Category: Union News

Although only recently completed the Heavy Equipment program at OETIO, Joseph Zentena has served a lengthy apprenticeship in the construction industry. He said, “I found out about OETIO and IUOE 793 from a crane operator I was working with when I was a labourer in high-rise forming. “I got into the trades right out of high school, and although I did not particularly like the work, it taught me a lot and put me in contact with the right people who helped me to grow and push myself to pursue […]

Although only recently completed the Heavy Equipment program at OETIO, Joseph Zentena has served a lengthy apprenticeship in the construction industry.

He said, “I found out about OETIO and IUOE 793 from a crane operator I was working with when I was a labourer in high-rise forming.

“I got into the trades right out of high school, and although I did not particularly like the work, it taught me a lot and put me in contact with the right people who helped me to grow and push myself to pursue a Red Seal trade.”

Joseph opted to take the Pre-Apprenticeship program at OETIO before committing to a full apprenticeship.

“I would recommend the apprenticeship course, but I do think the pre-apprenticeship should be taken first to really find out through the work placement if this career is right for you, because it is a whole different animal once you leave OETIO and get out into the industry.”

With his goal of qualifying in a Red Seal trade now in sight, Joseph is grateful for the opportunity to leave his labouring days behind.

“The experience at OETIO has exceeded my expectations. I have learned so much and operated a vast number of machines. I would never have had the opportunity to get that much seat time on so many different pieces of equipment in the field.”

When Local 793 arrived at his non-union worksite years ago, Robert Nurse supported their efforts to improve conditions for workers like him. Before joining the union, Robert had worked across a wide range of industries from hydrant installation, insulation, trucking, earth coal soil mix, and even in Alberta’s oil fields. So, when Local 793 approached his site, he knew firsthand how much workers stood to gain. He supported the union by helping make connections and access the information they needed. As he recalls, “When they came to my non-union job […]

When Local 793 arrived at his non-union worksite years ago, Robert Nurse supported their efforts to improve conditions for workers like him.

Before joining the union, Robert had worked across a wide range of industries from hydrant installation, insulation, trucking, earth coal soil mix, and even in Alberta’s oil fields. So, when Local 793 approached his site, he knew firsthand how much workers stood to gain. He supported the union by helping make connections and access the information they needed.

As he recalls, “When they came to my non-union job site, I shared information, gave sites and people to talk to.”

After he officially joined Local 793, Robert saw a shift in his earnings. He went from making around $30 an hour to what he describes as a “significant pay raise,” finally feeling valued for the work he did.

It has basically made me able to afford life,” Robert says.

With strong union wages and benefits, Robert became the stable provider his household relied on, especially with his wife on disability.

“I’m pretty much the breadwinner. My wife doesn’t work. So, the benefits and everything have been really helpful because she’s been on disability and whatnot. All aspects of 793 have been amazing for me personally.”

Now, after 11 years in the union, Robert is thriving in the heavy civil sector. He operates a range of heavy machinery depending on the needs of each project, work he genuinely enjoys.

“My day consists of possibly being in an excavator, dozer, front-end loader… I enjoy the aspect of making things happen on a project, seeing production.”

Having spent years in non-union workplaces, Robert understands the doubts and worries many workers have. His message to them:

“Don’t believe the rumours. Try and put yourself out there. Any chance you get, bring it to other employees. Let them know it’s a good thing. Union work isn’t a bad thing. Getting the union in your company is not a bad thing. They do work for you. They do help you.”

On International Women’s Day, we honour and salute the remarkable achievements of women in Canada and around the world! Local 793 remains committed to supporting gender equality across our union and our industry. We will continue to champion diversity, promote inclusive workplaces, and take meaningful steps to ensure women have every opportunity to succeed.

On International Women’s Day, we honour and salute the remarkable achievements of women in Canada and around the world!

Local 793 remains committed to supporting gender equality across our union and our industry. We will continue to champion diversity, promote inclusive workplaces, and take meaningful steps to ensure women have every opportunity to succeed.

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.