Category: Union News

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

The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario’s platform for government under leader Doug Ford represents a big victory for Operating Engineers and other skilled trades. Released on Monday ahead of Thursday’s provincial election, in which Ford’s PC Party won a historic third consecutive majority government, the Plan to Protect Ontario lays out the PC Party government’s priorities. It includes pledges to make big investments in jobs, training, and new infrastructure. Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher and his leadership team have worked tirelessly to convince Doug Ford and his government of the need […]

The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario’s platform for government under leader Doug Ford represents a big victory for Operating Engineers and other skilled trades.

Released on Monday ahead of Thursday’s provincial election, in which Ford’s PC Party won a historic third consecutive majority government, the Plan to Protect Ontario lays out the PC Party government’s priorities. It includes pledges to make big investments in jobs, training, and new infrastructure.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher and his leadership team have worked tirelessly to convince Doug Ford and his government of the need to support Union trades and unlock the potential of critical industries, such as mining and energy. The PC Party’s platform represents the successful conclusion of those efforts.

“The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793, has more than 20,100 highly skilled operators, mechanics and heavy equipment operators across Ontario,” Business Manager Gallagher said. “For over 100 years, we have been involved in the construction of all major infrastructure and housing projects in communities throughout the province.

“We maintain two training campuses in Ontario, one in Morrisburg and the other in Oakville. To meet the growing demand for workers in our trade, we are now constructing a third campus in Oro Medonte with the support of the Skills Development Fund.

“The Ford government is one of the few governments we’ve seen that recognizes the only way to keep building our great province is by supporting and training highly skilled operators and other trades.

“We fully endorse the PC platform because of the continued investment in training.”

Business Manager Gallagher also thanked Local 793 Business Reps and other staff who have volunteered their time to help the PC Party’s message reach more voters in key ridings. Their work is helping to protect members’ jobs and ensure the Union continues to get the support it needs to train the next generation of Operators.

Click HERE to view the PC Party’s 2025 Election Platform.