Financial Assistance Available to Students

Written by Local 793 Staff

The Jack Redshaw Scholarship and IUOE Canadian Conference Bursary are available to dependents of IUOE Local 793 members. The Jack Redshaw Scholarship Deadline for applications is Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. The scholarships are available to all the sons, daughters and grandchildren of Local 793 members who are in good standing at the time of selection of […]

The Jack Redshaw Scholarship and IUOE Canadian Conference Bursary are available to dependents of IUOE Local 793 members.

The Jack Redshaw Scholarship

Deadline for applications is Friday, Sept. 11, 2015.

The scholarships are available to all the sons, daughters and grandchildren of Local 793 members who are in good standing at the time of selection of the awards.

The award is named in honour of the late Jack Redshaw, who was a Local 793 member for 42 years. He was a business rep for 20 years and also served as labour relations manager and recording-corresponding secretary of the union.

Each year, the business manager of Local 793 determines the maximum amount of each scholarship and number of scholarships to be awarded.

Applications must be supported by:

  • Transcripts;
  • Other evidence of potential ability to succeed in the post-secondary program; and
  • A letter of recommendation from an individual with personal academic knowledge of the person making the application as well as why a scholarship should be awarded.

In addition, applicants must submit an essay of not more than 1,000 words on either:

  • Reasons why this scholarship will help me.
  • The impact on my life of being a dependent of a Local 793 union member.

Applications can be downloaded from the members section of the Local 793 website by clicking here. Applications can also be obtained by contacting any Local 793 area office.

The Jack Redshaw Scholarship applications can be emailed to socialservices@iuoelocal793.org or mailed to Social Services Department, Attn: Stephanie Whaley, 2245 Speers Rd, Oakville, ON, L6L 6X8.

IUOE Canadian Conference Bursary

Deadline for applications is Aug. 1, 2015.

The Canadian Conference of the International Union of Operating Engineers is calling for applications for 10 bursaries of $750 each. The bursaries are intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of IUOE members.

The bursary recipient must be entering the first or subsequent year of a full-time course of study (at least two years in length) leading to a diploma, certificate or degree from any recognized public Canadian college or university. Each bursary will be payable at the start of the first or subsequent term of the student’s year of at least a two-year program.

Applications are considered from four regions:

  • Atlantic Canada
  • Quebec and Ontario (Gary O’Neill Bursary)
  • Saskatchewan and Manitoba (Brian Woznesensky Memorial Bursary)
  • Alberta

Applications must be supported by transcripts of high school achievement and accompanied by a detailed letter of recommendation from an individual with personal academic knowledge of the candidate, outlining reasons why the bursary should be awarded. In addition, applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay on the reason why the bursary will be of assistance or the impact that being a dependent of a union member has had on the applicant’s life.

The decision process will be handled internally by a committee from the executive of the Canadian Conference of Operating Engineers.

Applications can be downloaded from the members section of the Local 793 website by clicking here.  Applications can also be obtained by calling the IUOE Local 772 office at 905-527-5250. They can be mailed to Greg Hoath, Secretary-Treasurer, Canadian Conference, c/o IUOE Local 772, 1030 Upper James Street, Suite 401, Hamilton, ON, L9C 6X6.

Stop the Attacks on Labour

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 members may receive automated phone calls from the International Union about Bill C-377 and other anti-union legislation being proposed by Canada’s federal Conservative government. Bill C-377 is a Conservative private members bill that attacks freedom of association and free speech and infringes on individual privacy. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is […]

Local 793 members may receive automated phone calls from the International Union about Bill C-377 and other anti-union legislation being proposed by Canada’s federal Conservative government. Bill C-377 is a Conservative private members bill that attacks freedom of association and free speech and infringes on individual privacy. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is a vice-president on the IUOE general executive board, has lobbied for support from the International about issues that impact Canadian operators and their families. The automated calls from the International are part of that initiative.

Click here for more information.

Union Dues to Increase

Written by Local 793 Staff

A dues increase goes into effect July 1, 2015 for all members of Local 793 and bargaining unit employees working under an IUOE Local 793 collective agreement. Click here to see the notice.

A dues increase goes into effect July 1, 2015 for all members of Local 793 and bargaining unit employees working under an IUOE Local 793 collective agreement.

Click here to see the notice.

Ministry of Labour says Blitzes Coming

Written by Local 793 Staff

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has announced several blitzes that will be taking place throughout the next few months focusing on various aspects of the industry. In May and June, MOL construction inspectors will visit workplaces where vehicles, mobile construction equipment and pedestrian workers may be present. Click here to see story in Daily Commercial News […]

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has announced several blitzes that will be taking place throughout the next few months focusing on various aspects of the industry. In May and June, MOL construction inspectors will visit workplaces where vehicles, mobile construction equipment and pedestrian workers may be present.

Click here to see story in Daily Commercial News

Click here for a full schedule of blitzes

Local 793 Collaborates with Company on TV Program

Written by Local 793 Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2015 Toronto’s Breakthrough Entertainment is currently in pre-production of an exciting new TV program called “Terrific Trucks”, a live-action, pre-school series for the Sprout Network (NBC/Universal) in the United States, expected to be broadcast in the spring of 2016. This series aims to demonstrate early childhood learning and value messages through the actions of […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2015
Toronto’s Breakthrough Entertainment is currently in pre-production of an exciting new TV program called “Terrific Trucks”, a live-action, pre-school series for the Sprout Network (NBC/Universal) in the United States, expected to be broadcast in the spring of 2016.

This series aims to demonstrate early childhood learning and value messages through the actions of real construction vehicles that live in a quarry and work together on simple, real-life projects. Our primary location will be the re-designed Kelso Quarry in Milton (5437 Steeles Avenue West), but we will also travel to nearby locations to perform different tasks.

Our cast of real truck characters include a an excavator (CAT 330), front-end loader (CAT 938), skid steer (Bobcat S185), Mack dump truck and Kenworth tractor-trailer, all cleverly modified to play colourful characters embodying human characteristics, who work together while learning valuable life lessons about sharing, caring, teamwork, and dedication to excellence.

The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793, has agreed to collaborate with Terrific Trucks to provide skilled drivers for our character vehicles, ensuring excellence of operation and the highest level of safety for our cast and crew throughout the filming process.

Filming will start May 21, 5-days a week, with a minimum 10-hour day for a work period of 20 weeks, ending October 2nd. Wages will be paid as per the Provincial Agreement Schedule D. Complete craft and catering will be provided daily by the production.

There are still positions available for experienced drivers of the Bobcat S185 (foot pedal model) and the Kenworth and Mack trucks (A-Z license required), who also have a background with the other vehicles. Drivers will be required to work collaboratively with our film crew and take direction in a collaborative manner. As safety is our primary concern, participating in the planning and execution of the action is an on-going part of the commitment. We expect to learn a lot from our operators, while at the same time teaching you the protocol of working safely in a film environment.

It is important to understand that operators will also be required to perform on-camera from time to time in non-speaking background roles, executing simple tasks that construction personnel and operators would normally undertake around the vehicles and on a work site.

So, if you are looking for an exciting, dynamic and unique work experience this summer, please e-mail your resume to me immediately and we will contact you for an audition and try-out this week and explain all of the terms of employment. Engagement is at the sole discretion of the producers and only those able to fulfil all aspects of the job will be employed.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management of IUOE Local 793 for their gracious support and encouragement in this wonderful series, one we hope to work on together for many years to come.

Neil Bregman, Producer
TERRIFIC TRUCKS PRODUCTIONS INC.
neil@soundventure.com
(647) 969-5828

Click here for press release

Special Called Proposal Meetings

Written by Local 793 Staff

Special Called Proposal Meetings for the 2016-2019 Provincial Collective Agreement have been scheduled during Local 793 district meetings in June. Please be sure you attend these important proposal meetings and notify as many of your fellow members as possible who work under the Provincial Collective Agreement. With proposals from the membership, the provincial negotiating committee will […]

Special Called Proposal Meetings for the 2016-2019 Provincial Collective Agreement have been scheduled during Local 793 district meetings in June.

Please be sure you attend these important proposal meetings and notify as many of your fellow members as possible who work under the Provincial Collective Agreement.

With proposals from the membership, the provincial negotiating committee will begin the process that will lead to bargaining a fair renewal agreement.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call your local district union office.

Click here for schedule of the Special Called Proposal Meetings

Long-standing Union Member Passes Away

Written by Local 793 Staff

James “Jim” Anderson, a respected and long-standing member of Local 793, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Jim was a retired crane operator, and former area supervisor and treasurer of the local. He joined the union 59 years ago. Jim’s family will receive visitors at the George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carleton St., St. Catharines, on […]

James “Jim” Anderson, a respected and long-standing member of Local 793, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015.

Jim was a retired crane operator, and former area supervisor and treasurer of the local. He joined the union 59 years ago.

Jim’s family will receive visitors at the George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carleton St., St. Catharines, on Tuesday, May 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 13 in the funeral home chapel at 11:30 a.m.

Please click here for more information.

Monument Dedicated at Local 793 Head Office

Written by Local 793 Staff

More than 150 people attended a special ceremony at Local 793’s head office in Oakville on April 28 to officially dedicate a memorial garden and monument to honour members of the union who’ve been killed in construction site accidents or died from occupational illnesses. The audience consisted of dignitaries, union staff, business reps, officers, construction […]

More than 150 people attended a special ceremony at Local 793’s head office in Oakville on April 28 to officially dedicate a memorial garden and monument to honour members of the union who’ve been killed in construction site accidents or died from occupational illnesses.

The audience consisted of dignitaries, union staff, business reps, officers, construction employers, representatives from other unions, and family members of four deceased operators.

The event was held on Canada’s Day of Mourning. A minute’s silence was observed during the ceremony. Names of 36 deceased Local 793 members have been etched on the monument.

At the event, Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher spoke about the importance of reducing worksite accidents and ensuring government and agencies take appropriate action.

“We have to increase our efforts tenfold and we have to go out there and we have to tell the government the only consideration that matters is not whether they get re-elected or not,” he said, “it’s whether our workers get to return home at the end of the day.”

Gallagher said every single death is preventable but in his 18 years as business manager, and in his 30-plus years working in the industry, governments have been exceedingly slow at addressing safety issues that are highlighted by unions or coroner’s inquest juries.

Expert witnesses testify at coroner’s inquest juries and give advice, but soon after the recommendations are released they’re ignored by government and safety agencies, he said.

“You could count on your right hand how many coroner’s jury inquest recommendations have actually been put in place in terms of making our jobsites safer and putting regulations in place,” he noted. “It’s an absolute travesty that is correctable by government.”

Gallagher said there are new technologies, new equipment and new methods coming into the workforce, yet the system moves slowly.

“We move at a glacial pace to get the job done, to protect the workers that we send out to work every single day and it’s a damn shame,” he said. “We should move faster, put a higher priority, stop every other consideration except for protecting workers out on the job.

“We should make sure that the government enacts regulations to protect workers, our sons and daughters and brothers and husbands and wives, that go out on jobs and into the workplace to be put at risk when there’s absolutely no reason for it whatsoever.”

Gallagher said the Operating Engineers will continue to hold the feet of government to the fire.

“From the place that I’m standing, from where we’re coming from, we want to make sure that there are no shortcuts that are taken, that nobody overlooks a maintenance issue with regards to a crane or skimps on training, or has any other consideration whatsoever, other than to protect themselves and the workers and the public that are around them.”

IUOE general president James T. Callahan, who lost a brother due to an illness from the cleanup after the collapse of the World Trade Centre in New York City, attended the ceremony.

“This is a thought-provoking monument, I have to say,” he told the audience. “Walking through there, it stirred up what the Operating Engineers are all about.”

When a family member is killed at work, Callahan said, it’s one of the most devastating things to get over because there was no opportunity to say goodbye.

“If there’s any solace to that, it’s when your loved one fell they never touched the ground because there were 380,000 Operating Engineers that ran to them spiritually and looked out for their families afterwards, and that’s what a brotherhood is all about.”

Callahan said the monument and garden are a moving tribute to Operating Engineers and fallen workers.

Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said it seems like the completion of a mission to see the garden and monument built.

He said Oakville is committed to worker safety and has not had a fatal accident of an employee under his watch, something he is very proud of.

“We tell them that we feel a great duty to keep them safe from harm. We tell them that our commitment to their families is that we only borrow you for your workday and we feel a great obligation to return you to your family and your home in as good condition as you showed up in.

“We do that by making safety our number one criteria.”

At the beginning of the ceremony, Local 793 vice-president Joe Dowdall read a poem entitled Callum by Milton Acorn, a famous Canadian poet and labour activist from PEI. The poem is about a minor named Callum who goes to work and falls down a mine shaft and dies.

Local 793 business manager Gallagher said the poem laments the fact that workers, when they go to work and are killed on the job, don’t receive any recognition and are soon forgotten.

“I thought that was very appropriate given the fact that we have constructed a monument here to our members and their families to make sure that they’re never forgotten.”

Ontario Budget Provides Funds for Infrastructure

Written by Local 793 Staff

This is a message from Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher regarding the provincial and federal budgets released recently. The federal and provincial governments tabled their budgets this past week. The Ontario government stepped up to the plate big time by reaffirming that it’s going ahead with its plan to invest $130 billion in public infrastructure […]

This is a message from Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher regarding the provincial and federal budgets released recently.

The federal and provincial governments tabled their budgets this past week.

The Ontario government stepped up to the plate big time by reaffirming that it’s going ahead with its plan to invest $130 billion in public infrastructure over 10 years, despite the fact it is under fiscal pressure.

It is also increasing funds dedicated for its Moving Ontario Forward plan by $2.6 billion, bringing funds for the initiative to a total of $31.5 billion over 10 years.

About $16 billion of the funds will be spent on transit projects in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) while $15 billion is earmarked for transportation and other priority infrastructure projects outside the GTHA.

This will mean jobs for the construction industry.

However, there were some negatives in the provincial budget.

Public service jobs may be impacted by the sale of Hydro One. While the government is going to limit any shareholder to 10 per cent so no one entity will control the company, there is uncertainty over jobs.

Current Hydro One chair Sandra Pupatello will soon be succeeded by David Denison, former president and CEO of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. It will be Denison’s job to get the utility primed for sale, and there’s the threat that could mean cutting jobs.

The budget also continues with the government’s policy of “net zero” wage increases for public sector employees, while the projected inflation rate is two per cent, so this is actually a pay reduction.

Unions are frustrated at the bargaining table. Already, we’ve seen strikes by high school teachers in Durham Region and more are threatening to hit the picket lines as a result of the wage freeze.

The wage freeze could have been avoided if the government had increased the corporate tax rate back to 14 per cent from 11.5 per cent.

As for beer sales in grocery stores, I don’t see it as a big deal. I would be disappointed, though, if it led to job reductions.

The federal budget, meanwhile, fell short on a number of fronts.

It was clearly an election budget, as it targeted niche sectors like seniors who traditionally come out to vote in high numbers and typically vote for Conservatives.

The government continued to reward businesses, promising to reduce the federal small-business tax rate to nine per cent from 11 per cent by 2019.

While the feds are projecting a surplus it’s being done because the government has reduced its contingency fund and sold its shares in General Motors and some government buildings.

As well, most of the new spending in the federal budget will not come into effect until 2017 or later, long after the election is over.

Evidence shows compulsory certification works

Written by Local 793 Staff

A letter by Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher on the benefits of compulsory certification appeared recently in Northern Life publication. In the letter, he notes that compulsory certification in 1978 for hoisting engineers has led to fewer fatalities in the trade. Click here to see the letter.

A letter by Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher on the benefits of compulsory certification appeared recently in Northern Life publication. In the letter, he notes that compulsory certification in 1978 for hoisting engineers has led to fewer fatalities in the trade.

Click here to see the letter.