Garden and will begin at 10:30 a.m., with some remarks followed by a minute’s silence observed at 11:00 a.m.  Members available on Tuesday are welcome to join us as we remember all workers who have been killed, injured or become ill due to workplace-related hazards and incidents and renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace to prevent future deaths.  We will also be […]

Local 793 will be holding a ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Oakville head office to mark Canada’s National Day of Mourning. 

The ceremony will be held in our Memorial Garden and will begin at 10:30 a.m., with some remarks followed by a minute’s silence observed at 11:00 a.m. 

Members available on Tuesday are welcome to join us as we remember all workers who have been killed, injured or become ill due to workplace-related hazards and incidents and renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace to prevent future deaths. 

We will also be honouring the 10 members of this Union who have lost their lives since this event was last staged in 2019 and whose names appear on the monument to our lost Brothers and Sisters.

Attention Members: Barrie District Meeting for April 23, 2026 (Thursday) will be held at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Barrie at 7 p.m. Please note that this venue change is only for April 23, 2026. Any subsequent meetings will be held at the Allure Hotel & Conference Centre in Barrie, ON, until further notice.

Attention Members: Barrie District Meeting for April 23, 2026 (Thursday) will be held at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Barrie at 7 p.m.

Please note that this venue change is only for April 23, 2026. Any subsequent meetings will be held at the Allure Hotel & Conference Centre in Barrie, ON, until further notice.

OETIO is getting a major boost, with the Government of Ontario investing over $1.1 million to improve facilities and support funding for our youth and Indigenous training programs. Nolan Quinn, MPP of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry and Minister of Colleges and Universities, made the announcement today as he attended a graduation ceremony for 45 Heavy Equipment Operator apprentices who took the program at OETIO Morrisburg. The funding is being provided through two streams. Money received through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant will go towards replacing the dome cover at the Morrisburg training centre, […]

OETIO is getting a major boost, with the Government of Ontario investing over $1.1 million to improve facilities and support funding for our youth and Indigenous training programs.

Nolan Quinn, MPP of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry and Minister of Colleges and Universities, made the announcement today as he attended a graduation ceremony for 45 Heavy Equipment Operator apprentices who took the program at OETIO Morrisburg.

The funding is being provided through two streams. Money received through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant will go towards replacing the dome cover at the Morrisburg training centre, while Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program funds will help OETIO train 36 youth and 18 Indigenous individuals.

MPP Quinn said, “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that more students can access a modern, cutting-edge education at the OETIO that will launch them into successful, in-demand careers right in our community.”

OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr acknowledged the importance of government support in providing more young people with the opportunity to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

He said, “With the government’s investment in infrastructure and mining development, this funding will pay dividends in creating the next generation of well-trained and highly skilled Operating Engineers.”

OETIO remains committed to delivering high-quality training to produce the skilled workforce Ontario needs today and tomorrow.

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.

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.

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