Category: Union News

As the federal election campaign intensifies, IUOE Local 793 has officially endorsed Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada for the April 28 election. Carney personally accepted the endorsement during a campaign visit to Local 793’s training centre on Saturday. With more than three weeks before polling day, Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher said there is tremendous support for the Liberal Leader and his candidates from operating engineers and the building trades across Canada. “Families and workers need a champion who will protect their homes and ensure they […]

As the federal election campaign intensifies, IUOE Local 793 has officially endorsed Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada for the April 28 election. Carney personally accepted the endorsement during a campaign visit to Local 793’s training centre on Saturday.

With more than three weeks before polling day, Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher said there is tremendous support for the Liberal Leader and his candidates from operating engineers and the building trades across Canada.

“Families and workers need a champion who will protect their homes and ensure they have access to the skilled trades training that is crucial to building Canada’s future,” Gallagher stated.

Gallagher added: “Mark Carney brings invaluable economic experience from his leadership roles at both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, where his experience gives him a unique ability to handle complex international issues – including those with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. He is working to ensure that Canada remained steadfast in defending its economic interests and global trade relationships.”

During the event, Carney unveiled a plan to strengthen Canada’s skilled trades workforce, announcing that a Liberal government would provide a new apprenticeship grant of up to $8,000 for registered apprentices, enabling more Canadians to join these professions and secure better-paying careers.

“Investing in the skilled trades is at the heart of our strategy” Carney said. “Our task as a nation over the coming weeks and months and years is to think bigger, and to act bigger, to build Canada strong. That starts right here. That starts by investing in our workers – crane operators, bricklayers, welders and those in the specialized trades that are essential to the future of Canada.”

The Liberal plan would also:

• Increase access to union-led training initiatives by doubling the funding of the Union Training and Innovation Program from $25 million to $50 million annually.
• Establish a new $20 million capital funding stream for colleges to support new training spaces for apprenticeships.
• Uphold the Apprenticeship Service program to support employers in hiring new apprentices in Red Seal trades, with up to $10,000 for eligible employers for each new apprentice hired.
• Increase labour mobility for skilled trades people between provinces and territories through the vital work of breaking down internal trade barriers.
• Expand the Labour Mobility Tax Deduction to ensure workers who travel more than 120 km from their home to a job site can deduct more of their expenses and commit to significantly increasing the per-year tax deduction limit.

The announcement comes after a week of Carney reassuring Canadians of his dedication to strengthening the economy amid threats from the White House. Carney cautioned that without prompt action, Canada will face a shortage of tens of thousands of skilled workers.

“The next decades are going to be very busy for those in the skilled trades in Canada. We are not just going to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the skilled trades – we’re creating hundreds of thousands of careers,” he said.

Among the attendees were Patrick Campbell, (IUOE Canadian Regional Director), IUOE Business Managers Joseph MacLellan (Local 721, Nova Scotia), Gilles Larivière (Local 905, Quebec), Greg Hoath (Local 772, Hamilton), and Haemant Sawh (Local 882, British Columbia), Mark O’Brien (Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Baffinland), and Tom Cardinal (Chief of Staff, Carpenters’ Regional Council).

Liberal candidates Anita Anand (Oakville East), Sima Acan (Oakville West), Adam van Koeverden (Burlington North Milton West), Kristina Tesser (Milton East Halton Hills South), and Karina Gould (Burlington) were also in attendance.

In a significant ruling on a long-outstanding issue, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) has sided with Local 793 in its grievance against Mammoet for failing to pay the correct weekly board allowance. This follows a dispute that began with the All Canada Crane case in 2022, where the OLRB ruled that the weekly board allowance still existed and accepted the Union’s calculation of the weekly board allowance amount (daily rate x 7). All Canada Crane initially argued that the weekly allowance no longer existed but did not contest the […]

In a significant ruling on a long-outstanding issue, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) has sided with Local 793 in its grievance against Mammoet for failing to pay the correct weekly board allowance.

This follows a dispute that began with the All Canada Crane case in 2022, where the OLRB ruled that the weekly board allowance still existed and accepted the Union’s calculation of the weekly board allowance amount (daily rate x 7). All Canada Crane initially argued that the weekly allowance no longer existed but did not contest the Union’s proposed calculation. After losing on judicial review, All Canada Crane agreed to a consent award and paid the weekly board amount as per Local 793’s calculation.

Mammoet, however, challenged the decision, claiming that the All Canada Crane ruling only addressed the existence of the board allowance, not the specific amount. Local 793 argued that the All Canada Crane decision bound Mammoet due to principles like issue estoppel and res judicata, collateral attack and abuse of process and Mammoet should not be allowed to relitigate the same issue.

The OLRB sided with Local 793, stating that Mammoet could not revisit the calculation since the All Canada Crane case had already addressed it without any employer, association or employer bargaining agency objections. The Board emphasized the importance of finality in legal decisions and noted that allowing Mammoet to relitigate the issue would undermine labour relations.

As a result, the grievance was upheld, and Mammoet was ordered to pay the board allowance as calculated by the Union in the All Canada Crane case (the daily rate multiplied by 7).

“It’s unfortunate that the contractors did not view the whole issue from the perspective of an operator working on their behalf out of town and away from their families to benefit the employer and business,” Business Manager Mike Gallagher said. “There should never be any doubt that Local 793 fights for our members and defends and enforces our collective agreements.”

This decision brings clarity to a longstanding issue and ensures that the correct amount will be paid going forward. It also helps resolve grievances that have been filed and have been put on hold pending the outcome of this case. Any unresolved grievances will either now be settled on the basis of this decision or will be relisted at the OLRB, if required.

This ruling is significant as it finalizes the board allowance issue that has been lingering since the 2022 negotiations. This allows the Union and employers to focus on upcoming provincial negotiations without this issue hanging over them. For members, it clarifies that if they are entitled to the weekly board allowance, and it will be calculated at the daily rate times 7. Impacted members are encouraged to ensure going forward that when they are entitled to a weekly board allowance, it is calculated in accordance with this decision. For clarity, as of May 1, 2024, the weekly board allowance for members working under Schedule A of the Provincial Collective Agreement is $1,375.99. The daily rate is $196.57.

The International Union of Operating Engineers introduced a new Paid Maternity Leave benefit for members across North America. An IUOE member is eligible for Paid Maternity Leave to bond with or prepare for the arrival of a newborn child if the member has met the following conditions: The member is pregnant and expected to give birth within 30 days, or has given birth after April 1, 2025; Been an IUOE Union member in good standing for at least 12 months before the birth of the child; Is a member in […]

The International Union of Operating Engineers introduced a new Paid Maternity Leave benefit for members across North America. An IUOE member is eligible for Paid Maternity Leave to bond with or prepare for the arrival of a newborn child if the member has met the following conditions:

• The member is pregnant and expected to give birth within 30 days, or has given birth after April 1, 2025;
• Been an IUOE Union member in good standing for at least 12 months before the birth of the child;
• Is a member in good standing at the time the Union is notified of their need for Paid Maternity Leave AND the birth of the child; and
• Is working full-time under a Union collective bargaining agreement, at least 30 hours per week, for the preceding 2 months OR qualifies for IUOE Health & Welfare Benefits sponsored by the Union, a Union employer or other approved plan.

Eligible members may take Paid Maternity Leave beginning up to 30 (thirty) days prior to OR upon the birth of the child.

Learn more here: https://www.iuoe.org/paid-maternity-leave

Local 793 tower crane operators Craig Passerino, Tyler Love and James Rodgers are working on a two-tower residential development project on Grove St. in Barrie. After the first phase of construction is complete on the Sky Towers project, further development is planned to create a third tower, a nine-storey mid-rise building and a five-storey parking podium to serve 928 residences, including 32 affordable housing units.

Local 793 tower crane operators Craig Passerino, Tyler Love and James Rodgers are working on a two-tower residential development project on Grove St. in Barrie. After the first phase of construction is complete on the Sky Towers project, further development is planned to create a third tower, a nine-storey mid-rise building and a five-storey parking podium to serve 928 residences, including 32 affordable housing units.

The officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers wish all Union members and their families a “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day). As we celebrate Ireland’s rich history, culture, and traditions, let’s take a moment to reflect on the strength and unity that make our Union so powerful. Just as St. Patrick inspired countless people with his faith, perseverance, and leadership, each of you brings the same dedication and pride to our work every day. And just as the […]

The officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers wish all Union members and their families a “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day).

As we celebrate Ireland’s rich history, culture, and traditions, let’s take a moment to reflect on the strength and unity that make our Union so powerful. Just as St. Patrick inspired countless people with his faith, perseverance, and leadership, each of you brings the same dedication and pride to our work every day. And just as the Irish people have historically come together to overcome challenges, so too do we, as Local 793, rise to support one another in work and life. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will achieve even greater success.

May this day be filled with joy and a little luck to keep you moving forward.

Wishing you all a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!

General President John Downey issued a powerful statement, expressing the International’s firm opposition to the United States’ tariffs and affirming their unwavering support for Canadian Brothers and Sisters in the face of these harmful tariffs.

General President John Downey issued a powerful statement, expressing the International’s firm opposition to the United States’ tariffs and affirming their unwavering support for Canadian Brothers and Sisters in the face of these harmful tariffs.

The next General Membership Meeting will be on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at OE Banquet & Conference Centre, next to the Union’s head office at 2245 Speers Road in Oakville.

The next General Membership Meeting will be on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at OE Banquet & Conference Centre, next to the Union’s head office at 2245 Speers Road in Oakville.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate women’s achievements in Canada and worldwide. It is also a time to raise awareness about issues impacting women’s advancement and an opportunity to forge a society free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. IUOE, Local 793 is proud to be part of the movement for gender equality. We will continue to encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace in efforts to remove barriers in our industry.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate women’s achievements in Canada and worldwide. It is also a time to raise awareness about issues impacting women’s advancement and an opportunity to forge a society free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

IUOE, Local 793 is proud to be part of the movement for gender equality. We will continue to encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace in efforts to remove barriers in our industry.

Dear Members, Please be advised that due to the busy schedules of Local 793 during a bargaining year, our priority is securing the best contracts for our members. Therefore, we will be skipping this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. As always, let’s celebrate all things Irish ☘️ in our own way on March 17th! Fraternally Yours, Mike Gallagher Business Manager, Local 793

Dear Members,

Please be advised that due to the busy schedules of Local 793 during a bargaining year, our priority is securing the best contracts for our members. Therefore, we will be skipping this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

As always, let’s celebrate all things Irish ☘️ in our own way on March 17th!

Fraternally Yours,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, Local 793

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I am proud to mark Women in Construction Week. As the Business Manager of a union with more than 20,100 members, I’ve long recognized the importance of attracting more women to skilled trades. The growth of Ontario depends on it, and it’s incredibly encouraging to see the increasing presence of women in the construction industry, especially within our specific trade. This trend is particularly significant as we anticipate potential shortages moving […]

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I am proud to mark Women in Construction Week.

As the Business Manager of a union with more than 20,100 members, I’ve long recognized the importance of attracting more women to skilled trades. The growth of Ontario depends on it, and it’s incredibly encouraging to see the increasing presence of women in the construction industry, especially within our specific trade. This trend is particularly significant as we anticipate potential shortages moving forward.

While we’ve made significant strides in recent years, we know that much work remains to ensure full equality for women in construction. A future where everyone – regardless of gender – has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential is one we all strive toward.

Let’s continue to push forward together.

Sincerely,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793