Category: Union News

Local 793 tower crane operators Craig Passerino, Tyler Love and James Rodgers are working on a two-tower residential development project on Grove St. in Barrie. After the first phase of construction is complete on the Sky Towers project, further development is planned to create a third tower, a nine-storey mid-rise building and a five-storey parking podium to serve 928 residences, including 32 affordable housing units.

Local 793 tower crane operators Craig Passerino, Tyler Love and James Rodgers are working on a two-tower residential development project on Grove St. in Barrie. After the first phase of construction is complete on the Sky Towers project, further development is planned to create a third tower, a nine-storey mid-rise building and a five-storey parking podium to serve 928 residences, including 32 affordable housing units.

The officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers wish all Union members and their families a “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day). As we celebrate Ireland’s rich history, culture, and traditions, let’s take a moment to reflect on the strength and unity that make our Union so powerful. Just as St. Patrick inspired countless people with his faith, perseverance, and leadership, each of you brings the same dedication and pride to our work every day. And just as the […]

The officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers wish all Union members and their families a “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day).

As we celebrate Ireland’s rich history, culture, and traditions, let’s take a moment to reflect on the strength and unity that make our Union so powerful. Just as St. Patrick inspired countless people with his faith, perseverance, and leadership, each of you brings the same dedication and pride to our work every day. And just as the Irish people have historically come together to overcome challenges, so too do we, as Local 793, rise to support one another in work and life. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will achieve even greater success.

May this day be filled with joy and a little luck to keep you moving forward.

Wishing you all a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!

General President John Downey issued a powerful statement, expressing the International’s firm opposition to the United States’ tariffs and affirming their unwavering support for Canadian Brothers and Sisters in the face of these harmful tariffs.

General President John Downey issued a powerful statement, expressing the International’s firm opposition to the United States’ tariffs and affirming their unwavering support for Canadian Brothers and Sisters in the face of these harmful tariffs.

The next General Membership Meeting will be on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at OE Banquet & Conference Centre, next to the Union’s head office at 2245 Speers Road in Oakville.

The next General Membership Meeting will be on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at OE Banquet & Conference Centre, next to the Union’s head office at 2245 Speers Road in Oakville.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate women’s achievements in Canada and worldwide. It is also a time to raise awareness about issues impacting women’s advancement and an opportunity to forge a society free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. IUOE, Local 793 is proud to be part of the movement for gender equality. We will continue to encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace in efforts to remove barriers in our industry.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate women’s achievements in Canada and worldwide. It is also a time to raise awareness about issues impacting women’s advancement and an opportunity to forge a society free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

IUOE, Local 793 is proud to be part of the movement for gender equality. We will continue to encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace in efforts to remove barriers in our industry.

Dear Members, Please be advised that due to the busy schedules of Local 793 during a bargaining year, our priority is securing the best contracts for our members. Therefore, we will be skipping this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. As always, let’s celebrate all things Irish ☘️ in our own way on March 17th! Fraternally Yours, Mike Gallagher Business Manager, Local 793

Dear Members,

Please be advised that due to the busy schedules of Local 793 during a bargaining year, our priority is securing the best contracts for our members. Therefore, we will be skipping this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

As always, let’s celebrate all things Irish ☘️ in our own way on March 17th!

Fraternally Yours,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, Local 793

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I am proud to mark Women in Construction Week. As the Business Manager of a union with more than 20,100 members, I’ve long recognized the importance of attracting more women to skilled trades. The growth of Ontario depends on it, and it’s incredibly encouraging to see the increasing presence of women in the construction industry, especially within our specific trade. This trend is particularly significant as we anticipate potential shortages moving […]

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I am proud to mark Women in Construction Week.

As the Business Manager of a union with more than 20,100 members, I’ve long recognized the importance of attracting more women to skilled trades. The growth of Ontario depends on it, and it’s incredibly encouraging to see the increasing presence of women in the construction industry, especially within our specific trade. This trend is particularly significant as we anticipate potential shortages moving forward.

While we’ve made significant strides in recent years, we know that much work remains to ensure full equality for women in construction. A future where everyone – regardless of gender – has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential is one we all strive toward.

Let’s continue to push forward together.

Sincerely,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793

The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario’s platform for government under leader Doug Ford represents a big victory for Operating Engineers and other skilled trades. Released on Monday ahead of Thursday’s provincial election, in which Ford’s PC Party won a historic third consecutive majority government, the Plan to Protect Ontario lays out the PC Party government’s priorities. It includes pledges to make big investments in jobs, training, and new infrastructure. Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher and his leadership team have worked tirelessly to convince Doug Ford and his government of the need […]

The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario’s platform for government under leader Doug Ford represents a big victory for Operating Engineers and other skilled trades.

Released on Monday ahead of Thursday’s provincial election, in which Ford’s PC Party won a historic third consecutive majority government, the Plan to Protect Ontario lays out the PC Party government’s priorities. It includes pledges to make big investments in jobs, training, and new infrastructure.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher and his leadership team have worked tirelessly to convince Doug Ford and his government of the need to support Union trades and unlock the potential of critical industries, such as mining and energy. The PC Party’s platform represents the successful conclusion of those efforts.

“The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793, has more than 20,100 highly skilled operators, mechanics and heavy equipment operators across Ontario,” Business Manager Gallagher said. “For over 100 years, we have been involved in the construction of all major infrastructure and housing projects in communities throughout the province.

“We maintain two training campuses in Ontario, one in Morrisburg and the other in Oakville. To meet the growing demand for workers in our trade, we are now constructing a third campus in Oro Medonte with the support of the Skills Development Fund.

“The Ford government is one of the few governments we’ve seen that recognizes the only way to keep building our great province is by supporting and training highly skilled operators and other trades.

“We fully endorse the PC platform because of the continued investment in training.”

Business Manager Gallagher also thanked Local 793 Business Reps and other staff who have volunteered their time to help the PC Party’s message reach more voters in key ridings. Their work is helping to protect members’ jobs and ensure the Union continues to get the support it needs to train the next generation of Operators.

Click HERE to view the PC Party’s 2025 Election Platform.

All income tax receipts representing Union and working dues for the 2024 taxation year and other taxable benefit receipts from OEBAC (T4A’s) were mailed out to members’ home addresses by Friday, February 21, 2025. Starting Thursday, February 27, 2025, members can also go online and download or print a copy of their Union tax receipts and/or T4A slips. This can easily be done by going into your member profile on the Union’s website (See step-by-step instructions below). If you did not receive your Union dues tax receipts and/or T4A slips […]

All income tax receipts representing Union and working dues for the 2024 taxation year and other taxable benefit receipts from OEBAC (T4A’s) were mailed out to members’ home addresses by Friday, February 21, 2025.

Starting Thursday, February 27, 2025, members can also go online and download or print a copy of their Union tax receipts and/or T4A slips. This can easily be done by going into your member profile on the Union’s website (See step-by-step instructions below).

If you did not receive your Union dues tax receipts and/or T4A slips in the mail by Friday, March 7, 2025, please contact the OEBAC Member Call Centre at 1-844-793-1919.

  Local 793 members Patrick Ryan, Taylor Bertalan, Dean Skiffington, and Darren Coogan are now united by one Union, but they took unique routes to reach the top of their chosen profession. Brother Ryan had his first taste of the industry at a very early age while working with his uncle in demolition. He later explored other sectors within construction but ultimately returned to working as an operator. “I decided to join Local 793 after talking to some members and hearing positive feedback about their benefits and brotherhood,” Brother Ryan […]

Brother Patrick Ryan

Brother Taylor Bertalan

Brother Darren Coogan

Brothers Taylor Bertalan (L-R), Zachery Wilson-Windsor, Dean Skiffington, and Darren Coogan.

Local 793 members Patrick Ryan, Taylor Bertalan, Dean Skiffington, and Darren Coogan are now united by one Union, but they took unique routes to reach the top of their chosen profession.

Brother Ryan had his first taste of the industry at a very early age while working with his uncle in demolition. He later explored other sectors within construction but ultimately returned to working as an operator.

“I decided to join Local 793 after talking to some members and hearing positive feedback about their benefits and brotherhood,” Brother Ryan said.

Brother Bertalan, a two-year Local 793 member, was inspired by his older brother to become an operator. “You get to see a lot of stuff and go all over the place to do cool things every day,” he said.

After spending five years working non-union in the United States, Brother Bertalan returned to Canada two years ago and joined Local 793.

Brother Skiffington was a labourer prior to joining Local 793. He says, “Construction is awesome. I have 28 years of experience, and you can learn something new every day.”

Outside of work, he enjoys playing darts and emphasizes the importance of balancing family, career, and having fun.

Brother Coogan was a grade man prior to being an operator.

“I’ve always wanted to switch Unions. One day, I was driving a truck up in Collingwood and that’s how I got signed up,” he recalls.

After 12 years in the industry, Brother Coogan says, “I told my wife that if our little guy wants to get into the trades, he’ll have a bright future. Plus, the pension and benefits. There really isn’t a drawback.”