Government approves Emergency Relief Grant, Executive Board passes resolution on SUB plan

Written by Local 793 Staff

The Union’s relentless effort in getting members the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief grant has paid off. That is the message Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers in his latest video update, and one of two good news items he shares with members. Gallagher reports that the Union received confirmation from the federal government that payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief program will not reduce or eliminate members’ entitlement to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and payments will not be clawed back. OEBAC’s website will begin accepting applications for the grant […]

The Union’s relentless effort in getting members the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief grant has paid off.

That is the message Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers in his latest video update, and one of two good news items he shares with members.

Gallagher reports that the Union received confirmation from the federal government that payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief program will not reduce or eliminate members’ entitlement to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and payments will not be clawed back.

OEBAC’s website will begin accepting applications for the grant on Thursday, April 23 at 9 AM.

Business Manager Gallagher also provides an update on a Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) plan that was passed by the Executive Board earlier this week.

Expected to be available in the fall, the SUB plan will provide additional financial assistance to unemployed members for years to come.

“I realize this is not a panacea for everything that ails us as far as occasional periods of unemployment, but it is a very good beginning,” Gallagher said.

CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO:

______________________________________________________________________
  CLICK HERE to be re-directed to the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief application.
     The Frequently Asked Questions page answers many of our members’ most common questions.
Contact Information:
OEBAC Website: oebac.org
OEBAC Phone: 1-844-793-1919
______________________________________________________________________

FAQ: COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program

Written by Local 793 Staff

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS – We have received confirmation from the federal government that payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program will not reduce or eliminate your entitlement to CERB if your total income with the relief grant is less than $1,000 per month. On Thursday April 23, 2020, the OEBAC website will start accepting your applications for the relief grant payments retroactive to March 15, 2020. 1. What is the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program? The Benefit Trustees are committed to helping members […]

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS – We have received confirmation from the federal government that payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program will not reduce or eliminate your entitlement to CERB if your total income with the relief grant is less than $1,000 per month. On Thursday April 23, 2020, the OEBAC website will start accepting your applications for the relief grant payments retroactive to March 15, 2020.

1. What is the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

The Benefit Trustees are committed to helping members deal with the many challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They worked with your benefit plan staff and legal advisors to introduce a relief grant program to provide special payments to eligible members over and above what the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) offers through the federal government. The purpose of the relief grant payments is to provide additional financial benefits to members who are not able to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. How much relief grant money will I receive from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

You will receive up to $1,000 per 4-week period ($250 per week) for up to 16 weeks. This amount is taxable. This Relief Grant payment is in addition to the gross benefits you receive from the CERB.

3. When is the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program effective?

The COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program is effective retroactive to March 15, 2020.

4. What are the conditions to get a payment from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

a) Your employment must have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 crisis on or after March 15, 2020.
b) You must be receiving benefits under the CERB.
c) You must have been eligible under the Active Life and Health Benefits Plan when your employment was disrupted.
Note: Dependants of Plan Members and Retirees are NOT eligible for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program.

5. How do you qualify for payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

To qualify for payments, you must provide proof that you are receiving payments from the CERB. You can do this by providing a copy of your CRA confirmation, CERB benefit cheque, or CERB direct deposit confirmation.

6. When and how do I apply for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

You can apply starting Thursday April 23, 2020 at 9:00am.

You can apply three (3) ways for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program:

1. Using online submission – go on the OEBAC website www.oebac.org and using the drop down box called COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant, enter the 793Portal.ca site. Once on the site you will follow instructions and enter the required information, and press submit. This is the fastest and most effective way to apply if you have an email address.

2. By email submission – go on the OEBAC website www.oebac.org and using the drop down box called COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant, enter the 793Portal.ca site. Once on the site, you can find a Benefit Claim that you can use to enter your information. This claim form and supporting documents can then be sent by email to covidapplications@oebac.org

3. By mail – go on the OEBAC website www.oebac.org and using the drop down box called COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant, enter the 793Portal.ca site. Once on the site, you can find a Benefit Claim form that you can print (or have someone print it for you). Fill in your information on this claim form and mail it to OEBAC at the following address:

OEBAC
2201 Speers Road, Unit 1
Oakville ON L6L 2X9

7. When can I get the application for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

Claim forms will be available on the OEBAC website on Thursday April 23, 2020 at 9:00am.
Go to www.oebac.org/how-apply.

8. Who do I contact for assistance?

For help on the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant call OEBAC at 1-844-793-1919 or you can email OEBAC at covidapplications@oebac.org

For assistance on the federal government CERB program, please visit their website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

For assistance on the federal government EI programs – call 1-833-371-2725 or go to: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

9. What information will I need to complete the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Claim Form?

To complete the Claim Form, the following information is required:
• Name
• Certificate number
• Banking information
• Evidence that you are in receipt of payments from the CERB (see question 5 above)
• Dates your employment was disrupted by COVID-19
• Name of employer
• Collective Agreement
• Your type of equipment

10. How do I send documentation to OEBAC to support my application for payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

You will be able to upload supporting documentation directly into our new 793Portal.ca site at www.oebac.org/how-apply.

If you do not have an email address, you will need to mail in your documents to OEBAC.
You can also send your claim form and any supporting documentation to covidapplications@oebac.org.

11. Are the relief grant payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program considered taxable income?

Yes. The relief grant payments are taxable and you will receive a T4A in 2021 for them.

12. Do I need to report the COVID-19 Local 793 Relief Grant payments as “income” when reapplying for the CERB?

Yes. Your Relief Grant payments are considered taxable income. However, the government has changed the CERB program such that you can earn up $1,000 (before taxes) or less during a 4-week eligibility period in addition to the CERB payment. As such the $1,000 that the COVID-19 Local 793 Relief Grant Program will pay you every 4 weeks will not affect your benefit from the CERB and there will be no claw back.

13. When will the relief grant payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program be made?

We have now received confirmation from the federal government that payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program will not reduce or eliminate your entitlement to CERB if your total income with the relief grant is less than $1,000 per month Therefore, OEBAC will start accepting your applications for the Relief Grant on April 23, 2020. Relief grant payments will be deposited into your bank account within 3 to 5 business days of your completed application being approved. Please understand there may be delays in the first few weeks as we expect large volumes of applications.

14. How often can I apply for a grant payment from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant?

You must reapply monthly (every 4 weeks) to get the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant payment. This process coincides with the government CERB payments that you must also reapply for every 4 weeks.

15. How often will grant payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant be made?

Payments will be made to align with the government CERB payments. At this time, this is once for every 4-week period.

16. Can I get my relief grant payments from COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant by cheque?

No. The Relief Grant Program will only make payments by direct deposit into your bank account. In order to receive a payment, you are required to provide your banking information when you complete your claim form.

17. If I was off work (i.e. diagnosed with COVID-19 or in self isolation) and then go back to work, am I still eligible for a payment from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

Yes. The program is effective for all periods of lost income resulting from loss of employment from March 15, 2020 up to a maximum of 16 weeks.

18. What do I need to do to ensure continuation of payments from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

Members will be required to provide OEBAC with regular monthly confirmation that they are still out of work and in receipt of a CERB payment in order to continue receiving the Relief Grant payments. OEBAC will be auditing member documentation and reviewing employer remittances to ensure continued eligibility compliance. Confirmation of CERB payments can be provided through the 793Portal.ca site or by email to covidapplications@oebac.org.

19. What If I am receiving a pension and working when I get laid off, am I eligible for a payment from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

No. If you are receiving a pension from the IUOE Local 793 Pension Plan, you are not eligible for this benefit. This benefit is for active members who lose their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

20. I am a retiree and got diagnosed with COVID-19. Can I apply for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

No. This benefit is only for active members who lose their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

21. Can I go back to work and continue to receive a payment from the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program?

No. The relief grant payments are only paid to active members who are not working due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fraudulent claims for payment from this benefit program will be investigated and members caught making false claims will be penalized. The funds used to pay these benefits come from members and are for assisting our members who have lost their jobs.

22. Do I qualify for COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program if I am already receiving EI Regular or Sickness Benefits as of March 15, 2020?

If you are receiving EI benefits, you should continue to report to Service Canada as normal. You will not be eligible for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program. If your EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, you can apply for the CERB, if you are still unable to return to work due to COVID-19. Once you are in receipt of payments from CERB, you may apply for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant.

23. What do I do if I applied for EI Benefits after March 15, 2020 but have not yet received benefits?

Your EI application will automatically be funneled into the new CERB program and your CERB payments will be processed.

Once your CERB payment begins, you should also apply for the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief Grant Program.

24. Can I apply for the CERB if I don’t qualify for EI Regular and Sickness Benefits?

Yes. If you do not qualify for EI Benefits, you can still apply for the CERB on the CRA portal. Please note the federal government recommends that you should apply based on the month of your birth, as noted below.

o Month of Birth (Jan, Feb, Mar) – apply on Mondays
o Month of Birth (Apr, May, Jun) – apply on Tuesdays
o Month of Birth (Jul, Aug, Sep) – apply on Wednesdays
o Month of Birth (Oct, Nov, Dec) – apply on Thursdays
o Anyone can apply on Fridays

To ensure you can apply for the CERB, please register at CRA MyAccount
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals/about-account.html

VIDEO UPDATE: Business Manager Gallagher on union’s initiatives

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers a video message from head office in Oakville, updating members on the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief grant and the union’s effort to get members the interim order. Gallagher also gives an update on a Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) plan the union is developing to provide financial assistance to members. “Not a lot of construction trades have a SUB plan, but I think it’s time for the Operating Engineers to set one up.” CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO:

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers a video message from head office in Oakville, updating members on the COVID-19 Local 793 Emergency Relief grant and the union’s effort to get members the interim order.

Gallagher also gives an update on a Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) plan the union is developing to provide financial assistance to members.

“Not a lot of construction trades have a SUB plan, but I think it’s time for the Operating Engineers to set one up.”

CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO:

Donning and doffing an N95 mask

Written by Local 793 Staff

View a tutorial by Craig Giles, OETIO Training Supervisor Oakville, on how to don and doff an N95 mask properly. CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH:  

View a tutorial by Craig Giles, OETIO Training Supervisor Oakville, on how to don and doff an N95 mask properly.

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH:

 

Video Update: Business Manager Gallagher on the importance of protecting members on jobsites

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers a message from head office in Oakville to discuss the importance of protecting members on jobsites. In his message, he requests all members wear personal protective equipment, particularly when interacting with other trades. “I would prefer you wear a mask and I recommend goggles and gloves if you are in close proximity to other trades,” he said. “I realize this is a hassle and we’re not used to this, but I think this is the best thing for you to do.” Gallagher reported […]

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers a message from head office in Oakville to discuss the importance of protecting members on jobsites.

In his message, he requests all members wear personal protective equipment, particularly when interacting with other trades.

“I would prefer you wear a mask and I recommend goggles and gloves if you are in close proximity to other trades,” he said. “I realize this is a hassle and we’re not used to this, but I think this is the best thing for you to do.”

Gallagher reported that he and the union business reps have been pressing employers across the province to make sure that any Local 793 members interacting with other trades are wearing proper respiratory devices and personal protective equipment.

Business Manager Gallagher also took the opportunity to reflect on all the thank you messages he received from members showing gratitude for the $250 President’s Choice gift cards.

“I’m glad that members appreciate it and I would do it again if I had to.”

CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO:

View a tutorial by Craig Giles, OETIO Training Supervisor Oakville, on how to don and doff an N95 mask properly.

CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO:

IUOE Local 793 2020 Nomination and Election Update

Written by Local 793 Staff

Dear Brothers and Sisters: On behalf of the IUOE Local 793 Election Committee (“Election Committee”), I am writing to provide an update on the nomination process announced in the Spring Issue of the Operator Magazine and which is the same process that has always been followed by IUOE Local 793 during local union elections. As you are aware, Ontario and the rest of the world are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This health crisis necessitated all monthly meetings be indefinitely suspended until the health officials permit gatherings of more than […]

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

On behalf of the IUOE Local 793 Election Committee (“Election Committee”), I am writing to provide an update on the nomination process announced in the Spring Issue of the Operator Magazine and which is the same process that has always been followed by IUOE Local 793 during local union elections.

As you are aware, Ontario and the rest of the world are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This health crisis necessitated all monthly meetings be indefinitely suspended until the health officials permit gatherings of more than 5 people and have eased social distancing requirements.

The Election Committee has sought advice from our International in Washington on what these restrictions mean in terms of moving forward with nominations in May as initially planned. Washington has advised the Election Committee that we must delay the May nominations until such time as meetings can be held. Other IUOE Locals are in the same position south of the border and this is the consistent advice being given by the IUOE.

At this point in time, we cannot predict when exactly monthly meetings will restart. Members should expect that this delay in nominations will likewise delay the holding our Local 793 election.

The IUOE Election Committee will remain in close contact with the International Union and the General President for guidance on these issues and will issue a further update when we have more information.

Yours truly,

Alex Law
Chair, IUOE Local 793 Elections Committee

VIDEO UPDATE: Business Manager Gallagher on the challenges with the top-up

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers a video message from head office in Oakville to discuss some of the issues the Union is facing with regard to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the efforts in providing members the top-up relief when they become unemployed. Click image below to watch the video address to members: Click link below to read the letter to the Government of Canada requesting changes to employee benefit related legislation and policy due to COVID-19: Letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher delivers a video message from head office in Oakville to discuss some of the issues the Union is facing with regard to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the efforts in providing members the top-up relief when they become unemployed.

Click image below to watch the video address to members:

Click link below to read the letter to the Government of Canada requesting changes to employee benefit related legislation and policy due to COVID-19:

Letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

COVID-19 May Impact Your Employment

Written by Local 793 Staff

Below is a letter by IUOE Canadian Regional Director Lionel Railton with some of the different situations our members may face and how to access support via the federal government. This information is accurate as of April 15, 2020. Click the link here to download the letter: IUOE COVID-19 – Information for Members If you have lost your job, even if you don’t qualify for EI; have a job, but are not being paid and asked to work; have a job, but are now being paid less than $1000/month, expected a seasonal […]

Below is a letter by IUOE Canadian Regional Director Lionel Railton with some of the different situations our members may face and how to access support via the federal government. This information is accurate as of April 15, 2020.

Click the link here to download the letter: IUOE COVID-19 – Information for Members

If you have lost your job, even if you don’t qualify for EI; have a job, but are not being paid and asked to work; have a job, but are now being paid less than $1000/month, expected a seasonal job that is no longer available, are taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, have run out of EI benefits since January 1, 2020, are taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19; or you must stay home without pay to take care of children:

Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

  • You can apply in one of two ways:
    • online through your CRA MyAccount secure portal;
    • by calling either 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041, and providing your SIN number and postal code.
  • Pays $2000 ($500/week) for a 4-week period, backdated to March 15.
  • Benefits should be available 3-5 business days by direct deposit.
  • You are eligible if you satisfy the following conditions:
    • reside in Canada and are 15 years or older;
    • have stopped working due to reasons related to COVID-19;
    • have not quit your job voluntarily;
    • earned a minimum of $5000 income in the last 12 months;
  • Eligibility periods are fixed in 4-week periods. If your situation continues, you can reapply for multiple 4-weeks periods up to 16 weeks (4 periods).
  • In order to help the system process applications, it’s best to apply on the following days based on the month you were born:
    • January, February, or March – Mondays
    • April, May, or June – Tuesdays
    • July, August, or September – Wednesdays
    • October, November, or December – Thursdays
    • Any month – Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
  • These benefits are taxable and you will need to report any payments received on next year’s tax filing.
  • If you’ve already applied for EI, your claim will be moved to the CERB automatically and benefits will be paid from this program first.
  • If you’re currently on EI, you will continue to receive your EI benefits, and if those benefits end before October 3, you can apply for the CERB.

If you are sick, quarantined, or in self-isolation with COVID-19:

Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

  • As described above.

Apply for Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits

  • After completing the online form, call 1-833-381-2725 to have the one-week waiting period waived.
  • Have SIN #, first & last day worked, pay stub with highest 2-week pay from the last year, as well as payment information ready.
  • If you apply after quarantine, benefits will be backdated.
  • No sick note will be required.

If you are looking for other ways to help your finances:

  • Income tax filing deadline extended to June 1.
  • Deadline to make income tax payments extended until September 1.
  • Many banks allow deferral of mortgage payments for up to six months. Contact your bank to determine what is available for you.
  • Federal student loan payments are deferred until September 30. This moratorium is interest-free and no interest will accrue during this time.
  • The Canada Child Benefit will have a top-up.
    • An extra $300 per child.
    • Those who already received this benefit do not need to reapply.
    • It will be delivered with the scheduled payment in May.
  • There will be a one-time special top-up on GST payments for low- and modest-income households.
    • An extra $400 for single individuals and up to $600 for couples.
    • No need to apply. If eligible, you will get it automatically.
    • It will be delivered with the scheduled payment in April.

President Redshaw addresses new Local 793 Safety Protocol

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 President Joe Redshaw addressed members and staff from the Union’s head office in Oakville, delivering an update on what Local 793 is doing to protect the members’ safety on jobsites. President Redshaw spoke about the new IUOE Local 793 Safety Protocol for Jobsite Measures, which was developed by the Local 793 COVID Task Force Committee due to the urgent need to ensure construction workers were able to go to work and come home safely. Click image below to watch the video address to members: The task force committee […]

Local 793 President Joe Redshaw addressed members and staff from the Union’s head office in Oakville, delivering an update on what Local 793 is doing to protect the members’ safety on jobsites.

President Redshaw spoke about the new IUOE Local 793 Safety Protocol for Jobsite Measures, which was developed by the Local 793 COVID Task Force Committee due to the urgent need to ensure construction workers were able to go to work and come home safely.

Click image below to watch the video address to members:

The task force committee was established by Business Manager Mike Gallagher immediately following the province of Ontario’s announcement deeming construction an essential service.

Chaired by President Redshaw, the committee includes Vice-President Joe Dowdall, Executive Director and Director of Toronto Area Supervisor Dave Turple, Treasurer and Eastern Ontario Supervisor Rick Kerr, Auditor and South Central Ontario Supervisor Virgil Nosé, Trustee and Director of Organizing Kyle Schutte and Resource Personnel and Local 793 Legal Counsellor Kirsten Agrell.

In his video, President Redshaw reports that the IUOE Local 793 Safety Protocol for Jobsite Measures has been circulated to all employer sectors and all major associations across the province. This includes, but is not limited to, the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, the Ottawa Building Trades Council, and companies like EllisDon, Aecon, Bird Construction and Pomerleau.

Major associations were also sent the protocol measures, including, but not limited to, the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA), the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association (GTSWCA), the Utility Contractors Association (UCA), the National Capital Road Builders Association (NCRBA), and the Ottawa Construction Association (OCA).

A protocol check list was also created by Local 793’s task force committee in assisting business representatives on jobsites. The check list gives business reps the ability to work with Union members and employers to ensure all safety precautions are being taken.

Members, too, must be vigilant on reporting conditions of work sites. If they feel unsafe or if any of the employers are not following proper health and safety protocols, members must let their business representative know. A contact list with all area reps phone numbers and email addresses can be found on the Union website.

Video Update: Business Manager Mike Gallagher On The Union’s Continued Efforts

Written by Local 793 Staff

Reporting via video from the OETIO training facility in Oakville, Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher gives an update to members and staff on the lobbying efforts the Union continues to make concerning improvements toward members’ health, safety and financial support. Click image below to watch the video address to members:

Reporting via video from the OETIO training facility in Oakville, Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher gives an update to members and staff on the lobbying efforts the Union continues to make concerning improvements toward members’ health, safety and financial support.

Click image below to watch the video address to members: