New Year’s Message from Business Manager Mike Gallagher

Written by Local 793 Staff

2013 was a prosperous year for Local 793 and I am looking forward to another good one in 2014. We are one of the fastest growing locals in North America with more than 13,000 members. The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campuses in Oakville and Morrisburg are at capacity, our finances are healthy, and our pension and life and health benefits plans are also in great shape. We started off the year on the right foot, successfully negotiating a new Provincial Collective Agreement that provided members a total […]

2013 was a prosperous year for Local 793 and I am looking forward to another good one in 2014.
We are one of the fastest growing locals in North America with more than 13,000 members. The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campuses in Oakville and Morrisburg are at capacity, our finances are healthy, and our pension and life and health benefits plans are also in great shape.
We started off the year on the right foot, successfully negotiating a new Provincial Collective Agreement that provided members a total monetary package increase of $3.95 an hour over three years and language aimed at improving protective equipment supplied to operators working in the concrete pumping sector. The settlement set the tone for other collective agreements negotiated throughout the year.
On the organizing front, we had a number of significant victories in 2013. We presently have eight organizers on staff and they were very busy throughout the year.
We successfully certified Chartrand Construction of Timmins and brought more than 200 new members into the union. We also certified Clarida Construction, a company in northern Ontario that builds wind and solar farms. This was a particularly important victory for us as CLAC was trying to organize the company’s workers at the same time. In the end, the workers chose to be represented by our union.
We also certified a number of other companies around the province in 2013, including Sartor and Susan Erosion Control in Vaughan, M. Fudda, a sewer and watermain company in the Barrie area, D. Crupi and Sons Ltd. in Scarborough, Jeff Parnell Contracting near Peterborough, Peter’s Excavating Inc. in Fort Erie, A-1 Asphalt in Hamilton, and Cleave Energy, a company in Picton that specializes in solar panel installations. Meanwhile, a number of other certification applications are pending at the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).
At the OLRB, we also successfully defended our jurisdiction in a dispute with Labourers’ Local 247 out of Kingston. We were assigned all of the equipment work on the site related to the preparation and installation of solar panel posts, however, the Labourers claimed the loading, unloading, handling and distribution of the foundation posts on site and the moving and pouring of concrete was their jurisdiction. The OLRB didn’t buy the argument and upheld the contractor’s assignment of work to Local 793 members.
In the summer, we conducted a membership survey to gauge how our union is doing and identify where we needed to make improvements. Improving business rep visibility was an action item and I recently hired five new business reps to better serve our members, along with a northern resource development rep to work out of the Barrie office.
In the survey, members also told us they wanted more information and communication on political and legislative issues and more online resources via our website. As a result, we introduced an electronic newsletter called Local 793 E-News. I encourage members to sign up for the newsletter by visiting our website and clicking on the red Members Login button at the top right and then following the directions.
We are also revamping our website to provide more online functionality and will be re-launching the site by spring. Members will be able to pay their dues online, check the status of their benefits, buy union apparel, as well as use the pension calculator to figure out different retirement scenarios.
The newly revamped website will also feature a political action tab that members will be able to click on to find out more information about political and legislative issues that affect them. Meanwhile, we are also embarking on a political action campaign against Bill C-377 and Right to Work. Hardhat stickers and leaflets are being distributed by business reps.
In 2013, we also made important inroads with First Nations communities in Ontario. IUOE Canadian regional director Jim Murphy and I will be meeting with the Assembly of First Nations to discuss training opportunities. Aecon chief operating officer Teri McKibbon and I agreed on a plan to get more Aboriginals working on projects in northern Ontario and our union also teamed up Gheztoojig Employment and Training to get more Aboriginals working on the expansion of Highway 69 near Sudbury. Meanwhile, we are running a series of articles in SAY Magazine in February that promote training at the OETIO.
On the training front, we remain at the forefront of training at the OETIO. We have pioneered new training courses in concrete pumping and drill rigs and we’re also changing with the times by offering e-learning courses online. We have spearheaded the development of mechanical and virtual reality simulators and developed a wind turbine erection scenario that uses two cranes. This past spring, we developed a drill rig simulator.
On the benefits front, trustees decided to make a number of improvements to our life and health benefits plan. The improvements come into effect Jan. 1, 2014. For more information, call Local 793’s pension and benefits office at 905-469-9299 or (toll free) 1-877-793-4863.
As of Jan. 1, 2014, Local 793 members will also have access to a Members Assistance Program (MAP) through Great West Life and Schepell.fgi. The MAP is a confidential and voluntary support service that can help members find solutions to all kinds of challenges at any age and stage of life.
The MAP offers assistance for stress, depression, anxiety, anger, crisis situations and life transitions. It also offers help for:

  • Managing relationships and family
  • Finding child and elder care resources
  • Getting legal advice
  • Getting financial advice
  • Dealing with workplace challenges
  • Tackling addictions
  • Improving nutrition

To find out more about the MAP, call 1-800-387-4765.
On the pension front, our plan is doing well and the fund’s investment managers are bringing in returns better than the market. The strong returns are due to a rebound in investment markets and healthy work levels.
Contributions to the plan are expected to be about $111 million in 2013, the highest amount ever.
Early unreduced retirement at age 60 will continue until at least Sept. 1, 2015.
Meanwhile, at our dinner dance in November, I presented a cheque for $104,114 to the University Health Network for research into esophageal cancer.
The funds were raised at the second annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer.
Just before Christmas, I received notice that financial secretary John W. Anderson, our assistant business manager, would be leaving to take up a new position and challenge as an administrator at Global Benefits. I know it was a tough decision for John. He has been with our union for 28 years. I hate to lose him but this is a new challenge for him and I certainly wish him all the best.
I recruited John as a business rep years ago and appointed him as assistant business manager in 1996. He has certainly contributed to our success as a union.
John will be available to provide assistance to us for a transition period of several months. He takes up his new position full-time at the beginning of March.
John joins in a fine tradition at Local 793 where members like Jack Redshaw and Ernie Ford moved on to second careers and made us proud.
I announced John’s departure at a staff function in December. John told staff that it wasn’t an easy decision for him.
He said he never thought he’d end up as assistant business manager at our union and he thanked the many people who helped him along the way.
John had some very nice words to say about the union and myself, and I thank him for that.
As for the future, our union faces a number of challenges in 2014, namely the right-wing agenda being proposed by PC Leader Tim Hudak.
If Hudak gets his way, years of gains for workers would be scrapped and we would embrace right-to-work legislation that he’s proposing. He wants to get rid of the Rand formula, which requires all employees in a closed union shop to pay dues. The Rand formula promotes stability and ensures unions have the resources to negotiate on behalf of their members.
Such legislation would undo the gains that unions have made in securing wages, benefits and pensions.
Hudak must be stopped. With the possibility of a provincial election looming this spring, it is important for Local 793 members to be aware of what he is proposing. Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric. His plans would be devastating for Ontario and its unionized workers.
On a happier note, Local 793 will be celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2014. We are planning to hold a number of events in the various districts throughout the year. Information about these events will be posted on our website and in our magazines, so stay tuned.
Local 793 has always been a leader in the construction industry. We have grown over the years because of the strength of our membership and the vision of our leaders.
In 2014, I intend to make sure we continue that tradition. I am confident that our union will remain strong and continue to prosper – as we have done in the past.

Fraternally Yours,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793

More Than $65,000 Raised for Injured Operator

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has raised $65,337 for longtime union member and operator Gerry Lukasiewicz of Sarnia who was injured in a construction site accident in 2012. The announcement was made at a fundraiser attended by nearly 100 people at the Sarnia Holiday Inn on Dec. 14. The event also featured a silent auction. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher had proposed the idea of a fundraiser for Gerry at a general membership meeting of the union on March 24, 2013. Gallagher had also proposed that the union contribute $10,000 to the […]

ExecutiveLocal 793 has raised $65,337 for longtime union member and operator Gerry Lukasiewicz of Sarnia who was injured in a construction site accident in 2012.
The announcement was made at a fundraiser attended by nearly 100 people at the Sarnia Holiday Inn on Dec. 14. The event also featured a silent auction.
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher had proposed the idea of a fundraiser for Gerry at a general membership meeting of the union on March 24, 2013.
Gallagher had also proposed that the union contribute $10,000 to the fundraiser and the idea received unanimous support from members at the meeting.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to help with the costs of buying and equipping a van for Gerry.
Gerry was seriously injured in an accident on the morning of May 7, 2012. He was struck by a jib weighing 1,500 pounds. He is now confined to a wheelchair.
Gerry is a 39-year member of Local 793. He started his career in the early 1970s with a company called Goodfellows Disposal. He joined the union while working at the company.
Gerry worked on numerous projects in and around the Sarnia area, mostly in the petrochemical sector. He was one of the operators who helped build Shell Chemical.
Retired Southwestern Ontario area supervisor Bob McQueen told those who attended the fundraiser that Gerry was in grave condition after the accident and it’s been a long road to recovery for him.
However, he said, Gerry has fought back and wants to drive again, and the money raised from the fundraiser will enable him to realize that goal.
McQueen noted that shortly after the accident business manager Gallagher visited Gerry in the hospital and told him the union would be there for him.
“My experience has been that when something happens we step up to take care of our own,” said McQueen.
McQueen thanked union staff, business reps and officers for putting the fundraiser together.

Local 793 Donates to Hospital Cancer Program

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 has donated $104,114 to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation cancer program. The donation was made at the union’s annual dinner dance held Nov. 16 in the OE Banquet Hall. The funds were raised at the 2013 Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton. In 2012, the tournament raised $102,000. Proceeds are used to fund research into esophageal cancer. Amber Bernard and Josh Lai of Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation accepted the award on behalf of the […]

ChequeLocal 793 has donated $104,114 to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation cancer program.
The donation was made at the union’s annual dinner dance held Nov. 16 in the OE Banquet Hall.
The funds were raised at the 2013 Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held this past summer at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton.
In 2012, the tournament raised $102,000.
Proceeds are used to fund research into esophageal cancer.
Amber Bernard and Josh Lai of Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

Recipients Receive Long-Service Awards

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 is the strong union it is today because of its dedicated members, business manager Mike Gallagher told a long-service awards ceremony in the union banquet hall Nov. 16. “Without the support of the members, especially the long-service members, all of you who are being recognized today, really absolutely nothing could’ve been accomplished,” he said. More than 250 long-service members received an award this year for 30, 40, 50, 55 and 60 years of service. Raymond Crandall of Alliston, Ont. was lone recipient of the 60-year award. Gallagher spoke […]

Long ServiceLocal 793 is the strong union it is today because of its dedicated members, business manager Mike Gallagher told a long-service awards ceremony in the union banquet hall Nov. 16.
“Without the support of the members, especially the long-service members, all of you who are being recognized today, really absolutely nothing could’ve been accomplished,” he said.
More than 250 long-service members received an award this year for 30, 40, 50, 55 and 60 years of service. Raymond Crandall of Alliston, Ont. was lone recipient of the 60-year award.
Gallagher spoke at the beginning of the awards ceremony and told the audience that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making the union what it is today.
“There was no magic formula about it,” he remarked.
He said the union’s $1.6-billion pension fund and the benefit plan, which has a $23-million surplus, were only achieved as a result of the battles fought by union members.
Gallagher said he’s traveled to many different parts of Canada and the U.S. and there aren’t any locals that compare to Local 793 in terms of what the union has accomplished, and in keeping the province unionized and fair so operators get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
That has occurred, he said, because operators stood up for their rights over the years on picket lines and because they went out like the professionals they are and put their skills to work making the contractors successful.
He noted that a lot of new contractors are now coming into Ontario from Italy, Spain and Germany and they’re bringing their own ideas on how to do the work.
But, “we know a little thing or two ourselves about building this great province,” he added. “That is something I feel very, very strongly about.”
On the issue of pensions, Gallagher said in spite of the challenges of the past – notably in 2008 when Canadian markets dipped 30 per cent – the plan is in good shape.
As of the end of October, the plan was up 11.6 per cent from the beginning of the year, “so we’re having a very good year in our pension plan.”
On the issue of benefits, he said the plan is in great shape and trustees have decided to make a number of improvements starting in January.
“To me, the most important thing is looking after our own, our families, and those benefits become more and more important as we get on.
“When we’re able to make the benefit plan better and able to have pensions that members retire on – that’s what it’s all about as far as I’m concerned.”

Memorial Garden to be Built at Head Office

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced that the union is looking at building a memorial garden and monument to honour members who have been killed in construction site accidents or died due to an occupational disease. “This is an important initiative and a respectful way of remembering and honouring our union brothers and sisters who have died under such circumstances,” Gallagher noted in a statement. The monument will be similar to those that have been erected in memory of police officers and firefighters who have lost their lives […]

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has announced that the union is looking at building a memorial garden and monument to honour members who have been killed in construction site accidents or died due to an occupational disease.
“This is an important initiative and a respectful way of remembering and honouring our union brothers and sisters who have died under such circumstances,” Gallagher noted in a statement.
The monument will be similar to those that have been erected in memory of police officers and firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We should be doing everything in our power to mark the lives of Operating Engineers who have lost their lives in construction or industrial accidents or because of an occupational illness,” Gallagher said.
Architect Michael Spaziani, who designed Local 793’s head office in Oakville, has put out a request for proposals for a professional artist to design the monument.
The monument will be located at the union’s head office. Names of Local 793 operators who have died in accidents or due to occupational diseases will be part of the monument.
A final design proposal is expected by the end of 2014.
Gallagher said that the proposal will be brought to a general membership meeting for discussion, as input from members on the initiative is essential.
The union would like to hear from anyone who knows of a member who has passed away due to a workplace accident or occupational disease like mesothelioma.
Please contact Crystal Resendes or Debbie Coulson to provide the name and some background on the deceased member. They can be reached at 905-469-9299 or toll free at 1-877-793-4863.

NDP’s Keystone XL Opposition Fails Canadian Construction Workers

Written by Local 793 Staff

In November, the International Union of Operating Engineers issued a press release, objecting to a New Democratic Party Opposition Day motion on the Keystone XL pipeline. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is an IUOE International vice president, and IUOE general president James T. Callahan were disappointed with the NDP’s motion. IUOE Canadian regional director James Murphy also sent a strongly worded letter to NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair. The NDP motion stated that: “In the opinion of the House, the Keystone XL pipeline would intensify the export of unprocessed raw […]

In November, the International Union of Operating Engineers issued a press release, objecting to a New Democratic Party Opposition Day motion on the Keystone XL pipeline.
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, who is an IUOE International vice president, and IUOE general president James T. Callahan were disappointed with the NDP’s motion.
IUOE Canadian regional director James Murphy also sent a strongly worded letter to NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair.
The NDP motion stated that:

“In the opinion of the House, the Keystone XL pipeline would intensify the export of unprocessed raw bitumen and would export more than 40,000 well-paying Canadian jobs, and is therefore not in Canada’s best interest.”

Business manager Gallagher noted in the press release that he is disappointed that the NDP chose to completely ignore the benefit of pipeline construction to working Canadians such as members of the Operating Engineers’ union and other construction trades.
“The Keystone XL project would be a net benefit to workers across Canada who depend on the resource sector and construction for their livelihoods,” he stated. “This hasty action by the NDP without consulting major stakeholders will jeopardize our economic recovery and jobs we had been hoping for.”
General president Callahan said thousands of skilled construction jobs – jobs that feed families, pay mortgages and send kids to university – will be generated from building Keystone XL.
“If you are on the side of working people, then you should be for this project.”
In his letter to Mulcair, Canadian regional director Murphy said that Canada does not have the refining capacity to deal with the amounts of raw bitumen that are being developed in Canada’s oil sands, therefore the product must be exported.
He stated that the union supports Keystone XL because Canada must look at expanding and diversifying its markets.
He noted that Keystone XL will allow Canadian oil companies to expand the reach of their product, which will only benefit Canada’s economy.
“Operating Engineers are among the most highly trained and skilled pipeline workers in the world,” he stated in the letter. “Our expertise will ensure that Keystone is built right, built safe and built to last.”

Redshaw Scholarship Winners Announced

Written by Local 793 Staff

Winners of the Jack Redshaw Scholarship have been announced. A total of 12 scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded. The Crane Rental Association of Ontario donated funds for two of the awards. Local 793 president Joe Redshaw said in a statement that he would like to thank the Crane Rental Association for making the donation. The scholarship winners were: Stefanie Bogaert – Sarnia area Devon Coles – Hamilton area Ryan Coulson – Toronto area Mitchell Fedorchuk – St. Catherine’s area Robyn Hansen – Hamilton area Sarah Kazak – Ottawa area […]

Redshaw ScholarshipsWinners of the Jack Redshaw Scholarship have been announced.
A total of 12 scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded. The Crane Rental Association of Ontario donated funds for two of the awards.
Local 793 president Joe Redshaw said in a statement that he would like to thank the Crane Rental Association for making the donation.
The scholarship winners were:

  • Stefanie Bogaert – Sarnia area
  • Devon Coles – Hamilton area
  • Ryan Coulson – Toronto area
  • Mitchell Fedorchuk – St. Catherine’s area
  • Robyn Hansen – Hamilton area
  • Sarah Kazak – Ottawa area
  • Lindsay Kuiack – Cambridge area
  • Darquise Mantha – Sudbury area
  • Alexandra Scandolo – Toronto area
  • Benjamin Schwarz – Toronto area
  • Nicole Selman – Sarnia area
  • Irena Sziler – Windsor area

The criteria for the scholarships is as follows:

  • The awards are available to the sons, daughters and grandchildren of members who are in good standing at the time of selection of the awards.
  • The scholarship 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.

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 scholarship should be awarded.
In addition, applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay on the reason(s) why the scholarship will be of assistance and the impact that being a dependent or grandchild of a Local 793 union member has had on the applicant’s life.
Once the recipients have been selected, they will be notified and asked to provide further proof from the Office of the Registrar that they are currently attending full-time studies in their selected program.
Eligible persons are able to apply more than once, however, once they have received a bursary, they are no longer eligible to receive another award.
The deadline for receipt of the application shall be the first Friday in the month of September.
Application forms are available on Local 793’s website or from area offices.

Union Supports Fund-raiser for Anishinabek Nation Charity

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, president Joe Redshaw and a number of other union representatives attended a fund-raiser Oct. 17 for the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity. The event, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, provided an opportunity for corporate and government partners to meet and network with leaders of First Nations communities across Ontario. More than 200 people attended the event. A business networking reception was followed by a panel discussion on issues of importance to the people of the Anishinabek Nation. Funds raised from the event […]

MadahbeeLocal 793 business manager Mike Gallagher, president Joe Redshaw and a number of other union representatives attended a fund-raiser Oct. 17 for the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity.
The event, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, provided an opportunity for corporate and government partners to meet and network with leaders of First Nations communities across Ontario.
More than 200 people attended the event. A business networking reception was followed by a panel discussion on issues of importance to the people of the Anishinabek Nation.
Funds raised from the event will go to scholarships and bursaries and to support education, healthcare and other under-funded services in the 39 Anishinabek communities. The Charity has raised $600,000 since 1999.
Dignitaries attending the event included: Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee; former Prime Minister Paul Martin; Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne; former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine; Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer; and John Tory, former PC Party leader and host of Live Drive on Newstalk 1010.
Local 793 was the only union that had representatives at the event. Grand Council Chief Madahbee sat at the table with Local 793 representatives.
Business manager Gallagher said it was important for Local 793 representatives to be at the event because the union is working to get more people from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities into training programs at the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO).
“We are working closely with First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities and reaching out to the Aboriginal population to get more youth into our apprenticeship programs and good paying jobs in the construction trades,” he said. “By attending this event we are demonstrating our commitment to work with these communities and Aboriginal leaders.”
During the panel discussion, dignitaries addressed a number of issues, including education and the importance of having a skilled workforce available to fill key positions.
Former Prime Minister Martin complimented the work being done by Local 793 during his remarks.
Martin spoke about some of the things unions like the Operating Engineers are doing and how they are an important part of the fabric of Canada.
Premier Wynne shared her vision on enhancing student success in First Nation communities in Ontario.
Grand Council Chief Madahbee told the audience that First Nations communities support development but only with community control and benefits.
“We have to empower our people … to take control of our lives” and “put in place our way of thinking, our world view,” he said in a story published in Anishinabek News.ca. “We don’t need somebody dictating what we can do and cannot do. We know how to do the job.”
Meanwhile, former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Fontaine said the single most important issue to face Canada is First Nations poverty and how to eradicate it.
“We have to move quickly and … persuasively,” he said in Anishinabek News.ca. “Partnerships are our best option to create a better future for Canada and Aboriginal people.”
The Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity is the official charitable fundraising arm of the Anishinabek Nation. The Charity is committed to improving the quality of life of Anishinabek Nation citizens by providing support where no other funding exists.

Gallagher Addresses Union Meeting

Written by Local 793 Staff

Operating Engineers in Canada must pay attention to what’s going on south of the border where labour is under attack. That was the message Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher delivered to delegates at a special executive board meeting of the union in the OE Banquet Hall on Sept. 21. “It’s important for us to pay attention to what’s happening in the U.S. and what’s been successful to turn it back,” he said. Gallagher noted that both the federal Conservatives and Ontario Tories are intent on pursuing a similar agenda […]

Operating Engineers in Canada must pay attention to what’s going on south of the border where labour is under attack.
That was the message Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher delivered to delegates at a special executive board meeting of the union in the OE Banquet Hall on Sept. 21.
“It’s important for us to pay attention to what’s happening in the U.S. and what’s been successful to turn it back,” he said.
Gallagher noted that both the federal Conservatives and Ontario Tories are intent on pursuing a similar agenda against unions and working families here in Canada.
He said the Operating Engineers may have to be more politically active as a provincial election gets closer.
In his remarks, Gallagher noted that he recently attended an AFL-CIO national convention in Los Angeles and it was a good feeling to be in a room with so many unionists.
At the convention, he said, IUOE general president James T. Callahan announced that Local 150 in Indiana took the government to court over the right-to-work legislation and won, prompting a standing ovation from the hundreds of union delegates in attendance.
“I certainly felt good to be there as an Operating Engineer when that transpired,” Gallagher said.
He noted that Elizabeth Warren, the Democratic Senator from Massachusetts, and AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, both gave rousing speeches at the AFL-CIO convention.
Videos of the speeches were played for delegates at the special executive board meeting.
In her speech, Warren said unions are like a family in that “we’ve got each other’s backs.”
Throughout history, she said, powerful interests have tried to capture Washington but labour has always been there to fight on behalf of the American people.
She said labour enshrined into law the right to organize and created social security.
“Labour was there every step of the way. Our agenda was America’s agenda and we prevailed.”
Lately, she said, powerful interest groups in the U.S. have been attacking the very foundations that protect the middle class, but labour will prevail.
“The Washington insiders will fight us but the American people are on our side.”
Trumka, meanwhile, told delegates at the AFL-CIO convention that there can be no shared prosperity while 11 million Americans have no rights, while 20 million are looking for work and can’t find it, and while libraries and schools are closed in the poorest communities.
Shared prosperity, he said, is a reality when the rich and connected pay their share, when health care, retirement security and sick days are available to all people, and when there’s an end to trade deals that treat companies better than people.
“We build this country every single day and it is time for Americans to value the work of all workers in this country.”
After the videos were shown, Gallagher told delegates that what’s happening the U.S. is now happening in Canada.
“A similar thing is happening here, don’t kid yourselves,” he said.
Gallagher noted that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is stacking the Supreme Court and provincial Tory leader Tim Hudak is intent on bringing in right-to-work legislation.
He said unions in Canada have to shed their complacency so Harper and Hudak or whoever else comes in aren’t able to do what’s been done to working families in the U.S.
Also at the meeting, Gallagher told delegates that Local 793 has left the Provincial Building Trades.
He said he recently wrote to Pat Dillon, business manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, informing him of the decision, and Local 793 business reps have been directed to stop attending building trades meetings in their areas.
Gallagher said there have been too many jurisdictional disputes filed by building trades against Local 793 at the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) at a time when they should be working together.
When the 10th jurisdictional dispute reached his desk, he said, he decided to take action.
Gallagher said each jurisdictional dispute costs the union anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 to fight.
He said he didn’t feel it was a good idea to continue working with building trades that are filing jurisdictional disputes against Local 793.
“We’re going to send them a wake-up call,” he said.
Gallagher said he has told Dillon that Local 793 will prepare to rejoin the building trades when the other trades realize the damage they’re doing.
Labour relations manager Ken Lew reported at the meeting that the union is now facing 13 jurisdictional disputes involving six trades.
He said the labour relations department has been gathering information and intends to defend Local 793’s jurisdiction.
The union has done a great job over the last several years at laying the groundwork to win such disputes, he said.

Unions are Facing Threats: Gallagher

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 members need to become better informed and more politically active in order to fend off the right-wing policies being proposed by the provincial and federal Conservatives, business manager Mike Gallagher told a general membership meeting Sept. 22. “We’ve got to get together to weather the storm that’s coming,” he said. “We need to reach out to people, even if they’re not part of a union, to realize the threat facing them.” Gallagher said both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and provincial Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak have got it […]

Local 793 members need to become better informed and more politically active in order to fend off the right-wing policies being proposed by the provincial and federal Conservatives, business manager Mike Gallagher told a general membership meeting Sept. 22.
“We’ve got to get together to weather the storm that’s coming,” he said. “We need to reach out to people, even if they’re not part of a union, to realize the threat facing them.”
Gallagher said both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and provincial Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak have got it wrong in trying to bring in right-to-work (RTW) legislation, and for proof one only has to look to the U.S. to see how such laws have impacted that country.
He said both the federal and provincial Conservatives have a knack of making their anti-union laws sound appealing and a good idea.
However, he said, RTW legislation would mean individuals could opt out of paying union dues and erode the ability of unions like the Operating Engineers to provide good pension and benefit plans.
It is “absolute fiction” that RTW legislation is about helping people, he said, noting they are really laws that have been given to politicians by corporations.
Gallagher said wages have decreased in U.S. states where RTW legislation has been introduced and, given time, it will destroy unions.
If Hudak has his way, Gallagher noted, he will turn Ontario into a RTW province.
“Nothing is more serious than Hudak winning an election,” he said.
He noted that Hudak’s only way of getting support is by attacking unions.
Union officers are trying to make the union better, Gallagher said.
However, he added, “with the stroke of a pen” Hudak could send unions back to the days before the Rand formula was implemented.
He said Canadian locals and members must wake up and fight back against RTW legislation, much like unions have done in the U.S.
He noted that IUOE Local 150 recently overturned RTW legislation in Indiana and locals in Canada should learn from that.
“We have to be as vigilant as the U.S. locals.”
He also called on national union organizations like the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and national building trades office to step up their efforts to combat RTW legislation.
“We need the CLC and the building trades nationally to wake up and mobilize workers. We have to wake up to the imminent threat that is on our border.”
During the meeting, Gallagher showed a video that was made by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. The video depicted what’s happening in some U.S. states that have RTW legislation.
Afterwards, Gallagher said there is no case that can be made for RTW legislation.
“We have to make sure that’s not the reality going forward.”