Category: Union News

Every day, more women are choosing careers in the skilled trades, and Local 793 stands behind and supports women operators, apprentices, and future tradespeople by delivering quality training, fostering career advancement through equal opportunities, and ensuring all members work in safe, equitable environments. As a union representing over 20,000 members, we understand that attracting and supporting more women in the skilled trades is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive construction industry in Ontario. This week and every week, we will continue to celebrate and highlight the achievements of our […]

Every day, more women are choosing careers in the skilled trades, and Local 793 stands behind and supports women operators, apprentices, and future tradespeople by delivering quality training, fostering career advancement through equal opportunities, and ensuring all members work in safe, equitable environments.

As a union representing over 20,000 members, we understand that attracting and supporting more women in the skilled trades is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive construction industry in Ontario.

This week and every week, we will continue to celebrate and highlight the achievements of our sisters who break barriers, set new standards, and inspire the industry forward!

Local 793 is proud to share the OFL First Nations, Métis, Inuit Circle / Union Savings Indigenous Bursary! The bursary supports Indigenous students pursuing post‑secondary education, helping to build pathways to meaningful careers, skilled trades, and strong representation in the labour movement. The bursary has a value of $5,000 and will be offered to a First Nation, Metis, or Inuit student who is: The child/family member of an affiliated union or local, or Is a member in good standing of an affiliated union or local of the OFL, and Has […]

Local 793 is proud to share the OFL First Nations, Métis, Inuit Circle / Union Savings Indigenous Bursary!

The bursary supports Indigenous students pursuing post‑secondary education, helping to build pathways to meaningful careers, skilled trades, and strong representation in the labour movement.

The bursary has a value of $5,000 and will be offered to a First Nation, Metis, or Inuit student who is:

• The child/family member of an affiliated union or local, or
• Is a member in good standing of an affiliated union or local of the OFL, and
• Has been accepted and is enrolled in any accredited college or university in Ontario, or
• Has a signed apprenticeship

We encourage Local 793 members and families to apply if they meet eligibility criteria.

If you want to know more, visit ofl.ca

Developed by the Ontario government, the Occupational Exposure Registry (OER) is a secure digital portal designed to allow workers to record and track their exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. As Operating Engineers, Local 793 members often work on large, complex projects where a variety of trades and materials are present. While risk of exposure to hazardous materials is generally low for OEs, having a personal record of any exposure that does occur can be valuable for long term health and for use in future medical assessments. The OER […]

Developed by the Ontario government, the Occupational Exposure Registry (OER) is a secure digital portal designed to allow workers to record and track their exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

As Operating Engineers, Local 793 members often work on large, complex projects where a variety of trades and materials are present. While risk of exposure to hazardous materials is generally low for OEs, having a personal record of any exposure that does occur can be valuable for long term health and for use in future medical assessments.

The OER gives you the ability to:

· Record exposure to 11 designated hazardous substances in just a few minutes
· Document what happened and what safety measures were in place
· Download a personal record to keep for your own files
· Build a history that can support medical assessments in the future

Learn more and access the OER self-tracker here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/occupational-exposure-registry

For Matthew Girard, a seasoned crane operator who has been part of Local 793 since 2012, career paths aren’t always straightforward. Brother Girard, who works in the Crane Rental sector, used to be a Red Seal automotive mechanic building a career in a completely different industry. A conversation with a high school friend, already a union member, pointed him toward a new direction. “After talking one day, I thought it would be a good career path for me. And it turns out it was,” he recalls. Since joining Local 793, […]

For Matthew Girard, a seasoned crane operator who has been part of Local 793 since 2012, career paths aren’t always straightforward.

Brother Girard, who works in the Crane Rental sector, used to be a Red Seal automotive mechanic building a career in a completely different industry.

A conversation with a high school friend, already a union member, pointed him toward a new direction. “After talking one day, I thought it would be a good career path for me. And it turns out it was,” he recalls.

Since joining Local 793, Matthew has found not only rewarding work but also a sense of support. “The benefits definitely help with everything, from going to the dentist, doctor, and psychiatrist. Medication definitely helps. It’s a huge burden off your own pocket,” he says. For him, the union means having solid backing, strong advocacy, and knowing that he’s not alone when issues come up on the job. “I like the representation we get from the union, and the business reps having our backs.”

Brother Girard has lived in Ontario his entire life, mostly in Mississauga before moving farther north to escape city living. He says the best part of his work is the constant change. “Every day’s a new day,” he explains. “Even though it’s hoisting or running a crane, a new customer every day makes the job non‑repetitive, even if it’s similar work.”

His message for non-union workers, “Well, if you’re doing a trade or a career similar to something that’s unionized, why not be in it? Have the benefits, have the protection, and have good pay.”

Breckin LaChanse understands that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing it right. With five years of experience working in construction under his belt, he signed up as a heavy equipment apprentice with OETIO to supercharge his career. He said, “I got into the trades because I enjoyed moving and working with my hands, as well as the personalities you meet in this line of work. “I found out about OETIO through friends who were in touch with Union members. My experience at the Morrisburg campus has been very […]

Breckin LaChanse understands that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing it right.

With five years of experience working in construction under his belt, he signed up as a heavy equipment apprentice with OETIO to supercharge his career.

He said, “I got into the trades because I enjoyed moving and working with my hands, as well as the personalities you meet in this line of work.

“I found out about OETIO through friends who were in touch with Union members. My experience at the Morrisburg campus has been very positive and beneficial to my career, as I have been able to gain lots of knowledge and experience to go with it.

“I have learned way more than expected. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and want to help you the best way they can. I have also made many like-minded and possibly lifelong friends along the way.

“There are not very many other ways into this industry and none that will start you off with as much knowledge, competence and confidence in your ability as this program does.”

On February 10, 2026, OETIO hosted an open house at its Oakville campus to showcase the new High-Rail Integrity Excavator Operator course. The event brought together major industry stakeholders to tour OETIO’s facilities and experience the training firsthand. As Canada continues to invest in major rail infrastructure, OETIO remains committed to elevating the training standards and producing highly skilled operators prepared to work safely and effectively in this specialized environment. The open house was attended by representatives from Kiewit, Metrolinx, ONExpress Civils GP, ReadyPower Canada, Van Elle Canada and Soncin Construction. During the session, Kyle Homes of […]

On February 10, 2026, OETIO hosted an open house at its Oakville campus to showcase the new High-Rail Integrity Excavator Operator course. The event brought together major industry stakeholders to tour OETIO’s facilities and experience the training firsthand.

As Canada continues to invest in major rail infrastructure, OETIO remains committed to elevating the training standards and producing highly skilled operators prepared to work safely and effectively in this specialized environment.

The open house was attended by representatives from Kiewit, Metrolinx, ONExpress Civils GP, ReadyPower Canada, Van Elle Canada and Soncin Construction.

During the session, Kyle Homes of Van Elle Canada and Lee Coulson of ReadyPower Canada emphasized the importance of higher training benchmarks in the sector and that industry-wide changes are essential to improve safety and operational efficiency.

OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr provided a deep dive into the course structure. The curriculum focuses on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Van Elle Canada and ReadyPower Canada for their invaluable partnership in helping build this program. Together, we are training the skilled workforce to drive Ontario’s future forward!

OETIO marks a major upgrade with the installation of the new Terex CTT 332 tower crane, succeeding the Liebherr 85 EC-B, which had held pride of place in the yard since 2017. The Italian-manufactured crane was selected by OETIO for its versatility, safety features and ease of use. With its smooth controls and stable operation, trainees will be able to focus on learning the real-world erection, climbing and operating procedures used on modern high-rise construction sites. The top-climbing Terex tower crane has a 40-metre jib and a lifting capacity of […]

OETIO marks a major upgrade with the installation of the new Terex CTT 332 tower crane, succeeding the Liebherr 85 EC-B, which had held pride of place in the yard since 2017.

The Italian-manufactured crane was selected by OETIO for its versatility, safety features and ease of use. With its smooth controls and stable operation, trainees will be able to focus on learning the real-world erection, climbing and operating procedures used on modern high-rise construction sites.

The top-climbing Terex tower crane has a 40-metre jib and a lifting capacity of eight metric tons in two parts of line. Sitting on a cruciform base, the crane rises 120 feet and is capable of top-climbing to 145 feet.

The $1.2 million state-of-the-art crane was purchased with support from the Ontario government’s Skills Development Fund.

OETIO instructors worked alongside Local 793 members at signatory company Viking Tower Crane Services over several days in late December and early January to dismantle the Liebherr and erect its replacement.

Having been self-employed for more than 15 years, Matt MacFayden is proof that it’s never too late to change tack. Having been told about the training offered by OETIO by a Local 793 member he knew, Matt decided the time was right to start his second career. He said, “I was self-employed for over 15 years, but I wanted to get into a unionized environment due to the outlook of the industry and everything that comes with being a unionized member, including a pension, benefits and workplace safety. “Being a […]

Having been self-employed for more than 15 years, Matt MacFayden is proof that it’s never too late to change tack.

Having been told about the training offered by OETIO by a Local 793 member he knew, Matt decided the time was right to start his second career.

He said, “I was self-employed for over 15 years, but I wanted to get into a unionized environment due to the outlook of the industry and everything that comes with being a unionized member, including a pension, benefits and workplace safety.

“Being a little bit older at 41, I came into this not thinking it would be as challenging and rewarding as it has been. Overall, it has been a great experience – and from the cooks to the cleaners, instructors to the security guards, everyone at Morrisburg was eager to help and make sure it was a great experience from day one.”

Matt says he would tell other people who find themselves looking to make a fresh start to seriously consider following his path as an Operating Engineer.

“I would tell them to come in with an open mind and not to be afraid of taking on the challenges headfirst.

“It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with the way the team here at OETIO has put together this program, you’ll come out of it with a wealth of knowledge and confidence. You’ll be able go into the industry with a solid foundation of skills and competency that an employer will recognize immediately.”

  “You get a pension that you won’t get with another employer. You get benefits that you won’t get with other employers. It’s a lot better.” Why Union Matters: Meet Angelo Di Capua, a five‑year member and ready‑mix driver with Miller Concrete, who shares how he found his way into the union and why it changed his career for the better.

“You get a pension that you won’t get with another employer. You get benefits that you won’t get with other employers. It’s a lot better.”

Why Union Matters: Meet Angelo Di Capua, a five‑year member and ready‑mix driver with Miller Concrete, who shares how he found his way into the union and why it changed his career for the better.

Now hard at work at one of the most high-profile construction sites in the country, it is hard to imagine that it took Megan Morley so long to find her true calling. Having spent 13 years in retail in a job she liked – but which carried no benefits or a chance to move up the ladder – Sister Morley finally decided to accept her operator father’s advice and join him as a member of Local 793. She said, “I’d always see people running equipment and think that it was […]

Now hard at work at one of the most high-profile construction sites in the country, it is hard to imagine that it took Megan Morley so long to find her true calling.

Having spent 13 years in retail in a job she liked – but which carried no benefits or a chance to move up the ladder – Sister Morley finally decided to accept her operator father’s advice and join him as a member of Local 793.

She said, “I’d always see people running equipment and think that it was so cool, but I never thought it would be for me. But once I got into a machine and started going through the apprentice training process at the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) I felt like a kid in a sandbox and never looked back.”

Taking a break from her role operating a Brokk demolition machine for Marathon Underground at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the eight-year member admits that as a woman weighing up a career in the trades there were certain pressures and expectations in her own mind she had to get over before she was able to take the leap.

“I wasn’t sure of myself and if I could do it. There was also the perception of society too -like would anyone ever want to date me if I was an operator or date a girl who was covered in mud? Those are things I would tell myself before I tried it and the fact is that it’s not true at all.”

Now heading towards nine years as a member of Local 793, Sister Morley says her experiences on the job have been overwhelmingly positive.

“There is always going to be ‘that person’. But I haven’t received any more pushback than I would have doing anything else in life. There’s always going to be ribbing on a jobsite, whether you’re a man or a woman, but, to be honest, if you’re not being ribbed, it means they don’t like you.”

Megan has also felt the “Union difference” on the jobsite.

“The very few times that I’ve had difficulty with people at work has been with non-Union people. Having that Union backing makes a huge difference – the mentality is different and people feel more taken care of. Ever since day one with the Union I’ve felt that bond and, as I’ve worked non-Union jobs before, I know the difference.”