Bill 70: Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Local 793 Staff

There was a protest recently at Queen’s Park regarding Bill 70. Following is some information that has been prepared by Local 793 regarding the legislation. Q: I heard the proposed legislation contained in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 will impact every compulsory tradesperson in the province. Is that true? A: The amendments proposed in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 may have more of an impact on some compulsory trades than others. Work falling within a scope of practice of a compulsory trade which poses no risk of harm to the […]

There was a protest recently at Queen’s Park regarding Bill 70. Following is some information that has been prepared by Local 793 regarding the legislation.

Q: I heard the proposed legislation contained in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 will impact every compulsory tradesperson in the province. Is that true?
A: The amendments proposed in Schedule 17 of Bill 70 may have more of an impact on some compulsory trades than others. Work falling within a scope of practice of a compulsory trade which poses no risk of harm to the public or other workers on a project may be deemed to be work that can be performed by someone who does not have a Certificate of Qualification in that trade. 

Q: I invested 6,000 hours of my life to earn a Certificate of Qualification to operate a mobile crane on construction projects throughout Ontario. Is it true that I could lose my job to someone who doesn’t have any qualifications at all?
A: No. Per the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects, your Certificate of Qualification as a Hoisting Engineer – Mobile Crane Operator 1 designation is absolutely essential to operate a mobile crane with a maximum hoisting capacity greater than 30,000 pounds on any construction project in Ontario. 

Q: Will Schedule 17 of Bill 70 deregulate the compulsory trades in Ontario?
A: No. Schedule 17 of Bill 70 deals strictly with proposed amendments to the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act – there are absolutely no proposed amendments to any regulations which currently prescribe that certain work must be performed by an individual with a Certificate of Qualification in a compulsory trade. 

Q: I thought the original intent of the Ontario College of Trades was to have a governing body that put more power and control in the hands of tradespeople. Now I hear that if Schedule 17 of Bill 70 as proposed the College of Trades Appointments Council will be responsible for classifying which trades shall be compulsory and which trades shall be voluntary. Is this true?
A: As in the past, trade boards will maintain their ability to initiate the classification review process if they want to see their voluntary trade become compulsory and vice-versa. Schedule 17 of Bill 70 proposes that the Appointments Council will be able to appoint a Classification Panel of five individuals to ultimately decide the fate of the classification review. As things stand now, classification review decisions are decided by a review panel comprised of three individuals appointed by the Board of Governors and the Divisional Board for the trade. If anything, the proposal to increase the number of individuals on the panel from three to five may increase the depth of knowledge and experience on the panel resulting in decisions which are fair and transparent.

Q: I hear that if Schedule 17 of Bill 70 goes through as proposed my jobsite will become less safe. Is this accurate?
A: As of May 2016, the Ontario Ministry of Labour took over the regulatory and administrative oversight of the Ontario College of Trades. The Ministry of Labour’s mission is to “…advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices…” and is the primary reason the Prevention Council was established under the Occupational Health and Safety Act in 2011. As such, the Ontario government would not propose amendments to any legislation with the intent to make construction projects any less safe than they already are.

Local 793 Operator Featured in Labour Magazine

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 crane operator Justin Wedderburn was featured recently in a magazine called Labour Action published by the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. Justin is a graduate of the Hammerheads program and joined Local 793 in 2013. Click here to read the story.

Local 793 crane operator Justin Wedderburn was featured recently in a magazine called Labour Action published by the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. Justin is a graduate of the Hammerheads program and joined Local 793 in 2013.

Click here to read the story.

Local 793 Participates in Santa Claus Parade

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 staff and members participated in the Oakville Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 19. The union’s float was decorated as a gingerbread house. The contingent included three gingerbread people. Thousands of onlookers lined the parade route in downtown Oakville.

Local 793 staff and members participated in the Oakville Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 19. The union’s float was decorated as a gingerbread house. The contingent included three gingerbread people. Thousands of onlookers lined the parade route in downtown Oakville.

Campaign Launched to Promote Pipeline Work

Written by Local 793 Staff

IUOE locals across the country have launched a #Ready2Work campaign and website aimed at rallying Canadians to tell their MPs it’s time to build pipelines. The campaign is funded by all of the IUOE locals in Canada that have members working in the pipeline industry. Click here to visit the website. “The name says it all,” IUOE Canadian director Lionel Railton said in a press release. “The pipeline proposals currently on the table are undergoing the most rigorous and comprehensive review process in Canadian history. They are ready to go, […]

IUOE locals across the country have launched a #Ready2Work campaign and website aimed at rallying Canadians to tell their MPs it’s time to build pipelines.

The campaign is funded by all of the IUOE locals in Canada that have members working in the pipeline industry.

Click here to visit the website.

“The name says it all,” IUOE Canadian director Lionel Railton said in a press release. “The pipeline proposals currently on the table are undergoing the most rigorous and comprehensive review process in Canadian history. They are ready to go, and we are ready to work.

“There’s no time to delay. It’s time to build. We are asking Canadians to join us in sending that message loud and clear.”

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher said pipeline projects will create employment for thousands of Operating Engineers and other pipeline trades workers across the country and generate billions of dollars in tax revenues for the federal and provincial governments.

“I am asking that Local 793 members support this important initiative, as building pipelines like the Energy East project will create numerous jobs for our members.

“We have invested in a pipeline-training program at the OETIO in Morrisburg and the IUOE has signed a memorandum of understanding with TransCanada Corp. to build the entire Energy East project using only Operating Engineers, Labourers, Pipefitters and Teamsters.

“Pipeline construction is vital to the Canadian economy and is proven to be the safest and least greenhouse-gas-intensive-way of transporting oil.”

Assistant business manager Alex Law said Local 793 and other Operating Engineer locals across the country have been preparing their members for pipeline projects.

“We have the most skilled workers around and our Operating Engineers are ready, willing and able to build these pipeline projects in a safe and efficient manner,” he said. “There should be no further delays.

“Projects like Energy East will be built to the highest safety standards and the construction work will be done by well-trained and experienced Canadian unionized pipeline trades workers.”

The website notes that 99.999 per cent of crude oil moved by pipeline arrives safely at its destination because of Canadian Operating Engineers – a world-class workforce, trained through programs supported by millions of dollars in investment by IUOE locals.

“But our commitment to safety comes from much more than training,” notes IUOE Canadian director Railton. “Operating Engineers live in the same communities where these pipelines are built. We are your next-door neighbours – so when we build, we build right, we build safe, and we build to last.”

The #Ready2Work campaign is also highlighting the fact that pipelines are the most environmentally responsible choice for moving oil, as shipping it by rail or truck produces more greenhouse gas emissions.

The IUOE says the need for pipeline projects has never been stronger, as the collapse of oil prices has led to an economic crisis.

Canada lost more than 31,000 jobs in July of this year. In Alberta alone, the oil crisis made 2015 the worst year for job losses since 1982. Thousands of working class Canadians are out of work.

“This is a crisis – families can’t put food on the table,” said Railton. “Building pipelines will create thousands of good union jobs, right when Canadians need them most.

“No more delays – I ask Canadians to visit the website and tell their MP we are ready to work.”

Members Invited to Oakville Santa Claus Parade

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has a float in the Oakville Santa Claus Parade being held on Nov. 19. Members and their families are invited to walk in the parade. Members are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Robinson Road and Trafalgar Road in downtown Oakville. We are float #3. There is room for 10 to 15 children on the float so if you would like your child on the float email jnakaza@oetio.com.

Local 793 has a float in the Oakville Santa Claus Parade being held on Nov. 19. Members and their families are invited to walk in the parade.

Members are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Robinson Road and Trafalgar Road in downtown Oakville. We are float #3.

There is room for 10 to 15 children on the float so if you would like your child on the float email jnakaza@oetio.com.

IUOE GP Issues Statement on U.S. Election

Written by Local 793 Staff

The following statement was issued by IUOE General President James T. Callahan in response to the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president: Last night, the Operating Engineers and organized labor sustained political losses throughout the country that will change the landscape for labor into the foreseeable future. No one knows for certain what a Trump Administration will bring, but if he keeps his campaign promises, many of our sacred labor protections will be truly tested. Many union households voted against their economic futures, which is troubling at best.  Now […]

The following statement was issued by IUOE General President James T. Callahan in response to the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president:

Last night, the Operating Engineers and organized labor sustained political losses throughout the country that will change the landscape for labor into the foreseeable future.

No one knows for certain what a Trump Administration will bring, but if he keeps his campaign promises, many of our sacred labor protections will be truly tested. Many union households voted against their economic futures, which is troubling at best. 

Now that the initial disappointment has been processed, it is time to do what every Operating Engineer in a leadership role has always done. We will stand strong, stand together, and continue to hold off attempts to erode away our collective bargaining rights. 

In the coming days, as we determine where these attacks will develop, rest assured that this administration, staff and the General Executive Board of our great organization is prepared to stand with you on the battlefield that lies before us, wherever our resources are needed.

God Bless you,
God Bless the Operating Engineers, and
God Bless America.

Arbitrator Orders Employer to Develop Social Media Policy

Written by Local 793 Staff

In a recent arbitration decision, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) was found to have violated its obligation to provide a workplace which was safe and free of harassment by failing to take steps to protect its employees from social media harassment. The TTC had created a Twitter account to receive and respond to customer service questions and concerns. The union representing TTC employees filed a grievance claiming that the Twitter account had become a public platform for people to abuse and harass employees. In support of its case, the union […]

In a recent arbitration decision, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) was found to have violated its obligation to provide a workplace which was safe and free of harassment by failing to take steps to protect its employees from social media harassment.

The TTC had created a Twitter account to receive and respond to customer service questions and concerns. The union representing TTC employees filed a grievance claiming that the Twitter account had become a public platform for people to abuse and harass employees. In support of its case, the union introduced into evidence hundreds of offensive, discriminatory and abusive tweets.

The arbitrator decided in favour of the union. By not properly addressing the offensive tweets, the TTC had failed to provide a workplace safe and free of harassment. In the course of his decision, the arbitrator specifically noted that the TTC did not have a social media policy and, as part of his remedy, ordered that the TTC develop one.

Local 793 recently developed a social media policy that was passed by the executive board and reviewed by the membership at the September general membership meeting. By taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by social media, Local 793 is providing confidence to members by setting out rules for the safe use of social media while protecting its members from online harassment and abuse and ensuring the union is in compliance with Ontario law and the union’s constitution and by-laws.

Click here to review Local 793’s Social Media Policy.

Fall Photo Contest Winners Announced

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced winners of the union’s fall photo contest. Winner of the Best Fall Photo of a Jobsite in Ontario or Nunavut was Mark Askew. Winner of the Best Fall Photo in Ontario or Nunavut was Roy Nobre. Union members were invited to submit their best photos. Deadline was Nov. 3. The photos were judged by a three-member committee consisting of director of communications Grant Cameron, IT manager Armand Dowdall, and labour relations rep Daveen Lidstone. $100 VISA gift cards will be awarded to […]

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced winners of the union’s fall photo contest.

  • Winner of the Best Fall Photo of a Jobsite in Ontario or Nunavut was Mark Askew.
  • Winner of the Best Fall Photo in Ontario or Nunavut was Roy Nobre.

Union members were invited to submit their best photos. Deadline was Nov. 3.

The photos were judged by a three-member committee consisting of director of communications Grant Cameron, IT manager Armand Dowdall, and labour relations rep Daveen Lidstone.

$100 VISA gift cards will be awarded to the two first place winners.

Thanks to everybody for submitting entries.

Mark Askew won for best fall photo of a job site.
Mark Askew
Roy Nobre won for his picture of a river scene.
Roy Nobre

Bulletin Issued on Use of Mobile Devices

Written by Local 793 Staff

We all know the dangers associated with distracted driving. But what about the distractions caused by mobile devices on construction worksites? The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has issued a safety talk bulletin on the use of mobile devices on worksites. Local 793 members should check their collective agreement or company policy on the use of such devices or talk to their union steward. Click here to view the IHSA bulletin.

We all know the dangers associated with distracted driving. But what about the distractions caused by mobile devices on construction worksites?

The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has issued a safety talk bulletin on the use of mobile devices on worksites.

Local 793 members should check their collective agreement or company policy on the use of such devices or talk to their union steward.

Click here to view the IHSA bulletin.

Local 793 Fall Photo Contest Announced

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 is sponsoring a fall photo contest. All union members are invited to submit their best photos to be judged in three categories. The categories are: Best fall photo in Ontario or Nunavut Best fall photo of a jobsite in Ontario or Nunavut Best Halloween photo Following are the rules: All entries must be emailed to gcameron@iuoelocal793.org, along with union registration number, by midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Please include description of the photo, where it was taken and who is in the photo. Otherwise, the photo will […]

Local 793 is sponsoring a fall photo contest.

All union members are invited to submit their best photos to be judged in three categories.

The categories are:

  • Best fall photo in Ontario or Nunavut
  • Best fall photo of a jobsite in Ontario or Nunavut
  • Best Halloween photo

Following are the rules:

  • All entries must be emailed to gcameron@iuoelocal793.org, along with union registration number, by midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Please include description of the photo, where it was taken and who is in the photo. Otherwise, the photo will not qualify.
  • Entrants can submit only one photo per category.
  • All photos must be high resolution, at least 5×7 inches at 300 DPI.
  • Judges selected by the union will evaluate and choose winners in each category.
  • Gift cards will be awarded to first place winners in each category.
  • Winning entries have a chance of being printed in the union’s 2017 planner booklet.