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.
All income tax receipts representing Union and working dues for the 2024 taxation year and other taxable benefit receipts from OEBAC (T4A’s) were mailed out to members’ home addresses by Friday, February 21, 2025. Starting Thursday, February 27, 2025, members can also go online and download or print a copy of their Union tax receipts and/or T4A slips. This can easily be done by going into your member profile on the Union’s website (See step-by-step instructions below). If you did not receive your Union dues tax receipts and/or T4A slips […]
All income tax receipts representing Union and working dues for the 2024 taxation year and other taxable benefit receipts from OEBAC (T4A’s) were mailed out to members’ home addresses by Friday, February 21, 2025.
Starting Thursday, February 27, 2025, members can also go online and download or print a copy of their Union tax receipts and/or T4A slips. This can easily be done by going into your member profile on the Union’s website (See step-by-step instructions below).
If you did not receive your Union dues tax receipts and/or T4A slips in the mail by Friday, March 7, 2025, please contact the OEBAC Member Call Centre at 1-844-793-1919.
Local 793 members Patrick Ryan, Taylor Bertalan, Dean Skiffington, and Darren Coogan are now united by one Union, but they took unique routes to reach the top of their chosen profession. Brother Ryan had his first taste of the industry at a very early age while working with his uncle in demolition. He later explored other sectors within construction but ultimately returned to working as an operator. “I decided to join Local 793 after talking to some members and hearing positive feedback about their benefits and brotherhood,” Brother Ryan […]
Local 793 members Patrick Ryan, Taylor Bertalan, Dean Skiffington, and Darren Coogan are now united by one Union, but they took unique routes to reach the top of their chosen profession.
Brother Ryan had his first taste of the industry at a very early age while working with his uncle in demolition. He later explored other sectors within construction but ultimately returned to working as an operator.
“I decided to join Local 793 after talking to some members and hearing positive feedback about their benefits and brotherhood,” Brother Ryan said.
Brother Bertalan, a two-year Local 793 member, was inspired by his older brother to become an operator. “You get to see a lot of stuff and go all over the place to do cool things every day,” he said.
After spending five years working non-union in the United States, Brother Bertalan returned to Canada two years ago and joined Local 793.
Brother Skiffington was a labourer prior to joining Local 793. He says, “Construction is awesome. I have 28 years of experience, and you can learn something new every day.”
Outside of work, he enjoys playing darts and emphasizes the importance of balancing family, career, and having fun.
Brother Coogan was a grade man prior to being an operator.
“I’ve always wanted to switch Unions. One day, I was driving a truck up in Collingwood and that’s how I got signed up,” he recalls.
After 12 years in the industry, Brother Coogan says, “I told my wife that if our little guy wants to get into the trades, he’ll have a bright future. Plus, the pension and benefits. There really isn’t a drawback.”
We’ve all been facing tough times – dealing with the challenges of COVID over the past few years, battling runaway inflation, and facing rising costs. Our last round of bargaining led to a province-wide strike to settle rising costs, and now, here we are again, staring down the return of U.S. President Donald Trump, a man who has shown he’s willing to bring chaos back to the White House. In addition, he’s threatening unprecedented tariffs that could harm our economy and the global economy. In Canada, the construction sector would […]
We’ve all been facing tough times – dealing with the challenges of COVID over the past few years, battling runaway inflation, and facing rising costs.
Our last round of bargaining led to a province-wide strike to settle rising costs, and now, here we are again, staring down the return of U.S. President Donald Trump, a man who has shown he’s willing to bring chaos back to the White House.
In addition, he’s threatening unprecedented tariffs that could harm our economy and the global economy. In Canada, the construction sector would be hit with significant price hikes and supply chain disruptions if the tariffs are fully enforced. Roughly 30% of Canada’s construction materials come from America.
This year, the private sector plans to invest more than $227 billion in construction projects, while the public sector plans $139 billion. A 25% tariff increase could prevent progress on those projects.
What’s even more alarming is President Trump’s apparent hostility towards Canada. This is shocking, considering the long-standing alliance between our two countries. Canada has stood by the U.S. in times of need: we allied with America during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. We didn’t participate in the Vietnam and Iraq wars, but we were there during the War in Afghanistan, where many Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice fighting alongside U.S. forces.
After the 9/11 attacks, Canada helped stranded Americans by offering refuge in Gander, Newfoundland, and welcoming them into our homes. More recently, we sent water bombers to California to help with wildfires without being asked. Yet President Trump seems to forget these acts of friendship, discounting everything Canada has done for its neighbour. President Trump is nothing more than a bully, and as someone who grew up learning how to handle bullies, I can tell you that the best way to deal with them is to stand up to them. It’s only then that you see just how small they really are.
President Trump seems to think he can make Canada the 51st state, even threatening to defeat us economically, assuming we’ll come crawling to him. But that’s not who we are. Canadians are not going to be intimidated. None of us want to be Americans. Why would we when their life expectancy is shorter because their country is saturated with guns? I’m not against gun ownership, but the idea of everyone owning multiple firearms seems unnecessary – especially those with mental health or domestic violence issues.
President Trump argues that he’s imposing harsh tariffs on all Canadian goods due to concerns over the country’s handling of fentanyl and migrants. However, recent data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reveals that Canada has its own reason to be concerned about what’s crossing the border from the U.S. There has been a surge of illegal American drugs and firearms, which experts and law enforcement say are driving crime, addiction, and fatalities on this side of the border as well.
We are safer in Canada because we have sensible gun regulations. Our healthcare system ensures that even the most vulnerable are cared for. We are a more equitable society, with a tax system designed to benefit everyone, not just the wealthy. In contrast, the U.S. tax system disproportionately benefits the rich and leaves the poor behind.
As Canada continues to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, it’s essential to prioritize strategies that foster long-term economic growth.
Constructing oil pipelines across the country to link resource-rich provinces with refineries in Ontario, Quebec, and Eastern Canada will enhance energy security and stimulate job creation.
Substantial investments in green energy – such as solar, wind, hydroelectric power, and nuclear energy – will diversify Canada’s energy mix and support the country’s climate objectives.
Making skilled trades apprenticeship training free would encourage a skilled workforce and address labour shortages, while removing interprovincial trade barriers ensures smoother commerce across the country, maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
Increasing compensation for employment insurance and extending full benefits for retraining workers until reemployment will ensure Canadians are supported in times of transition.
Allowing Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plans to increase without clawbacks also ensures workers’ financial security during periods of change.
Investing in Arctic defence and infrastructure while meeting NATO obligations by 2028 and striving for 5% of GDP by 2040 will position Canada as a strong global player in defence and security.
On the trade front, enhancing relationships with the European Union, Great Britain, and South American markets while exploring stronger ties with Asian democracies will increase exports and diversify Canada’s trade portfolio.
Under Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party has increasingly adopted rhetoric similar to President Trump and has behaved in a bullying manner over the past several years. We deserve better. We need a leader who can unite us, not one who seeks to divide us – especially when we are coming together to tackle serious challenges in trade.
Mark Carney, the Liberal candidate for leader, brings an impressive economic background to the table. As former head of the Bank of Canada, he helped navigate the country through the 2008 recession, and as chair of the Bank of England, he managed the fallout from Brexit. His innovative ideas, such as the proposal for modular homes from the UBC House Lab, deserve closer examination.
Carney’s plan to meet Canada’s 2% NATO defence spending target is sensible. He recognizes that how we allocate taxpayer dollars matters just as much as the amount we spend. Instead of investing in American-made equipment and jobs, we should focus on supporting Canadian manufacturing and employment.
As you know, we are part of an international union based in Washington, and all our Canadian members, including myself, are proudly Canadian. But I’m also proud to be part of an international union, one that was created to stand up against the growing power of multinational corporations. International unions remain incredibly relevant today because of the challenges we face as workers cross borders. Being Canadian or American doesn’t change the fact that we all share the same struggles.
At a recent meeting of Canadian business managers, including Regional Director Patrick Campbell, we all expressed concern about the potential impact of tariffs on our members and the economy. We agreed to coordinate our efforts to protect our membership as best as possible. So, later this month, I’ll attend a General Executive Board meeting in Washington, where I’ll seek solidarity with our American Brothers and Sisters against tariffs that hurt workers on both sides of the border.
More than that, I’ll stand up for the sanctity of Canada’s independence. I’m confident that the General Vice Presidents and General President John Downey will have no interest in pursuing misguided actions against their biggest ally and trading partner.
The only positive outcome of all this drama is that President Trump has inadvertently reinvigorated Canadian patriotism overnight. It’s heartening to see Canadians set aside their differences and commit to solidarity after a time of bitter division. As Union members, we know there’s no obstacle we can’t tackle when we stay united.
This Saturday is Flag Day, marking the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag. Several former prime ministers are calling on Canadians to express their national pride and “show the flag.” I encourage all our members to join in and proudly wave the Canadian flag on Saturday, making it clear where we stand. In the face of President Trump’s economic and sovereignty threats, let’s show our pride and solidarity and remind the world what it means to be Canadian.
In solidarity,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793
With the provincial election campaign in full swing, IUOE Local 793 has once again announced its full endorsement of Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party for the February 27 provincial election. Ford personally accepted the endorsement during a campaign stop at Local 793’s head office on Monday. Also in attendance was David Piccini, who served as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development in the former government, Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford and Mayor of Oakville Rob Burton. With less than three weeks to go before polling day, […]
With the provincial election campaign in full swing, IUOE Local 793 has once again announced its full endorsement of Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party for the February 27 provincial election.
Ford personally accepted the endorsement during a campaign stop at Local 793’s head office on Monday. Also in attendance was David Piccini, who served as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development in the former government, Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford and Mayor of Oakville Rob Burton.
With less than three weeks to go before polling day, Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher said that Ford had earned the Union’s backing by following through on promises to build infrastructure and protect Ontario’s workers.
“I have great confidence in an Ontario led by Premier Ford and in our country to stand together, as we have always done, and continue to build our province,” Gallagher said. “So, let’s send him back to Queen’s Park with a bigger majority than ever so that he can stand up for people not just in Ontario but across the country and make sure that our U.S. friends get the message that we are not for sale.”
Ford, who used the occasion to announce a plan to add a further $1 billion to the $1.5 billion already invested through the Skills Development Fund to increase training opportunities in the trades, said, “I’m so grateful for the support of Mike Gallagher, Dave Turple, and the more than 20,000 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793. Their endorsement of our plan to protect Ontario is so important and we’ll always have their backs.
“Our skilled trades workers are the backbone of Ontario’s economy and by expanding training and apprenticeship opportunities we’re creating pathways for young people to build rewarding careers and ensuring Ontario continues to have the best trained workforce in the entire world.”
With his government working hard to attract more workers to the skilled trades, Ford grabbed the opportunity to meet Local 793’s apprentices, who had earlier given him a warm welcome to Oakville. He spent time chatting, listening to their stories and posing for pictures.
Ahead of Ford’s trip to talk tariffs in Washington D.C. on Wednesday in his role as Chair of the Council of the Federation, Business Manager Gallagher presented both him and Piccini with commemorative coins that had originally been awarded to Union members from both Canada and the U.S. who had worked on the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project.
“I believe it’s a strong symbol for the challenges we’re facing at the moment,” Gallagher said. “We constructed that bridge for trade, and we’d like to present it to Ford and Piccini, hoping they can carry it as a good luck charm to help navigate these rough waters we’re currently dealing with in trade.”
The irony that the coin represented cross-border cooperation on a project designed to boost trade was not lost on Ontario’s leader.
“What President Trump doesn’t understand – but he’s going to find out quick – is how resilient we are, how strong we are and how proud we are to be Canadians. We’ll do whatever it takes to protect Ontario workers and protect their livelihoods,” Ford said.
You can read the PC Party press release from Monday’s event here.