Dear Brothers and Sisters, Many of you have been asking about the status of our Formwork Agreement since Local 793 voted in favour of ratification, but our friends at Local 183 turned the offer down. Due to the fact that we are in a council with the Labourers Local Unions, including Local 183, and because Local 183, along with 1059 and us have a “veto” on the council regarding ratifications and strikes, if one of either Local 793, 183 or 1059 fail to vote in favour of ratification, the entire […]
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Many of you have been asking about the status of our Formwork Agreement since Local 793 voted in favour of ratification, but our friends at Local 183 turned the offer down. Due to the fact that we are in a council with the Labourers Local Unions, including Local 183, and because Local 183, along with 1059 and us have a “veto” on the council regarding ratifications and strikes, if one of either Local 793, 183 or 1059 fail to vote in favour of ratification, the entire Formwork Agreement remains unratified.
On Tuesday May 21, 2019 the Formwork Council of Ontario convened a meeting to discuss next steps. Local 793 voted in favor of supporting Local 183 members who wished to strike. Local 1059 out of London did not support strike action. Therefore, Local 183’s remaining issues are being submitted to final and binding arbitration. The arbitration will be held on June 14.
Since Local 793 members voted in favor of ratification, we proposed and the OFA agreed that our settlement will not be subject to the arbitration. They have agreed to this same protocol for all of the other LiUNA local unions. This means status quo for everyone except Local 183. It is vital that we protect our best in the industry settlement of $4.25 plus various language improvements. We cannot go backwards and we are not prepared to risk the possibility of losing retro pay.
We were in a similar position back in 2010 when the Labourers Local 183 turned down the proposed settlement. In 2010, the Labourers had a settlement on the table of $3.40 for labourers that was turned down and it went to arbitration. In that round of negotiations Local 793 achieved $3.75 for our Operators. Local 183 was seeking $4.00 from the arbitrator. The Arbitrator upheld the $3.40 settlement.
While it is not a perfect system, we have to navigate the system to the best of our abilities and our number one priority remains protecting our settlement and retro pay. Our focus for the next three years needs to be trying to find a way to overturn the archaic Labour Relations Act Provisions, which restrict our right to strike in the residential sector of the construction industry. Local 793 is committed to exploring all avenues to remove this barrier to a successful strike. As we learn further information, we will update the membership. In the meantime it is business as usual.
Fraternally, Dave Turple • Director of Toronto Area IUOE Local 793
We have had a lot of inquiries from Local 793 members who are interested in working at Baffinland. We are still in the process of putting the BAFFINLAND-SPECIFIC OUT OF WORK LIST together. And there will be additional requirements. For now, please email nunavut@iuoelocal793.org AND be sure to include your union registration number, phone number, and email. You can apply for a job at Baffinland through their website at www.baffinland.com/jobs Click on the Online Job Application buttonand then follow the instructions to apply online. Please notify Local 793 at nunavut@iuoelocal793.org if […]
We have had a lot of inquiries from Local 793 members who are interested in working at Baffinland.
We are still in the process of putting the BAFFINLAND-SPECIFIC OUT OF WORK LIST together. And there will be additional requirements.
For now, please email nunavut@iuoelocal793.org AND be sure to include your
Local 793 members are seen here displaying the 100th anniversary flag atop a Liebherr LB 36 foundational drilling rig. Marthon Underground Constructors Corp. is working on the DT-CSST Project on the corner of Kent and Slater Streets in Ottawa, a very busy corner in the central downtown area. This team of Local 793 members are using the LB 36 to drill a 4-metre wide man-hole access that is 26.2 metres deep, through three meters of overburden and 23.2 metres of rock. Operations manager Pierre Vallieres from Marathon Underground Constructors commented […]
Travis Emmerson, Sateve Burnham (holding flag), and McGyver Barber.
Local 793 members are seen here displaying the 100th anniversary flag atop a Liebherr LB 36 foundational drilling rig.
Marthon Underground Constructors Corp. is working on the DT-CSST Project on the corner of Kent and Slater Streets in Ottawa, a very busy corner in the central downtown area.
This team of Local 793 members are using the LB 36 to drill a 4-metre wide man-hole access that is 26.2 metres deep, through three meters of overburden and 23.2 metres of rock.
Operations manager Pierre Vallieres from Marathon Underground Constructors commented of the great team he has on this job.
Local 793 members seen in the main photo are (L to R) mobile crane apprentice Travis Emmerson, equipment operator Steve Burnham and crane operator McGyver Barber.
BAFFIN ISLAND, NUNAVUT April 17, 2019 – What started as an organizing drive in May 2017 has culminated in the successful ratification of a first collective agreement with Baffinland Iron Mine Corp. to represent its production employees, that took effect May 1, 2019. The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 (“IUOE Local 793”) appreciates Baffinland’s decision to sit down and negotiate a fair and reasonable mutual gains partnership agreement. With the goal of increasing Union membership, IUOE Local 793 had set as priorities – in their recently concluded Strategic […]
BAFFIN ISLAND, NUNAVUT April 17, 2019 – What started as an organizing drive in May 2017 has culminated in the successful ratification of a first collective agreement with Baffinland Iron Mine Corp. to represent its production employees, that took effect May 1, 2019.
The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 (“IUOE Local 793”) appreciates Baffinland’s decision to sit down and negotiate a fair and reasonable mutual gains partnership agreement.
With the goal of increasing Union membership, IUOE Local 793 had set as priorities – in their recently concluded Strategic Plan – to augment its organizing with mines and continue its efforts to establish representation rights in Nunavut.
The mine itself is located in Mary River in northwest Baffin Island in the territory of Nunavut. It is an open pit iron mine and is said to be the world’s sixth most northerly mine.
As of the date of closing of the ratification vote there were upward of 800 workers employed in various positions within the bargaining unit, including many ore haul truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, skilled trades, and other workers.
IUOE Local 793’s sister organization, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (“OETIO”), has offered heavy equipment operator training to the Inuit communities of Nunavut since January 2005. IUOE Local 793 itself was granted a Charter to organize and represent employees in Nunavut on behalf of the International Union of Operating Engineers in 2014.
On behalf of IUOE Local 793’s Executive Board, Mike Gallagher, business manager of IUOE Local 793 has said “We thank the employees of Baffinland for putting their trust in IUOE Local 793 and having the confidence to vote in favour of the tentative agreement. We are committed to providing them with the quality representation they deserve.”
“Over the last six months, Baffinland and the Operating Engineers have worked closely based on employee feedback to build a partnership that emphasizes collaboration, fully respects our IIBA, and reflects Baffinland’s core value to engage and develop our employees,” said Brian Penney, President and CEO of Baffinland. “Baffinland will continue to explore partnerships that help our employees continue to be successful at Baffinland, and help our company become the lowest cost-producer of high grade iron ore in the world through the safe and efficient operation and ongoing development of the Mary River Mine.”
About the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 In 2019, IUOE Local 793 is celebrating its 100thanniversary. IUOE Local 793 represents more than 15,300 crane and heavy equipment operators and industrial and production workers in Ontario and Nunavut. Its members work in all sectors of the construction industry, for municipalities, and in industrial establishments. Local 793 members build the roads and bridges you travel on, the subways you ride in, and the offices you work in. Members also build pipelines, stadiums, refineries, subdivisions, and work in mechanics shops, landfills, quarries, and mines.
The International Union of Operating Engineers is dedicated to serving and protecting the needs and interests of its members and their families through the collective bargaining process, legislative action and extensive training and skills improvement programs. IUOE Local 793 has a head office and training campus in Oakville, Ontario, another training campus in Morrisburg, Ontario and district offices around the province of Ontario.
Dear Brothers and Sisters: We have been informed by LiUNA officials that their membership has turned down the memorandum offer to renew the Provincial Formwork Collective Agreement. While there are likely other issues, I understand that their membership is dissatisfied by the employers’ failure to address concerns around parking costs. They would like that to be further addressed. As a result, we will NOT be scheduling a ratification meeting. Our Formwork Council is informing the residential forming contractors that their offer has been rejected. The next steps are either further […]
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
We have been informed by LiUNA officials that their membership has turned down the memorandum offer to renew the Provincial Formwork Collective Agreement.
While there are likely other issues, I understand that their membership is dissatisfied by the employers’ failure to address concerns around parking costs. They would like that to be further addressed.
As a result, we will NOT be scheduling a ratification meeting. Our Formwork Council is informing the residential forming contractors that their offer has been rejected.
The next steps are either further negotiations if the employers are willing, submitting the dispute to arbitration, or holding a strike vote.
You will be informed once the employer’s position is made clear.
We remain committed to achieving a settlement that is acceptable to both LiUNA and IUOE Local 793.
If you have any questions, please contact the Toronto office at 905-469-9299 extension 2212.
__________________________________ Fraternally, Mike Gallagher – Business Manager
In observance of the National Day of Mourning, IUOE Local 793 held a ceremony on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. to commemorate workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and occupational exposures. More than 100 people, including many employers, apprentices and union staff, attended the hour-long ceremony. “It is fitting that we held the ceremony here,” said IUOE Local 793 President Joe Redshaw, who was the event’s master of ceremonies. “It was built in memory of Local 793 members who died on the […]
In observance of the National Day of Mourning, IUOE Local 793 held a ceremony on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. to commemorate workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and occupational exposures.
More than 100 people, including many employers, apprentices and union staff, attended the hour-long ceremony.
https://vimeo.com/332758037/14df1af84b
“It is fitting that we held the ceremony here,” said IUOE Local 793 President Joe Redshaw, who was the event’s master of ceremonies. “It was built in memory of Local 793 members who died on the job or passed away from occupational illness.”
“Their names – 40 of them – are etched of the columns of the monument behind me.”
In 1984, the Canadian labour congress established april 28thas the National Day of Mourning in Canada. It is to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace.
The date was chosen in 1984, when the Canadian labour congress proclaimed the day to coincide with the 70thanniversary of the day the first Ontario Worker’s Compensation Actwas approved by the government (in 1914). The day of mourning was enshrined in national legislation by an act of parliament on February 1, 1991.
Local 793 President Joe Redshaw
The day of mourning is observed by more than 100 countries worldwide. On this day, people stand together to honour the memory of all workers who lost their lives due to workplace injuries or occupational disease.
Workplace fatalities have a tremendous impact on families, workplaces and communities.
They leave a terrible void, especially knowing that each and every loss was preventable. Local 793 is resolved to improve workplace health and safety for everyone – for the workers and for the families and friends who need them.
Local 793 President Joe Redshaw said he is very happy to report that Local 793 had zero fatalities in 2018 and zero fatalities so far in 2019.
IUOE Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher commented during his remarks that he hoped that “Local 793 has started a trend, and that we have no fatalities going forward.”
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher
Business manager Gallagher welcomed all attendees. He began by recognizing family members in attendance, those who had had loved ones pass away on or due to injuries sustained on a job site.
Their loved one’s names are etched on the monument. Marilyn, Sarah, Randy and Dick Gerritsen remembering Robert Gerritsen who passed away Sept. 17, 1995 at the age of 33 from injuries sustained in a crane accident.
Rae Munroe was also there, son of William Henry Munroe who passed away on Nov. 4, 1970. Business manager Gallagher shared this his name is one of the earliest names of the monument. He had passed away from injuries sustained in a construction site accident.
Oakville MP John Oliver
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton
IUOE Canadian Regional Director Lionel Railton
Kevin Flynn – former member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament for Oakville
Tom Adams – Oakville’s Ward 6 Regional and Town Councillor Tom Adams
Wayne Arnott – Chairman at Arnott Construction
Kent Botham – Partner at BDO Canada
Jason Hanna – VP of operations at Modern Crane; Operations Manager at ALL CANADA CRANE RENTAL CORPORATION; and President of the board of directors of the Crane Rental Association of Ontario
Chris Brisbois – Principal at Eckler ltd.
Karen Gleeson – Senior Consultant at Eckler ltd.
Mark Zigler – Senior Partner in the pensions and benefits group at KOSKIE MINSKY LLP and Chair of the firm’s class action committee; Member, International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans; Member, Ontario Minister of Finance’s advisory committee on pensions; and Member, Canadian Bar Association
Neil Waugh – President at NPL Canada ltd.; and treasurer on the board of directors of the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada
Rita Thompson – Labour Staff Partner at United Way Halton & Hamilton
Jim Wright – Project & Communications Coordinator at the Ontario Construction Secretariat
Pat Dillon – Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
Carlo Degasperis – Co-founder of TACC Construction ltd.
Ben Ruggieri – Construction Manager at TACC Construction ltd.
“We only know too well the dangers that exist in the construction industry,” Gallagher said. “there is much more work to be done.”
“Think of this,” Business manager Gallagher said, “Each year there are 1,000 people dying from workplace accidents. Every single year. Year in and year out. It is preventable and unacceptable.”
“We should have a national effort to address fatalities that occur in workplaces across Canada. A modern industrial country like ours, it’s inexcusable,” Gallagher said. “For us to continue as parents, worrying about our children when they go out to work. Worrying about our spouses. That it might be the last time we see them when they go out to work.”
“We are not supposed to be going out to work like we are going out to war,” he shared with many attendees nodding in agreement.
IUOE Canadian Regional Director Lionel Railton
“There should be a reasonable expectation that our children, our family members are going to be safe when they go out to work. And that they are going to return home at the end of the day to continue their natural life.”
Business manager Gallagher also spoke about the shifting governments that have come over the years of his involvement in the union. “I’ve seen governments come, and I’ve seen governments go.”
“We live in the real world,” Business manager Gallagher shared with passion. “Our members go to work everyday. They put their boots on and they want to be safe and well paid and then GO HOME AFTERWARD! And that should be a right!”
He further shared “We should not be out there tinkering, messing with a successful formula.”
“Bill 66 talks about skill sets. I say ‘bologna.’ A trade is a trade. The whole trade needs to be restricted from anybody who doesn’t have the compulsory training!”
“I’m calling out to the government right now. If you do nothing else that we like, don’t water down the compulsory trade because it is going to lead to LIVES LOST, ACCIDENTS HAPPENING, and possibly the LOSS OF LIFE.”
“There is no political equation here. It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to,” Business Gallagher said. “Safety first. Health and safety first. Protect the public. Protect the workers. That’s my message to the current government. And I hope that they listen. Because it would be awful…if they overlooked the COST, THE HUMAN COST, THE FAMILY’S COST!”
In 2018, 25 people were killed in construction site accidents in Ontario, he said, up from 22 in 2017, and up significantly from 14 in 2016.
In 2018, 255 people were critically injured in construction site accidents in Ontario – down from 271 in 2017.
In the last 10 years, each year across Canada an average of 952 Canadians have lost their lives due to work-related causes. And 186 of those fatalities were in construction – with an average of 18 or 19 construction fatalities each year.
From 2009 to 2018 there were 1,591 were critical injuries from accidents on construction sites. And these could easily have been fatal.
It is important to note that these figures only include claims approved by Workers’ Compensation Boards. A significant number of workers are not covered by Workers Compensation, so there are many deaths and injuries that have not been recognized as work-related.
On Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., IUOE Local 793 held a Strike Mandate Vote, in multiple locations, for Members Working Under the Provincial Collective Agreement. These members voted 97% in favour of a strike, should it come to that (please note we are NOT on strike). The Provincial Collective Agreement applies to the following types of work: Crane & Equipment Rental Steel Erection and Mechanical Installations Foundation Piling and Caisson Boring Excavation General Construction Surveying (related to the above work) Stay informed! Watch our member website, Facebook group […]
On Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., IUOE Local 793 held a Strike Mandate Vote, in multiple locations, for Members Working Under the Provincial Collective Agreement. These members voted 97% in favour of a strike, should it come to that (please note we are NOT on strike).
The Provincial Collective Agreement applies to the following types of work:
Crane & Equipment Rental
Steel Erection and Mechanical Installations
Foundation Piling and Caisson Boring
Excavation
General Construction
Surveying (related to the above work)
Stay informed! Watch our member website, Facebook group and your email for updates.
TIP: Make sure you have a valid email registered to your member account – so you get can receive the news you need to know NOW.
On Saturday, March 30 Local 793 members were on-site for Pumpcrete with six trucks pumping 6,700m3 of concrete for the Menkes – Sugar Wharf project at Cooper St and Queens Quay in Toronto. One tower crane with Verdi assisted on the pour. Local 793 members on-site this day included Sean Kerby, Rob Epstein, Jake Stevenson, Ray Sharpe, Andrew Campbell, James Tanner, Matt Trudel, Trevor Thorn and Local 793 steward Craig Agar.
On Saturday, March 30 Local 793 members were on-site for Pumpcrete with six trucks pumping 6,700m3 of concrete for the Menkes – Sugar Wharf project at Cooper St and Queens Quay in Toronto. One tower crane with Verdi assisted on the pour. Local 793 members on-site this day included Sean Kerby, Rob Epstein, Jake Stevenson, Ray Sharpe, Andrew Campbell, James Tanner, Matt Trudel, Trevor Thorn and Local 793 steward Craig Agar.
Local 793 steward Craig AgarLocal 793 member Trevor Thorn(L to R) Local 793 members Matt Trudel and James Tanner(L to R) Local 793 members Rob Epstein and Sean KerbyStanding, looking at the pour are Local 793 steward Craig Agar and Local 793 business representatives Jordan Glendenning and Mike Chianello. Andy CampbellLocal 793 member Ray SharpeLocal 793 member Jake Stevenson
On Tuesday March 26, in Toronto at the Coxwell Bypass Tunnel jobsite, Mammoet Cranes lifted North Tunnel Constructors’ John Deere 870G out of a partially completed shaft. Mobile crane operator Paul Brady performed the 206,000 lbs lift running the Grove GMK 7550 with his mobile crane apprentice Mike Batchelor. Also on-site for Mammoet were Local 793 members Tyler Armstrong working as the float driver and erector; Bobby Sutherland as the mechanic; and Maclaren Broad as the mobile crane apprentice. The lift was performed with an eight part line, with 100 […]
On Tuesday March 26, in Toronto at the Coxwell Bypass Tunnel jobsite, Mammoet Cranes lifted North Tunnel Constructors’ John Deere 870G out of a partially completed shaft. Mobile crane operator Paul Brady performed the 206,000 lbs lift running the Grove GMK 7550 with his mobile crane apprentice Mike Batchelor.
Also on-site for Mammoet were Local 793 members Tyler Armstrong working as the float driver and erector; Bobby Sutherland as the mechanic; and Maclaren Broad as the mobile crane apprentice. The lift was performed with an eight part line, with 100 feet of boom at a 40-foot radius.
Local 793 members on-site for North Tunnel Constructors were Jonathan Colford as the operator of the John Deere 870G; Umberto Vadori running the Link-Belt 8090RT and Ronan Shannon as the TLB operator.
Business Rep Matthew Porter photographed the lift from the top and Local 793 member Jonathan Colford photographed the lift from inside the shaft.
The IUOE Local 793 held a special executive board meeting at the Oakville Conference Centre in Oakville on Saturday, March 23. The more than 125 attendees included area supervisors, business reps, staff, delegates, officers and honourary lifetime members. Speakers shared that Local 793’s finances remain healthy following another record year, news of a tentative agreement at the Baffinland Iron Mines in Nunavut, and an update on negotiations for a new Provincial Collective Agreement. The meeting opened on a somber note with president Joe Redshaw sharing news that brother Bob Baird […]
The IUOE Local 793 held a special executive board meeting at the Oakville Conference Centre in Oakville on Saturday, March 23.
The more than 125 attendees included area supervisors, business reps, staff, delegates, officers and honourary lifetime members.
Speakers shared that Local 793’s finances remain healthy following another record year, news of a tentative agreement at the Baffinland Iron Mines in Nunavut, and an update on negotiations for a new Provincial Collective Agreement.
The meeting opened on a somber note with president Joe Redshaw sharing news that brother Bob Baird had passed away earlier in the week.
Bob died on March 21 following an automobile accident in his hometown of Roblin, Ontario. He was 64 years old.
A moment of silence was held in Bob’s honour.
Spirits were lifted when business manager Mike Gallagher and president Redshaw recognized the recipients of the Kyle Knox Memorial Award.
Business Manager Mike Gallagher, Operator Thomas Lintner, President Joe Redshaw and Darren Thompson of Aecon.
Thomas Lintner was named the 2017 award winner and Al Sorbera won the 2018 honour.
Thomas was nominated by Darren Thompson of Aecon for his heroic actions in saving a man’s life at a hunting camp on November 10, 2017.
Director of Toronto area Dave Turple nominated Al for his rescue efforts in helping save a man trapped in a trench in Toronto’s north end on July 20, 2018.
Business Manager Mike Gallagher, Operator Al Sorbera, President Joe Redshaw and Director Of Toronto Area Dave Turple.
The Kyle Knox Award was established in memory of Kyle Knox, a 24-year-old Local 793 crane apprentice who was killed when a drill rig collapsed at York University on October 11, 2011. The award recognizes a Local 793 member who has shown extraordinary bravery and initiative in rescuing another member, fellow worker or a member of the public.
Business manager Gallagher opened his report by stating that Local 793 is doing great on all fronts. He assured members that the union is in strong financial shape.
He reported that Local 793 had its best financial year ever in 2018, operating debt-free and continuing to grow the pension plan. He stated that the plan currently sits at $2.8 billion.
He pointed out that while the numbers will fluctuate year-to-year, the performance of the pension plan has shown 9.4 per cent gains over a 10-year period.
Business manager Gallagher also talked about the growth in membership.
He stated that the union is now 15,300 strong and credited the union’s investment into organizing for the growing numbers.
“The commitment to hiring more organizers was one of my platforms when I was re-elected in 2016,” Gallagher said. “We have done that; growing our team to 10 full-time organizers on staff. I look to bring that number up to 12,” he added.
Business manager Gallagher continued, saying the growth in organizing has also allowed the union to expand into the mining sector.
“I think we’re doing exactly the right thing at just the right time to be ready to move in and capitalize on some of that work,” Gallagher said of areas like Detour Gold in northeastern Ontario and Baffinland Iron Ore Mines in Nunavut.
Business Manager Mike Gallagher.
In his remarks, business manager Gallagher said it was a great honour being selected to serve as Grand Marshal for the 2019 Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade.
He commended the efforts of everyone who worked hard to ensure the event was a success and spoke of the pride he felt seeing joy and happiness on the faces of brothers and sisters and their families.
“I’ve never seen Local 793 as united as they are right now,” he said.
Business manager Gallagher spoke about the important year ahead in collective bargaining, not the least of which is the Provincial Collective Agreement.
He told the attendees that the union proposed a 17-page document highlighting how Local 793 could make the agreement better for both contractors and operators, but added that there was no progress in talks.
Business Manager Gallagher added that while talks haven’t broken off, he felt the union was spinning their tires.
“I have talked to the Labour Relations Board and we have scheduled a province-wide strike vote to solve these problems,” Gallagher announced to a round of applause.
He encouraged members to go back to their areas and tell all brothers and sisters to get out and vote.
“Give us the tools so that we can go and get you the agreement you need,” Gallagher said. “Tell members to come out in a show of force and show them what they’re tangling with. They have the tiger by the tail and they better not mess with us because we know how to shut it down, and we will.”
Business manager Gallagher ended his report commenting on the respect for operating engineers amongst other trades.
“They look to us as being leaders and that has given us a position of respect,” Gallagher said. “We’re going to hold onto that and keep growing this organization. As long as you give me the opportunity and the privilege to stand up here and lead you, I will never let you down on things like that.”
Director of Toronto area Dave Turple was given a round of applause when he announced Local 793 and Baffinland Iron Mines have signed a tentative agreement.
Following a short video presentation, Dave gave a detailed look into the history of Local 793 and the expansion into Nunavut, the Baffinland organizing drive and the timeline of the negotiations.
Director of Toronto Area Dave Turple.
“There were 25 days of negotiations, 40 conference call meetings, and more than 250 documents exchanged. We did our homework,” Dave said.
Dave shared the improvements offered in the tentative collective agreement, and how they were developed from the key concerns brought forward by the more than 800 Baffinland employees.
Moving forward, a team of Local 793 representatives traveled to the Baffinland site this week, where they will hold a series of meetings over 21 consecutive days.
During these meetings the Operating Engineers Local 793 Bargaining Team will communicate with the more than 800 workers.
The team heading north includes director of Toronto area Dave Turple, director of operations Ken Lew, executive director of OETIO Harold McBride, director of marketing and indigenous affairs Carla St. Louis, legal counsel Steve Sagle, senior general council Kirsten Agrell, international representative AndréChénier, Ottawa supervisor Rick Kerr, Thunder Bay supervisor John Kelly, business representative Eric Giroux and Rod McKenzie, director of training at the OETIO Morrisburg campus.
Manager of organizing Kyle Schutte, business representative Gerry St. Jacques, and organizers Zach MacInnis, Tony Wark and Andrew Saunders will be at the Montréal–Mirabel International Airport to meet Baffinland employees as they leave for and return from Baffinland to answer questions and hand out our Update #3 communication and Easy-to-read guide to the Mutual Gains Bargaining Partnership Agreement between Baffinland Iron Ore Mines Corporation and International Union of Operating Engineers and IUOE Local 793.
Pipeline/EPSCA Representative Mike Scott.
Mike Scott, Local 793 Pipeline/EPSCA representative, began his remarks by acknowledging Larry Richard and the work he did as the previous EPSCA representative. Mike also acknowledged assistant EPSCA representative, Paul Marshall, in his new role.
Mike reported that the electrical power systems sector remains a steady source of employment for Local 793 members, with an abundance of work on the horizon.
He added that pipeline will remain consistent across the province in 2019.
Organizer manager Kyle Schutte updated members on the recent struggles and successes of organizing.
He highlighted the certification victory for Local 987 in Manitoba, where business manager Gallagher assigned Kyle and organizer Bob Brooks to help the local organize Crown Utilities Ltd.
Manager of Organizing Kyle Schutte.
Members applauded when Kyle announced that the 120-man unit is now signatory to Local 987.
Kyle also shared other certificate victories and many voluntary recognition agreements, like Detour Gold.
Kyle recognized the organizers’ efforts in putting on a lot of kilometres and being away from family for extended periods of time. He closed his report by sharing a long list of current organizing drives.
Last year was very busy for Local 793’s legal counsel team.
Labour relations manager Melissa Atkins-Mahaney reported that in 2018, there were 276 new files opened. Of those, 108 were grievances that were referred to Local 793’s labour relations.
While there are still plenty of ongoing files, Melissa reported that 31 settlements have been reached.
Labour Relations Manager Melissa Atkins-Mahaney.
She added that 33 applications for certificates were filed in 2018. Of those, 20 new certificates were received, representing 259 new members to the union.
And 36 new voluntary recognition agreements were reached in 2018.
Melissa also commented on one of the biggest challenges the union faces in bargaining the Provincial Collective Agreement – the de-rating/manning issue.
She told members that labour relations will start hearing evidence on the de-rating of the Grove TMS 990E’s on April 2.
“We’re confident the labour board will see through this charade and rule in our favour,” Melissa said. “We look forward to the fireworks that are going to happen on April 2.”
Vice-president and government affairs representative Joe Dowdall gave a 100thanniversary committee report.
He commented that the union’s communication and IT department have been working on the development of a commemorative journal and have started to interview honourary members for the anniversary video that will be shown at the dinner-dance on Saturday December 7 at the newly expanded OE Banquet Hall.
Vice-President and Government Affairs Representative Joe Dowdall.
Vice-president Dowdall pointed out that a total of 2,170 anniversary jackets were distributed to members who attended a monthly union meeting in 2018 and January of 2019. He thanked Leanne Tabar and Heather Hamer, from business manager Gallagher’s office, for all of their hard work in making sure that the jackets were mailed out to members.
He also mentioned giveaways in the current and upcoming months that will be handed out to members who attend a monthly meeting.
March: Car Flags April: Key Chains May: Ball Caps June: Water Bottles
In closing, Local 793 area delegates reported on the work situation in different locations in Ontario, including Ian Copps (Sault Ste. Marie), Blair Doyle (St. Catharines), John Hoffren (Timmins), Mike Lavallee (Sudbury), Matt Loree (Cambridge), Andrew MacSween (Toronto), Steve Martin (Ottawa), Normand McLeod (Oshawa), Todd Moosberger (London), Dave Pepler (Thunder Bay), Mike Reynolds (Barrie), Chris Skillen (Belleville), Peter Sumandl (Toronto), Angelo Teti (Windsor), Salvatore Tuttolomondo (Hamilton) and Gord Vandevenne (Sarnia).
