Local 793 officers, executive board members, staff and guests paid tribute to the Union’s long service members at the Dinner Dance held in their honour on Saturday at the OE Banquet and Conference Centre in Oakville.
Honourees who reached long service milestones in both 2024 and 2021 were recognized for their years of service and commitment to building what the Union is today.
Business Manager Mike Gallagher welcomed guests, dignitaries and long-service members to the event.
“I really must thank you, the members, who have always stuck together when it counted – not for me, not because you had to, but because that’s how you are built. I want to thank you for all that you have done.”
Business Manager Gallagher continued, “I’m the manager, it’s true, but when I look around the room, I see all these members who have built this organization. We have been through a lot together, but we have been extremely unified throughout that and have grown stronger through unity.”
Attending as special guest was Ontario’s Minister of Labour, David Piccini.
“Christmas is a time where I always reflect and give thanks, and I’m very thankful for the relationship we have with the Operating Engineers as a government under the leadership of Mike Gallagher.
“I’m also incredibly grateful for a generation of people who built the province that we all live in, love and enjoy. This is a generation that built this province and that is what we’re on a mission to do again.”
A video was shown on screens throughout the banquet hall, reflecting on the Union’s history over the past five years, highlighting the challenges overcome, the victories achieved, and the collective strength that has driven progress within the organization.
The 845 guests in attendance were then treated to a gourmet meal before the band, Sound Parade, took over and the dance floor heated up.