Local 793 supports Building Trades on Advisor for Construction Workplaces in Ontario

Written by Local 793 Staff

Message from Mike Gallagher, Business Manager of IUOE Local 793 IUOE Local 793 supports the Building Trades on their Advisory for Construction Workplaces in Ontario letter (see letter below). A prolonged shutdown would have a negative impact on members’ benefits, pension and training funds, as they rely on contributions to be able to administer and provide the level of benefits we currently enjoy. While a short ‘pause’ could be managed, any shutdown of our industry without corresponding government support of pension, benefits and training funds would inevitably lead to reduced […]

Message from Mike Gallagher, Business Manager of IUOE Local 793

IUOE Local 793 supports the Building Trades on their Advisory for Construction Workplaces in Ontario letter (see letter below). A prolonged shutdown would have a negative impact on members’ benefits, pension and training funds, as they rely on contributions to be able to administer and provide the level of benefits we currently enjoy.

While a short ‘pause’ could be managed, any shutdown of our industry without corresponding government support of pension, benefits and training funds would inevitably lead to reduced benefits and training delivery.

Our members’ health and safety are our first priority, and employers and the Ministry of Labour need to step up and enforce safe workplaces and best practices.

Also, no member should be disciplined or prevented to being recalled due to the COVID-19 virus or the disruption by school and daycare closures or sick family members. Our members want to work and are known for their exceptional attendance record in normal circumstances. So long as contractors are respectful of the health of our membership and take reasonable measures such as social distancing and good hygiene, then members are prepared to go to work.

On the same token, members should not be disciplined if they have an ill family member, if they themselves are ill, or they are in quarantine or self-isolating on the recommendation of their family physician.

Fraternally Yours,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793

COVID-19 ADVISORY FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKPLACES IN ONTARIO
March 20, 2020

With the ever-evolving situation concerning the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19, we are advising that construction worksites in the province of Ontario remain open and that the appropriate preventative measures be implemented and enforced on every construction worksite in the province. Accordingly, the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario (CECCO), the Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA), the Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO), and the Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO) call on the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to enhance its Enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined below. To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. Below is a list of symptoms that may appear:

· fever
· cough / sore throat
· difficulty breathing / fatigue
· muscle aches / headaches
· runny nose
· diarrhea

In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are preventative steps everyone should be taking now:

· If you are feeling sick, do not go to work or if you’re at work and feel sick, go home
· Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
· Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
· Avoid contact with sick people.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
· Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
· It is especially important to wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Construction industry employers should also:

· Stagger work breaks (including lunch) to ensure social distancing in the workplace.
· Provide access to soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing.
· Provide the appropriate hand sanitizer when soap and running water are impossible.
· Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.

This contagion is understandably consuming Ontarians’ attention and we are trying to monitor the situation as closely as we can. In the interest of the well-being of the construction workforce and the Ontario population in general, the decision to shut down (or not to shut down) the construction industry will be guided by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health in consultation with the appropriate government authorities, construction employers, and the Building Trades Council.

Notice to Members and Students from OETIO

Written by Local 793 Staff

All Members & Students, Please be advised that, effective immediately, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) will be closed until further notice, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, to date, no OETIO staff have tested positive for the virus. However, as always, the health and welfare of all staff, students and members will continue to be our top priority as the situation continues to evolve. To this end, OETIO is taking every possible precaution to prevent future infection and spread occurring. Thus, after careful consideration of the […]

All Members & Students,

Please be advised that, effective immediately, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) will be closed until further notice, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, to date, no OETIO staff have tested positive for the virus. However, as always, the health and welfare of all staff, students and members will continue to be our top priority as the situation continues to evolve. To this end, OETIO is taking every possible precaution to prevent future infection and spread occurring.

Thus, after careful consideration of the recommendations received from public health officials, all OETIO training has been halted until such time as it is deemed safe to resume normal operations in accordance with governmental mandates and public health directives.

The current COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, as do the recommendations from public health officials, which are updated frequently as available information surrounding the virus evolves.

As such, OETIO shall diligently monitor the situation and provide frequent operational updates as information changes. A formal announcement shall be released in the event OETIO reopens and resumes normal training programs, however until such announcement is released, OETIO shall remain closed for the protection of staff, students and members alike.

Thank you for your understanding regarding these ongoing closures.

On behalf of OETIO, we wish you and your family continued health.

Sincerely,
Joe Dowdall
Executive Director
Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO)

Message on behalf of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario

Written by Local 793 Staff

Initial Guidance on COVID-19 To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps everyone should be taking now: If you are feeling sick, do not go to work. Don’t shake hands when greeting others. Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions. Avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Clean your hands often by washing them with soap […]

Initial Guidance on COVID-19

To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps everyone should be taking now:

  • If you are feeling sick, do not go to work.
  • Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
  • Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
  • It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Construction industry employers should also:

  • Stagger work breaks (including lunch) to ensure social distancing in the workplace.
  • Provide soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing.
  • Provide hand sanitizer when soap and running water are impossible.
  • Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.

The Federal Government has made the following changes to the employment insurance program, waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period, making it easier for workers who self-isolate or quarantine, to apply for support immediately.

“Provide support to workers in quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate who will claim Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits by waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period so they can be paid for the first week of their claim. We are exploring additional measures to support other affected Canadians, including income support for those who are not eligible for EI sickness benefits.”

Special guidance for travel:

Individuals at high risk for complications from COVID-19 should follow the current CDC’s guidance:

  • Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are considered to be at increased risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Learn more here.
  • There are several active travel health notices for COVID-19, to see these and learn more about travel during this time, click here.

We will continue to monitor this situation and do our best to keep you up to date.

Stay up to date by following Health Canada here:

Health Canada COVID-19 Updates

Local 793 Offices Closed Until Further Notice

Written by Local 793 Staff

Please be advised that IUOE Local 793 offices will be closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, IUOE Local 793 is taking every precaution to protect the health and welfare of its membership and staff. To this end, essential services such as Dispatch, Remittances, and Pension and Benefits will continue to operate in an effort to provide continued service to the membership. Dispatch can be reached vis-à-vis your respective area representatives and clearance cards can be accessed online through […]

Please be advised that IUOE Local 793 offices will be closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, IUOE Local 793 is taking every precaution to protect the health and welfare of its membership and staff. To this end, essential services such as Dispatch, Remittances, and Pension and Benefits will continue to operate in an effort to provide continued service to the membership. Dispatch can be reached vis-à-vis your respective area representatives and clearance cards can be accessed online through the IUOE Local 793 member portal.

For health and safety reasons, and in accordance with social distancing recommendations during the outbreak, we ask that you do not visit any office locations until notified otherwise.

Should you require immediate assistance in the interim, please feel free to contact your local district office per the contact list below. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a message with your name, phone number, and a brief summary of what you need help with. A Local 793 representative will call you back as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager

IUOE Local 793 District Office Contacts

Oakville (Head Office)
Phone: 905-469-9299
Toll Free: 1-877-793-4863
Barrie
Phone: 705-734-2494
Belleville
Phone: 613-968-3363
Cambridge
Phone: 519-621-6344
Hamilton
Phone: 905-544-1851
London
Phone: 519-652-2740
Nunavut
Phone: 905-469-9299
Toll Free: 1-877-793-4863
Oshawa
Phone: 905-720-0480
Ottawa
Phone: 613-228-1759
Sarnia
Phone: 519-337-2053
Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705-949-6860
St. Catharines
Phone: 905-227-8211
Sudbury
Phone: 705-675-8643
Thunder Bay
Phone: 807-344-7612
Timmins
Phone: 705-531-3119
Windsor
Phone: 519-250-8877

Ontario Enhanced Measures for COVID-19

Written by Local 793 Staff

Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-1 Being prepared Although China remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, more countries are reporting cases. Some countries may not have the capacity to detect or contain the disease. This means global efforts to stop the spread of the disease may not be enough to prevent a pandemic (global outbreak). At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada but this could change rapidly. There […]

Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-1

Being prepared

Although China remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, more countries are reporting cases. Some countries may not have the capacity to detect or contain the disease. This means global efforts to stop the spread of the disease may not be enough to prevent a pandemic (global outbreak).

At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada but this could change rapidly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:

  • aged 65 and over
  • with compromised immune systems
  • with underlying medical conditions

While a COVID-19 outbreak is not unexpected in Canada, our public health system is prepared to respond. PHAC, along with provincial, territorial and community partners, continues to reassess the public health risk, based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.

In order to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, everyone has a role to play. It takes more than governments and action from the health sector to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Each of us can help our country be prepared in the event of an emergency by understanding how coronavirus spreads and how to prevent illness.

For individuals

Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of any illness, especially respiratory infections.

Now and always during cold and flu season, stay home if you are sick. Encourage those you know are sick to stay home until they no longer have symptoms.

Since respiratory viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, are spread through contact, change how you greet one another. Instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug, a friendly wave or elbow bump is less likely to expose you to respiratory viruses.

Practise frequent hand hygiene and coughing and sneezing etiquette. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys and door handles.

These are the most important ways that you can protect yourself and your family from respiratory illness, including COVID-19.

Make a plan
Fill your prescriptions
Stock up on essentials but avoid panic buying
How to care for those who are ill
Get reliable information
Communicate with family, friends and neighbours

For communities

Social distancing measures are a way to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the community. This means minimizing close contact with others during the peak of an outbreak. In addition to staying home when ill, we should plan for actions we can take if we need to reduce the spread of infection in places where we gather.

Some of the social distancing measures need extensive preparation, especially where large crowds are concerned. Community planners should prepare for:

  • interruptions in social supports
  • reduction in public services like transit and access to community centres
  • financial consequences from the reduction of services or cancelled events

Planners, administrators and employers must work together to put into effect community-based measures that will protect:

  • groups
  • employees
  • the general population
Avoiding crowds
Mass gatherings
Remote and isolated communities
For Indigenous communities

For schools and daycares

School and daycare measures can range from simple (like increasing distancing between desks) to more extensive (like closures).

Widespread school closures as a control measure tend to have a high economic and social cost. This is because school closures impact the many families that have one or both parents working outside of the home.

Public health measures for schools and daycare are intended to provide a safer school environment by encouraging:

  • personal protective measures
  • communication to teachers and parents
  • regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects like door handles, toilets and toys

The following measures are alternatives to school or day care closures.

  • Restrict access to common areas.
  • Divide classes into smaller groups.
  • Cancel or postpone after-school events.
  • Increase desk distance between students.
  • Be flexible with attendance policies for students and staff.
  • Separate children on school busses by 2 metres where possible.
  • Cancel classes that bring students together from multiple classrooms.
  • Stagger the school schedule (lunch breaks and recess) to limit the number of students and children in attendance at one time.

For more information on guidance for schools and day cares, refer to Public Health Guidance for Schools (K-12) and Childcare Programs (COVID-19).

Visit this LINK to find out more.

Also, you can visit the News & Events Menu Tab above and select COVID-19 UPDATES for ongoing information.

For the safety of our members, Local 793 will not participate in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Written by Local 793 Staff

Please be advised that I have made the difficult decision that Local 793 will not be participating in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. All information coming from the experts indicates that this virus should be taken seriously, and we cannot take the risk of potentially exposing ourselves to this virus. While this decision is […]

Please be advised that I have made the difficult decision that Local 793 will not be participating in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. All information coming from the experts indicates that this virus should be taken seriously, and we cannot take the risk of potentially exposing ourselves to this virus.

While this decision is disappointing, I am confident that it is the right one.

With kindest regards,
Mike Gallagher

Local 793 meets with the QIA (Qikiqtani Inuit Association)

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 met with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) at the OETIO Morrisburg campus on Monday, February 10th, 2020.   Business manager Mike Gallagher sat down with PJ Akeeagok, the president of the QIA, to speak on shared interests, and establish an amicable relationship going forward.   The meeting, organized by Carla St. Louis the Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs, had been long in coming. Prior to his visit, president Akeeagok was attending the Northern Lights Conference in Ottawa and recognized a good opportunity to tack on a site […]

Local 793 met with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) at the OETIO Morrisburg campus on Monday, February 10th, 2020.

 

Business manager Mike Gallagher sat down with PJ Akeeagok, the president of the QIA, to speak on shared interests, and establish an amicable relationship going forward.

 

The meeting, organized by Carla St. Louis the Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs, had been long in coming. Prior to his visit, president Akeeagok was attending the Northern Lights Conference in Ottawa and recognized a good opportunity to tack on a site visit to Morrisburg while eleven QIA students were there.

 

The Morrisburg campus is currently hosting and training these students in the 6-week Q-STEP heavy equipment program which consists of loader, haul truck and skid steer.

 

Also in attendance from the QIA was Q-Step Program Manager Romeyn Stevenson, and Director of Communication Sima Sahar Zerehi.

 

Additional members of Local 793 present at the meeting included Executive Director of OETIO and Vice President of IUOE Local 793 – Joe Dowdall, and Assistant Executive Director of OETIO and Area Supervisor of IUOE Local 793 Eastern Ontario – Rick Kerr.

 

Seen here from L to R wearing new OETIO hats is Romeyn Stevenson, PJ Akeeagok, Mike Gallagher, Joe Dowdall, and Rick Kerr.

 

 

The QIA is the Regional Inuit Association for the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut and represents 51 percent of Inuit living in the territory located in the Canadian Arctic. They are committed to advancing the rights and benefits of Qikiqtani Inuit through protecting and promoting their social, political, economic and cultural interests.

 

“It’s our job to take the holistic approach” said president Akeeagok. “We need to balance our economic goals with our environmental ones”.

 

Proper environmental assessments prior to any proposed projects are an important measure to ensure environmental sustainability. The QIA is committed to ensuring no commitments or decisions are made regarding the Qikiqtani region without conducting studies to evaluate the environmental impact and mitigate negative effects of potential projects.

 

Gallagher could empathize with the environmental concerns of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

 

“I’m not going to lie to you, we always like to see work go forward because it benefits our members.” He confessed. “But not without taking proper measures to preserve the natural environment. Sustainability holds importance to each of us”.

 

The QIA recently received $20 million in program funding from the federal government in atonement for systematic efforts to colonize Inuit of the Qikiqtaaluk region.

 

Akeeagok was eager to see the training facility in person as it serves an example of what can be accomplished with the appropriate allocation of government funding.

 

“We are really impressed with the facility and continue to receive great feedback from our youth about their time here” said Akeeagok.

 

Since the QIA youth joined the OETIO, ‘country food’ – a term for Inuktitut cultural meals – began being shipped to the facility on a regular basis, given that it is an important part of their diet.

 

“It is the little things you do for our youth that make all the difference in their time here” complimented Akeeagok.

 

Here’s a view of the snow covered training yard from the facility’s dining hall.

 

 

After a site tour led by Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs Carla St. Louis, Local 793 and the QIA had an opportunity to sit down with the eleven students as they shared about the communities they were from and their positive experience at OETIO.

 

“These are the times of my life that are the most memorable” remarked Patrick, one of the students, before looking over his shoulder at his fellow trainees.

 

Before leaving he scrawled the word ‘Tapiriit’ in pen on a napkin for Gallagher, which expresses the concept of ‘united’ in Inuktitut.

 

 

Local 793 was happy for this opportunity to connect with the QIA and learn a bit about their culture.

 

“I think it’s important we maintain communication like we are doing here today” said Gallagher.

 

In 2014, Local 793’s charter was expanded to include the entire Territory of Nunavut, as well as Baffin Island in Northern Canada. Local 793 and the OETIO have been training Inuit people from the Territory for several years now.

 

Pictured below is the eleven QIA students currently training in the Q-STEP heavy equipment program.

 

Improvements to the union’s Life & Health Benefits Plan

Written by Local 793 Staff

Thanks to the plans’ ongoing financial health, the Board of Trustees are pleased to advise of the following improvements to the union’s Life & Health Benefits Plan. The Board has approved the following for the active and retiree plans: LIFE & HEALTH PLAN: Increase in Dental Fee Guide: The Plan will reimburse dental benefits based on the 2019 Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Fee Guide, effective January 1, 2020. The Plan will reimburse dental benefits based on the 2020 ODA Fee Guide, effective January 1, 2021. The purpose of this Fee […]

Thanks to the plans’ ongoing financial health, the Board of Trustees are pleased to advise of the following improvements to the union’s Life & Health Benefits Plan.

The Board has approved the following for the active and retiree plans:

LIFE & HEALTH PLAN:

Increase in Dental Fee Guide:

  • The Plan will reimburse dental benefits based on the 2019 Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Fee Guide, effective January 1, 2020.
  • The Plan will reimburse dental benefits based on the 2020 ODA Fee Guide, effective January 1, 2021.

The purpose of this Fee Guide is to provide guidance to dental hygienists in Ontario in setting the fees that they charge for their professional services.

To view your benefit claims history or to access the My Health section for health-related news and services for union members, log into iueolocal793.org.

If you have not yet registered for an online member account, you can create one by clicking “REGISTER NOW” on the right-hand side of the “MEMBER LOGIN” page.  For member registration, you will need your union registration number, your date of birth and your email address.

CLICK HERE to view information about the benefits plan or to watch tutorial videos on downloading the OEBAC app and how to submit a new claim.

For more information about the Life & Health Benefits Plan, Pension Plan and the Group Legal Plan, contact the OEBAC Member Call Centre at info@oebac.org or toll-free at 1-844-793-1919.

Racing to Finish – Jamie Richardson Profile

Written by Local 793 Staff

“I always have a little bit of butterflies.” That was the response Local 793 member Jamie Richardson gave when asked how he feels each time he gets behind the wheel of his race car before a competition. “You’re about to be travelling at high speeds where anything can happen. It can all be over in two seconds if you make a mistake. “The first time getting strapped in, your heart is pounding so fast and you’re nervous,” he continued. “You don’t want to get hurt and you also don’t want […]

“I always have a little bit of butterflies.”

That was the response Local 793 member Jamie Richardson gave when asked how he feels each time he gets behind the wheel of his race car before a competition.

“You’re about to be travelling at high speeds where anything can happen. It can all be over in two seconds if you make a mistake.

“The first time getting strapped in, your heart is pounding so fast and you’re nervous,” he continued. “You don’t want to get hurt and you also don’t want to damage the car.

“It’s a lot different than riding a bicycle,” he quipped.

A concrete pump operator from Amhurst Crane Rentals, the 33-year-old Richardson reached out to Local 793 for support and was happy to receive the approval, along with a 100th Anniversary sponsorship sticker for the hood of his race car.

When asked why he chose the union to sponsor him, he said it’s mutually beneficial.

“My goal is to support my union and display their logo each time I get out on the track,” he said.

Richardson grew up in Burketon, Ontario, close to Mosport International Raceway (now named Canadian Tire Motorsport Park), where he could hear the hum of the cars on the track from his house.

Naturally, he became curious about all the commotion and decided to follow a childhood friend down to the track so he could see firsthand what all the fuss was about. He remembers the incredible atmosphere and being able to feed off of the excitement of those around him.

“When you see the cars whipping at you from the cage, it gives you goosebumps,” he said.

Eventually, just spectating was no longer good enough for Richardson. He had to get behind the wheel for himself, which he did for the first time at age 25.

Richardson typically races 6-9 times a season at various competitions across the province. It wasn’t hard for him to keep up with his hobby, having married into a racing family. His father-in-law has been racing for 44 years and funded his current 2018 Chevrolet Super Late Model.

Richardson said he’s thankful to have so much support for his passion, as well as a good paying job, without which he likely wouldn’t be able to keep up with the hobby.

But the sport does not come without its challenges.

“It takes hours and hours on end to be able to get the car ready for each race and if you don’t use that time, it could bite you in the butt,” he said.

“Something like a lose clamp could ruin your whole race.”

Additionally, there’s not always an equal playing field when it comes to racing and sometimes wealthier people can circumvent time and hard work using money. Richardson resents that money plays such a big part in racing and how less dedicated but more affluent people may be able to “bump you out” of placing in competitions.

His car can reach up to 130 mph (209 km/h), making it a bit faster than your average commercial vehicle. But on the racetrack, he counts himself as the underdog and points out how the competition is often equipped with the newest and fastest stock car models on the market.

Richardson fondly remembers a day when his dedication to the sport payed off while participating in the 2018 Canadian Short Track Nationals at Jukasa Motor Speedway in Hagersville, Ontario.

“I came up to my car before the race and there was this one guy kind of hanging around it, looking at the union sticker on the hood. I got to talking to him and, sure enough, he was a heavy equipment operator from our local.”

They were happy to connect over their union membership and the man complimented his car and wished him luck in the race.

But Richardson was still skeptical about his odds of winning, given that there were 21 cars racing – many of which were newer and faster than his own. He responded to his union brother saying he’d be the happiest person in the world if he ever gets in the top 10.

The union member questioned Richardson and asked why he puts himself down like that, to which he replied “well, I’m underpowered by about 180-horsepower compared to the competition.”

In the end, Richardson surprised himself and placed sixth overall in that race, his best yet. He realized that he could attribute his achievement to the amount of care he puts into his equipment.

“Sometimes it’s all about finishing the race rather than stressing over what you do or don’t have,” he admitted.

When asked to compare his race car to the concrete pump truck he operates, he said laughingly “well, with one you lose money and the other you gain it.”

Apart from that amusing distinction, he was also able to identify some parallels between his work and hobby. He noted that quick thinking and common sense are essential in each environment.

“If you don’t respect what you are driving or operating, then you could end up with pretty bad failure,” he said.

When considering the capability of a 38-meter, 56,800-pound concrete pump truck compared with the considerable horsepower of a stock race car, it’s easy to understand what he’s talking about. There is more than enough room for error with both machines, and therefore no room for laziness when it comes to safety.

Overall, Richardson described his favourite thing about both racing and operating to be the opportunity to meet new people. It doesn’t matter if he’s on the jobsite or the racetrack, getting to interact with different people all the time is something he’s thankful for.

Although, as he mentioned, with operating there is the added benefit of being paid.

“With race car driving, you’re doing it for free and you do it because you love it, he said.”

Photos courtesy of Dan Little Jr. Photography

Happy New Year from business manager Gallagher

Written by Local 793 Staff

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I would like to wish all union members and families a Happy New Year. Looking back, 2019 was a very successful year for our local. We continue to grow and now have more than 16,000 members, making us the largest Operating Engineers local in Canada. Right out of the gate, we had the 100th anniversary celebrations to plan. Events included 10 picnics across the province, the Rodeo-Picnic in Morrisburg, the dinner-dance […]

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I would like to wish all union members and families a Happy New Year.

Looking back, 2019 was a very successful year for our local. We continue to grow and now have more than 16,000 members, making us the largest Operating Engineers local in Canada.

Right out of the gate, we had the 100th anniversary celebrations to plan. Events included 10 picnics across the province, the Rodeo-Picnic in Morrisburg, the dinner-dance and its breathtaking fireworks display at the newly expanded OE Banquet Hall, and many more.

In March, we joined with other unions to celebrate the 32nd annual Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade. I was honoured to be the Grand Marshal and march ahead of the parade alongside IUOE general president James T. Callahan. We had 500 members and their family attend, breaking a parade record for marchers in one group.

Local 793 also led the Labour Day and Oakville Santa Claus Parades in September and November, respectively.

In April, we signed an agreement with the large mining company Baffinland in Nunavut on Baffin Island. This welcomed upwards of 800 workers employed in various positions within the bargaining unit to join the union, including many ore haul truck drivers, heavy equipment operators and skilled tradespeople.

2019 was also a major bargaining year for many of our important collective agreements. We managed by slimmest of margins to avoid any major work stoppages and had some of the best financial settlements of any other trade.

On Provincial negotiations, we tackled the irritant of derating 90-tons and from a monetary perspective, Local 793 members came out on top in the negotiations. Only one trade – the Steeplejacks – obtained a higher settlement, and this number reflects a catching up by this trade as compared to the Operating Engineers.

Local 793 signed 97 voluntary recognition agreements in 2019, bringing in 1,122 new bargaining unit employees. We also received 17 certificates from the Ontario Labour Relations Board, representing another 283 workers.

We accomplished many improvements to our union in 2019, most notably the move to self-administration and the creation of the Operating Engineers Benefits Administration Corporation (OEBAC). The OEBAC staff are settled into the new office on the property adjacent to head office in Oakville and are running full steam ahead.

There were numerous improvements to our benefits plan in 2019, including an increase in the long-term disability flat monthly benefit, which went from $1,250 to $1,500. Vision care allotment also increased from $600 to $800 and is more frequently available, now every 12 months.

There was also a large increase in laser eye care coverage, going from $1,000 to $2,000 per lifetime. As well, psychotherapist and social worker were added to the existing psychologist benefit under the Plan.

From a performance standpoint, the pension plan started the year strong. Due to the plan’s good health, the Trustees were able to increase pension benefits. All benefits earned up until January 1, 2019, including pensions in pay, saw an increase of 2.5 per cent.

The pension plan continues to grow and now has assets of approximately $3 billion as of November 30, 2019. In surplus on an ongoing concern, the return is over 14 per cent year-to-date.

We opened the doors to the newly renovated and expanded OE Banquet & Conference Centre in October. Close to 50 per cent more space was added, as well as a full-service industrial kitchen for 1,000 people (dinner capacity), five additional office spaces, and a major upgrade of audio-visual and IT equipment.

The expansion will help Local 793 ensure that our growing number of members are recognized by being accommodated at our events and annual dinner dance. It will also give the local an opportunity to increase revenue from our social and corporate rentals.

Like all good organizations, however, we are not content to rest on our laurels and are looking to the future.

2020 will be an equally exciting year for us.

The mining sector will continue to be a focus for the union. We will work on various strategies to organize the sector, including some of the major gold mines that are in the area like Detour Gold in northeastern Ontario and the Ring of Fire in the James Bay Lowlands of northern Ontario.

2020 is also a union election year, and all executive positions will be up for election, re-election or acclamation. The union has a strong and dedicated leadership team in place, and each is looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of the members should the ballot results dictate such.

I would like to thank all members for their support over the last year and wish you all the best in the New Year. The officers and I intend to keep Local 793 growing so that we can continue to better the lives of our members and their families.

Fraternally Yours,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793