News Instilling pride and activism March 2015 Passing the history onto the next generation of Operating Engineers www.iuoe115.com IUOE News is the official publication of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115. Local Executive Board Business Manager Brian Cochrane ON THE COVER As part of Local 115’s Membership Engagement Strategy, January 13th’s District 3 Meeting in Kelowna saw one of the largest turnouts in history for that area. Pictured are Business Manager Brother Brian Cochrane and District 3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton in front of our members. Contents Business Manager Delays could provide breathing room for training and preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 President Wayne E. Mills President Looks like a rocky ride, but we have hope for the future.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Vice-President Brad Randall Treasurer Frank Carr District 1 Taking a look at what 2015 will bring us.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 It’s important to keep big projects like Site C built by skilled workers.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Operating Engineers have a role to play in future of construction.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Talking to employees of non union companies is key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Some project updates and labour union activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Declining economy a challenge for jobs and bargaining.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Our bargaining committees have been standing strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Guard Everett Cummings Union Organizing Why organizing is important to expand our market share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Conductor Doug Fisher Dispatch LNG projects going on back burner due to oil prices.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Trustees Brett Chapman Curtis Wright District 2 Members need to voice our concerns to government.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Recording Secretary Brian Lefebvre Financial Secretary Don Swerdan Auditors Chip Dhaliwal Goretti Guilbault Craig McIntosh District Executive Board 1 - Al Cooper 2 - Curtis Harold 3 - Brad Gerow 4 - Herb Conat 5 - Mike Spiruda 6 - Rob Foskett Publication Committee Brian Cochrane Wayne Mills Lynda Arland Don Swerdan Editorial Services Jen Rasmussen, COPE 378 Design and Layout www.workingdesign.net Contact Details 4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 3T3 Telephone: 604-291-8831 Fax: 604-473-5235 Website: www.iuoe115.com E-mail: iuoe@iuoe115.com Please Recycle District 3 Take this time to focus on union density and work share for future.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 District 4 Northern ingenuity will help us survive coal downturn.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 District 5 Site C Dam project begins 18 month preparation phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 District 6 If you have questions, make sure you ask a real union member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Benefits Plan Benefits Plan 2014 Year in Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Training Association Report Training Association busy providing upgrading around the Province. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 News IUOE shows its heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 New Red Seal Apprentice Initiative announced by Federal Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 OE member for 57 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AN IUOE Member has some straight talk for his MP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Construction industry discussed with Liberal Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Remembering four who died on the job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Regular Features Remembering our members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honouring our members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scholarships awarded.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Local 115 members.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership Service Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pensions Awarded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local 115 District Offices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meeting Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 31 33 34 35 36 37 37 Business Manager Delays could provide breathing room for training and preparation Brian Cochrane, Business Manager For most of us, the thought of seeing the price of oil below $50 would provide to one of the largest public projects we will see per barrel or gas at under a $1 per litre ever again in our life- in our lifetime. time seemed pretty farfetched. While it is a big benefit for us The most recent Project Labour Agreement for large Hydro as consumers, unfortunately it has certainly changed the time- work is the John Hart Dam upgrade in Campbell River. This lines for many of the large scale projects in BC. Many of the upgrade is worth over one billion dollars, and the consortium big oil and gas giants are quickly trying to shut down planned realized the benefits of a Project Labour Agreement, employdevelopment and are throwing the switches off to preserve ing skilled Operating Engineers. It would only make sense for cash flow. Hydro to see the value in a PLA for a project with 8 times the This will no doubt continue to cause some delay in the final cost! investment decisions for the Proposed LNG work. Depending on which analyst you read, we could be in for a Pipeline Campaign 12 - 18 month correction before things stabilize again. On the At a recent meeting with the major OE Pipeline Locals across positive side, this will soften some of the critical labour short- the Country it was agreed that we must work more aggresage issues that we were facing for some trades, and will pro- sively and collectively to support the industry in the eyes of vide a little breathing room for training the public. Pipelines are the safest, Some of the environmentalists and to prepare for the future demand. most reliable and cost effective way How long it takes is still unclear, there don’t seem to understand that to move our natural resources and has been significant investment in LNG, moving product by rail or truck the industry has been under intense and this opportunity will eventually scrutiny over the last several years. creates both more risk and cost. come on stream, however the green light It was decided that it is time that we is probably a few months away. We will increase the volume on behalf of continue to stay on top of these developments closely and our membership and the sector. report out details in future OE News, as I have been appointed Some of the environmentalists don’t seem to understand to the Premier’s LNG Advisory Council. that moving product by rail or truck creates both more risk and cost. However, compared to pipelines there is little regulaSite C tion or public debate on this method of transport and it will On December 16th BC Hydro announced the approval of the become a default position if pipelines aren’t approved. Site C Dam project, which is scheduled to begin construction There will be more on this in the months ahead as we in the summer of this year. While there will no doubt be some develop a plan to get the message out. roadblocks along the way, this project will create 10,000 person-years of direct employment during construction, and Federal Election approximately 33,000 total person-years of employment 2015 is a Federal Election Year, and we have been meeting through all stages of development. with all parties to make sure that the interests of Operating This Project was not covered under the Allied Hydro Engineers are heard. The new Federal Government ApprenCouncil Agreement which would ensure that it would be a tice Loan was announced in January, and will allow Apprentices Building Trades Project, so we have been meeting with BC registered in Red Seal Trades the opportunity to apply for Hydro, and Government officials to explain the benefits of loans up to $4,000 per year. This is long overdue, giving extending the Agreement to cover the entire scope of the job. apprentices additional support to complete their trades We are continuing to meet with all senior leaders involved to training. continued on next page explain the benefits that a Project Labour Agreement (PLA) News March 2015 1 from previous page However we cannot forget that this is the same Federal Government that has been working overtime to weaken unions by changing the laws to make it more difficult to Organize by Introducing Bill C-525. The current Conservative Government has also been relentless in trying to pass Bill C-377 which would add unnecessary costs, restrictions and bureaucracy to your Local Union. As if those two issues weren’t enough, the Government’s lack of attention to protecting Canadian jobs by allowing over 300,000 Temporary Foreign Workers into Canada, including the 201 Chinese coal miners approved to work in Tumbler Ridge, should be enough to make sure we have a change in direction. As it is clear that the Federal Conservative Party is trying to destroy free collective bargaining, the Canadian Building Trades will be promoting an A-B-C campaign later this year (Anything But Conservative). Training and Organizing In 2015, the Local will be working on different strategies to train/educate and organize throughout the province. We need strong leadership and mentors to provide the next generation of Operating Engineers with the skills to grow and strengthen our Local Union. We know these efforts will help to create stronger Union members and better activists. As many of our long time members know, we have come a long way in our 84 year history, and none of it was handed to us, we had to work together to influence and adapt to change. We need to pass that history along to the next generation, and instill the pride and activism of being a part of a great Union . Local 115 Heritage Room opening After doing a quick review of an old Local 115 Collective Agreement from 1959-1960 with the Heavy Construction Association a few weeks ago, it was a good reminder of how far we have come and the improvements we have made for Operating Engineers and all workers in BC. There is a very long list of people that have put effort into making that happen over generations and it is important that we recognize all of those successes. At the March 2015 General Membership Meeting we will be showcasing our history with the Official opening of our Heritage Room here in Burnaby. If you have any pictures or pieces of history from any of the jobs worked on over the years that you may wish to share, please let us know. To close, I want to say that 2015 should turn out to be a good year for our membership. Your Executive Board and staff have been working hard to focus on all areas of the Organization to improve Agreements, Benefits and services and to create new programs to strengthen the future of our Organization, and I thank you for your continued support. Dawsons Paving Crew at Spences Bridge. 2 News March 2015 President’s Message Looks like a rocky ride, but we have hope for the future LNG and NGP With Petronas, LNG Canada, Kitimat LNG and now Exxon entering the picture, the talk of building in the North West gets more interesting. We had thought that one or two would have had the go ahead to build but with the World economy and the $46 per barrel for crude, things have slowed a tad. Wayne E. Mills, Upstream of the LNG plants is the Gas Plants and the President trades have had PLA discussions with CLR and Fluor regardWelcome to the brave new world of 2015 as we look towards ing some of those plants that EnCana is proposing. PLA discussions with Enbridge are still proceeding, and we resource development. I was listening to a radio show the other day and it says that, percentage wise, BC has more than will continue them at the end of March. The permitting protwice the number of people who classify construction as their cess requires they start by the third quarter of 2016. It took livelihood than any other province in Canada. This makes over a year of negotiations with the trades and contractors to get the first PLA into place, and that is the blueprint to keep organizing interesting. them all going forward with consistency. As we shake the dust off 2015 to see what she looks like we Site C have hope for the future. Will The first RFP went out and the scope of work all these projects come togethunder the contract will generally include the It is my opinion that the First following site preparation activities: Nations issues must be addressed er at the same time, or will the resource sector start to stum• Excavation and disposal of approximately before the work will be allowed ble? At this time it is anyone’s 3,000,000m3; to proceed smoothly guess. Just remember to hang •Quarry development, including riprap on tight cause she is going to be one hell of a ride this year. production, of approximately 100,000m3 With the leadership of Business Manager, Brother Brian • Building of approximately 7.25 kilometres of access roads, Cochrane, the Table Officers and your Executive Board, we and are prepared to take on whatever comes our way. • Clearing and grubbing of approximately 115 hectares. In closing, a special thanks to the Shop Stewards up at KMP We have had meetings with CLR regarding the Turbines for the work they do. I know how frustrating it can be herding and those CLR contractors that have been shortlisted. It is my opinion that the First Nations issues must be cats, and that is what seems to be happening there some days. addressed before the work will be allowed to proceed Thanks to all Shop Stewards and safety representatives. I apologize to their families, as sometimes there are frustrasmoothly. KMP is heading towards hot metal this spring with final tions as they deal with me in the evenings. It may sound corny hot metal in the fall. Job completion, de-mob, load out and but we do it for the greater good of our craft. Always remember to be safe, not just at work but at home landscaping will be after that, but you can see it winding down too. Take care, have a good spring, and may the frost get out of as the pot lines are nearing completion. the ground quickly so everyone can get back to work! Brother Dan Charron with Gwil working at the Industrial Development Site at 196th Avenue and 32nd Avenue in Langley putting up side panels. News March 2015 3 District One Taking a look at what 2015 will bring us to fight. The court decisions will likely not be completed before July. Transit Plebiscite In March you will be mailed the Metro Vancouver Transit Plebiscite Vote. The mail-in ballot question will ask whether you support a 0.5 percent PST hike to help fund a Broadway Skytrain extension in Vancouver, light rail in Surrey and a Craig McIntosh, new Pattullo Bridge. Business Representative This will receive a lot of media attention over the next few Cheaper gas. Who would have thought gas in Vancouver months. The “no” side will say Translink doesn’t manage would drop from $1.54 a litre last June to $1.03 as I write this? transportation in the Lower Mainland very well at all, and Low gas prices are great for consumers, but Alberta and all the they don’t deserve any more money. The “yes” side will say skilled tradespeople working in the oil patch don’t like it when hold your nose and vote for the tax hike because population a barrel of oil goes below $50 down from $105 last July. and congestion continue to grow in the Lower Mainland. Many of the proposed oil sand projects have been put on These major projects do create a lot of jobs for Operating hold. Tradespeople are being laid off as the cost of producing Engineers, and if the vote is “no” it will delay these projects for oil from the oil sands is more expenyears while we talk about how to fund them. sive than traditional drilling. When 2015 will bring more protests against A lot of Alberta tradespeople tradespeople get laid off they chase major projects such as Site C, LNG, pipethe work, and a lot of Alberta trades- may be looking for work lines and the transit vote. The challenge this outside the province for the people may be looking for work outyear will be finding work for our skilled side the province for the first time in first time in many years. tradespeople. You hear lots of talk about a many years. possible shortage of skilled tradespeople, but The province of Alberta has put new contracts on hold and it’s hard to know if there will be enough work to employ them. has instituted a hiring freeze due to budget issues associated with the declining oil prices. Alberta has also decided not to Bentall Commemoration exercise the option to extend a firefighting contract with Each year on January 7th the Building Trades meet at a memoConair to supply 6 Fireboss air tankers and a bird dog plane. rial by the Burrard Street Skytrain Station to remember the This will affect seven Local 115 members who are pilots at four carpenters who died in 1981 when their flyform broke Conair. away from the 36th floor of the Bentall Tower IV. It is a sobering reminder at the beginning of the year of the dangers of Site C Dam construction work. In December the BC government gave the green light for the Some of the carpenters’ families attend each year and talk Site C Dam in Fort St. John. BC Hydro say it is hoping about how their lives changed when their loved ones went to construction can start in July. That is optimistic, given how work that day and never came home. many legal challenges have been filed with the courts. The Work Safe. lawyers for the landowners and affected First Nations are set IUOE LOCAL 115 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE 4 News March 2015 Saturday March 21 9:30am The OE Hall in Burnaby, 4333 Ledger Avenue District One It’s important to keep big projects like Site C built by skilled workers Everett Cummings, Business Representative Eurova our members. With no other large paving projects like South Fraser Perimeter road and Highway 1 on the books it’s looking to be slower for 2015. Taplow Feeds Bargaining with Taplow Feeds will be under way in the Spring. Located in Chilliwack, Taplow Feeds is a pet food feed mill that produces dog and cat food with a high fish meal quality product. International Crushing Contractors There are quite a few things in full swing. Eurova (the parent International Crushing Contractors agreement will be coming company of BA Blacktop and Martens Asphalt) purchased up for renewal; they are a blasting company that works out of Imperial Paving some time ago. The companies will be into our signatory gravel pit mines. On another note, the membership needs to do their part to one building for office space and the mechanical shop in get some big projects moving forward. You need to start March. The new location for all three companies will be in Port contacting your government officials to let them know you support projects such as Site C Dam. Kells at the old Volvo Truck locaThis project is the largest in B.C. history, tion. This location will be central With no other large paving and would create a lot of man hours of work for all companies for commuting projects like South Fraser for years to come. All previous dams have to the plants instead of spanning Perimeter road and Highway 1 been under the Allied Hydro Agreement and five locations across the Lower on the books it’s looking to be you need to be vocal so this doesn’t continue Mainland, from North Vancouver to happen. to Chilliwack. This will also slower for 2015. Open site with union, non-union, or other provide highway access to get to union is not the way to go. Help to ensure the higher paid jobs job sites via Highway 1 and the South Fraser Perimeter road. Imperial Paving’s plant in Aldergrove and BA Blacktop’s go to the skilled workers, not to the cut-rate contractors. The shops are running winter maintenance, which is providing a more voices that speak up, the more it helps keep these projlot of work for our paving industry members who would ects built by trained skilled workers who have gone through apprenticeships or certified training courses. usually be experiencing a slow time in these winter months. If you want to contact the government but are unsure how, After these plants are completed, Imperial Paving’s River get in touch with your Business Representative and they will Road plant in Delta will be shut down for maintenance. BA Blacktop will be completing the Highway 1 paving provide you with the information. Work Safe! project in the Spring, which resulted in many man hours for Brother Ray Degiusti who is a Heavy Duty Mechanic at Wajax, also volunteers as a Fire Fighter for the Township of Langley. News March 2015 5 District One Operating Engineers have a role to play in future of construction Tom Kinnear, Business Representative This coincides with a series of mining and electricity generation and transmission projects. These project requirements are centered on a group of skilled and specialized trades and occupations, and much of the work is in the northern and more remote regions of the province. These are all characteristics that we as Operating Engineers hold. A recent Market Demand Report and Rankings displayed that the demand for Operating Engineers will remain high in upcoming years with the growth in natural resource and electric generation predicted. Shown below are a few Operating Engineer trades and their demand ranking within B.C. With winter behind us, spring upon us and summer around the corner, it is time to look to the future of construction in B.C. and the role Operating Engineers can play. Market rankings as of 2014 With the opportunity of major projects in natural resource and electric generation slated for the near future, it is impor- Level 1 tant our government officials hear our voice and ensure these Workers meeting employer qualifications are available in local projects are constructed under a Project Labour Agreement markets to meet an increase in demand at the current offered ensuring they are built by Union Building Trades, and do not rate of compensation and other current working conditions. fall to the rats in an open shop environment. We must con- Excess supply is apparent and there is a risk of losing workers tinue to grow through Organizing and Apprenticeships to to other markets. ensure demand is filled, and YOU have a role by being an Level 2 active member. Age demographic pressures Workers meeting employer qualifications are Filling the increasing demand available in local markets to meet an increase for workers is just one of the grow steadily …with the in demand at the current offered rate of challenges facing the IUOE 115 number of retirements rising in compensation and other working conditions. moving forward in large con- all trades and occupations. struction project growth within Level 3 B.C. Another challenge is replacing the rising number of retir- The availability of workers meeting employer qualifications in ing construction workers. Age demographic pressures grow the local market may be limited by large projects, plant shutsteadily across our current construction growth period, with downs or other short-term increases in demand. Employers the number of retirements rising in all trades and may need to compete to attract needed workers. Established occupations. patterns of recruiting and mobility are sufficient to meet job This challenge requires a different solution, as the perma- requirements. nent loss of older workers requires the equivalent addition of a younger and permanent workforce. This can be attained Level 4 through our Training and Apprenticeship programs, organiz- Workers meeting employer qualifications are generally not available in local markets to meet any increase. Employers will ing and education. Large industrial and engineering projects provide the main need to compete to attract additional workers. Recruiting and labour market changes in our sector. British Columbia has a mobility may extend beyond traditional sources and long and diverse list of current, planned and announced practices. projects. Level 5 A recent construction hiring report, wrote to a scenario Needed workers meeting employer qualifications are not including mining, infrastructure, LNG terminals, pipelines available in local markets to meet current demand so that and renewable, electricity generation and transmission proj- projects or production may be delayed or deferred. There is ects. It showed there was a short pause in overall hiring in excess demand, competition is intense and recruiting reaches 2013, as a number of major engineering projects were past to remote markets. their peak employment levels and winding down. Industrial and mining projects continue to forecast hire, and account for Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (5) more than half of the 18,000 jobs created in the non-residen- Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction. tial sector from 2014 to 2017. Employment growth predicts Demand requirements related to major resource projects accelerated growth each year to 2017, as four LNG projects, drive tighter labour market conditions over the medium term continued on next page with related pipeline work, are assumed to start up. 6 News March 2015 District One to 2018. Conditions return to balance in 2019 as projects peak and wind down. Consecutive years of high rankings for this group signal a potential role for non-resident workers from out of the province to help meet local construction requirements during peak periods. The age profile for this group is about average. Replacement demand requirements are not expected to be met by new entrants into the labour force. Crane operators (3) Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction. Demand requirements related to industrial and major engineering projects rise steadily and create tight labour markets between 2015 and 2017. Consecutive years of high rankings for this trade signal a potential role for non-resident workers from out of the province to help meet local construction requirements during peak periods. The age profile for this trade is younger than average. New entrants into the labour force are expected to meet replacement demand requirements, but workers from outside the local market will be required to meet increased demand midway through the scenario period. Heavy equipment operators (except crane) (3). Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction. Demand requirements related to civil and other engineering projects rise steadily from current levels and create tight labour market conditions in 2016 and 2017. Conditions are generally balanced across the remainder of the scenario period as major projects peak and then wind down. Retaining workers as labour markets weaken later in the scenario period may pose challenges. The age profile for this trade is younger than average. Replacement demand requirements are not expected to be met by new entrants into the labour force. VARIETY TELETHON IUOE shows its heart Local 115 donated $10,000 again to this year’s Show of Hearts Telethon supporting Variety the Children’s Charity which was held the weekend of February 14th. Along with the $10,000 donation, fourteen of Local 115’s staff and family members also donated time on Sunday February 15th by answering phones and taking donations at the telethon. Gary Kroeker, past Business Manager, was on the Gold Panel answering phones as Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics (4) Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction. Demand requirements related to civil and other engineering projects keep labour market conditions tight over the medium term to 2017. Labour markets return to balance in 2018 as some major projects peak and begin to wind down. The age profile for this trade is younger than average. Replacement demand requirements are not expected to be met by new entrants into the labour force. Welders and related machine operators (4) Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction. Demand requirements related to major resource projects drive tighter labour market conditions over the medium term to 2017. Conditions return to balance in 2018 and then weaken as projects end. Consecutive years of high rankings for this group signal a potential role for non-resident workers from out of the province to help meet local construction requirements during peak periods. Retaining workers as labour markets weaken later in the scenario period may pose challenges. The age profile for this group is younger than average. Replacement demand requirements are notexpected to be met by new entrants into the labour force. Workers from outside the local market may be required to meet increased demand midway through the scenario period. (Source: BuildForce Canada) With this projected high demand of our skilled trades, we must strive to have them built by Operating Engineers, and other BC Building Trades. Be active with your local government and have your voice heard! Let your municipal leaders, M.L.A. and M.P. know that you are a voting constituent in their riding, make it known that these jobs are critical in the economic and social development of your community, and they need to be built UNION. Work Safely. well. We would like to thank them for donating their time on behalf of IUOE Local 115. Organizations and British Columbians came together that weekend to raise an incredible $5.9 million for the 49th Variety Show of Hearts telethon for children who have special needs in B.C. The charity disburses funding to children and their families throughout the province. It gives grants to families for medical emergencies, therapies, specialized equip ment, drugs, out of town accommodation and travel costs. IUOE Local 115 at the 49th Variety Show of Hearts Telethon donating $10,000.00. From left to right: Brother Brian Lefebvre Recording Corresponding Secretary, Sister Lynda Arland Manager Administration and Special Projects, Brothers Brian Cochrane Business Manager, and Frank Carr Treasurer. News March 2015 7 New Red Seal Apprentice Initiative announced by Federal Government Business Manager Brian Cochrane was invited to a very hush hush Government Announcement event on January 8th, 2015 at the BCIT Annacis Island Campus in Delta. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was at the BCIT Campus where he announced a new program for the one million new trades jobs expected by 2020. He announced that the Canada Apprentice Loan initiative is now open for business and accepting applications. The initiative will help those already apprenticing to complete their training and encourage more Canadians to pursue a career in the skilled trades, allowing participants to take advantage of the many job opportunities across Canada. The Prime Minister was accompanied by The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, The Honourable KerryLynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, Dan Albas, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood–Port Kells, John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, and Senator Yonah Martin. The Canada Apprentice Loan, which was introduced in Economic Action Plan 2014, will provide apprentices in Red Seal trades across Canada with access to interest-free loans. These loans will help apprentices address the costs they encounter during technical training, including educational fees, tools and equipment, living expenses and forgone wages. It will be managed by the Canada Student Loans Program, within Employment and Social Development Canada. Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship will be able to apply for loans of up to $4,000 per period of technical training. The loans are interest-free until after loan recipients complete or leave their apprenticeship training program, up to a maximum of six years. Those interested in applying for the Canada Apprentice Loan can do so through the Canada Apprentice Loan Online Service which is available through Canada.ca/apprentice. See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/01/08/pm-announces-canadaapprentice-loan-program-now-accepting-applications#sthash.6fubCcxz.dpuf 8 News March 2015 OE MEMBER FOR 57 YEARS Jim Biddle joined the IUOE in 1957. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Jim (James) Biddle on December 4th, 2014. Jim was a devoted family man and was always there with love, support and a good laugh. Jim was a longtime member of the IUOE Local 115 and earned the respect of many as he worked hard and climbed the ladder of success. Mike Parr hired Jim as a dispatcher on January 15, 1965, 8 years after being initiated into the union (April 18, 1957). Jim was only in that position for 2 years before he became a Business Representative covering Burnaby and Vancouver; expanded to North Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast in 1974. Elected to the Executive Board as Treasurer in August 1968; then as Trustee of the Operating Engineers’ Welfare and Pension Plans in September 1974 and then elected in August 1980 as the Vice President. In January 1982, Jim went to work as an International Representative to look after BC and the Yukon Territory, and then later became the Canadian Regional Director of the International. Jim retired January 1, 1995 and moved to Qualicum Beach where he could enjoy his golf, socializing with friends and staying active as a club member with the Shriners and Masons. Jim was a large part of the IUOE 115 history and will be greatly missed by all that knew him! District One Talking to employees of non union companies is key Companies are operating at and from, and have a conversation with the employees for the purpose of organizing them. With respect to Rempel Bros. Concrete, there are a number of similarities in that the non-union element out in the trade is, in many cases, paying less in wages and benefits. While there are Companies that pay a comparable wage, the employees, more often than not, do not receive any variety of pension and have an inferior Health and Welfare Plan, if Don Swerdan, they have one at all. Business Representative Additionally, all Companies including the non–union are in the midst of attempting to establish a lower rate of pay for At the time of writing this newsletter I am in negotiations with Hiway Refrigeration and Rempel Bros. Concrete. In both those employees working in the Fraser Valley (Langley eastcases the Companies have identified similar problems. The ward). This comes as a direct result of certain non-union non-union Companies in their respective industries are under Companies who have already instituted this circumstance which is wreaking havoc with the industry. cutting our signatory contractors by a significant margin. Again, we as a collective group need to be speaking to the In the case of Hiway Refrigeration, there are a number of these non-union “Companies” who are currently working in employees of these Companies and have a serious discussion on the benefits of being under a Collective this Province that are from Alberta In many cases the work Agreement and working Union. and points east. These Companies In both cases, we as Business Represenquite often are one and two man accomplished by these tatives, our signatory contractors and our operations working out of their per- Companies is so poor that it organizers, Brothers Rob Duff and John sonal vehicles. In some cases they results in a call to our contractors Munro, need your assistance. If you know are not qualified to do the work, to repair the sub-standard work. anyone working in either of the industries and they charge out at a rate subreferenced that you can contact, please stantially less than our contractors. In many cases the work accomplished by these Companies task them to contact the hall to talk to one of us. We will be is so poor that it results in a call to our contractors to repair happy to answer any question they might have. The same assistance is available for anyone you might know the sub-standard work. The fact that these non-union Companies even get a call is having a devastating effect on the in any industry in B.C. that has questions about becoming Union. refrigeration industry as a whole. ‘Till next time. Collectively, we need to get out and find out where these Gemco Construction Ltd. working on the future Mitchell Road in Coquitlam on Burke Mountain doing sewer and sani. PICTURE COURTESY OF BROTHER MITCHEL LOOR. News March 2015 9 District One Some project updates and labour union activities Additionally, we are waiting for their response and proposal regarding the new log loading equipment they have introduced into the industry. We will have more to report on in future articles. Phoenix Enterprises Frank Carr, Business Representative Fairview Terminal Expansion Project I am happy to report we now have an agreement with Phoenix Enterprises. Thanks to Brother Jim McLean for steering the company in the right direction and unionizing them. Phoenix has been involved in the demolition and asbestos removal business for roughly 30 years. Fraser River Pile and Dredge and Bel Pacific are the preferred contractors for the Fairview Terminal Expansion Project in Bentall Tower Commemoration Prince Rupert. The vision of the project is to quadruple the Bentall Tower Commemoration took place on January 7 this capacity of the facility, to move and store up to 2 million year. It honours a tragic accident in 1981, where four carpencontainers to meet the demand of continued growth in Asia- ters plunged 36 floors to their deaths when a fly form used for pouring concrete broke away from the top of Bentall Centre’s Pacific traffic trade. It is reported that when this phase and an additional phase Tower IV. The workers killed on the job were: Gunther Couvreux, 49; are complete the projects will extend the wharf to 800 metres, Brian Stevenson, 21; Donald W. Davis, 34; and achieve an 18 metre (59 feet) minimum Last year, 31 workers in Yrjo Mitrunen, 46. water depth, increase the dock area to 56 the construction industry At the Commemoration it was reported that hectares (139 acres), and support eight the B.C. construction industry continues to see died … These statistics post-panamax cranes. an average of 29 deaths a year since the acciIt is estimated that this phase of the are unacceptable. The dent. Last year, 31 workers in the construction project will take two years to complete at bottom line should be: industry died (12 trauma; 19 exposure) and a a cost of over $150 million. We will Kill a Worker – Go To Jail. total of 898 workers in B.C. have lost their lives report further details as we receive them. since the accident. These statistics are unacceptable. The bottom line should be: Kill a Worker – Go To Vancouver Pile Driving Vancouver Pile Driving was awarded a fourth stone column Jail. project in Richmond for Cressey, giving them roughly 10 Jim Sinclair retires from BC Fed weeks work. In tandem the Union has filed a jurisdictional claim for After 15 years, BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair work that is normally done by a crane operator or crane retired, and in November Irene Lanzinger was elected apprentice which was awarded to the Bridgemen by Vancou- President. On January 10th a tribute was held for Brother Sinclair at ver Pile. This is the IUOE’s core jurisdiction and area practice the Maritime Labour Centre, with many affiliates and hunwhich is part of our argument to protect our work. dreds of private and public sector union members in attendance. The speakers’ list was extensive and the recognition F&G Delivery Members working at F&G Delivery are steady right now with speeches were well delivered and well deserved. The event was a testament to the accomplishments and legmany hours being worked on the new Telus Gardens Building acy Jim has left for the labour movement in B.C. and across in downtown Vancouver. Canada. All spoke of his unfettered determination in standing up for the rights of all workers in the province thoughout his Seaspan Seaspan International is having a slower start to the year. The life. Jim is definitely an inspiration to us all. Good luck in your company has made the decision to lay off all but one barge retirement, Brother! crew. There are a few issues related to the layoffs and we are in discussions with the company to resolve them. 10 News March 2015 District One Declining economy a challenge for jobs and bargaining team, maintaining the equipment and the water system to fight against the bitter cold in the great white north. This is a far cry from the 300 of our members previously working. It is extremely disappointing considering HD Mining and the Murray River project is still in full swing. Other than the Canadian contractors HD Mining is using to deliver fuel, building materials etc., only two Canadians (from what I understand) have been hired. However, there are still 51 Brett Chapman, Temporary Foreign Worker’s completing work that could be Business Representative done by Canadians. The Operating Engineers will keep our eye on this project As we move forward into the new year of 2015, I have several bargaining sessions lined up. Starting off I will be assisting and continue to put pressure on the company to do the right Brother Lefebvre with H.M. Trimble and Sons (Trimac), thing and hire as many local Brothers and Sisters that make up Wajax Equipment, then Deere/Hitachi, First Truck formally the large labour pool that is available to them. In the meantime Tumbler Ridge known as (Freightliner) and Harbour InterTumbler Ridge is now struggling is now struggling to keep people in national. I suspect that negotiations will be a challenge due to the declining economy. to keep people in town as there town as there is no work for the locals. Many of our members are With potential projects on the table set to is no work for the locals. doing an extensive amount of commence this year, hopefully the impact of the weakening economy doesn’t have quite the effect it did travel, leaving their families behind in order to find gainful employment to keep food on the table. back in 2008. We wish all our members the best in 2015, stay safe and we Peace River Coal has now completely shut down. Two of our members remain as part of the Care and Maintenance will see you in the field. AN IUOE Member has some straight talk for his MP IUOE Local 115 Member Brother Alfred Regehr wrote to his MP Mark Stahl on December 8th, 2014 asking him to stop Bill C377 and Bill C525. Along with his letter he sent a copy of an article that OE News featured in the December 2014 publication on LNG in BC for reference. Thank you Brother Regehr for your continued efforts and support and we hope that you inspire other Brothers and Sisters to get the pen out and write to their MPs and MLAs on this issue. Dear Mark, Enclosed are copies of an article on LNG in B.C. — very interesting. My main reason for this letter is to ask you to stop Bill C377 and C525. They will be yours and the conservatives Gov. defeat next election specifically in the west. Mulcair & Trudeau will make this a real issue specifically for the NDP. Surely your people can see this as the bill only goes after union labour. Why not lawyers, doctors and large corporations, let’s make it fair. If you want our union’s financial statements? I will send them to you free of charge every year, imagine postage free. Now getting to the protesters against Kinder Morgan and Pipelines and Site C dam, I have a solution. (1) Ask David Susuki how he got to Burnaby mountain from Salt Spring Island? Did he take a handmade boat and walk from wherever? (2) Stop all the TV networks from broadcasting all these protests. (3) Where are the protesters getting there funding from to get to all these sites? God put the tar sands, the trees, the water and gas into this great country. He also gave us technology to develop it, surely some politician will have the courage to tell Canadians this. Again stop Bill C377 and C525 they will only destroy and cost hard workers and pensioners money. Yours Truly Alfred Regehr CC: Laurie Throness, MLA Christy Clark, Premier BC News March 2015 11 District One Our bargaining committees have been standing strong Chip Dhaliwal, Business Representative Brothers and Sisters, collective bargaining continues to take up the lion’s share of my time. Collective Agreements have been ratified at Carney’s Waste Systems and Atlas Copco Canada. The Carney’s crew stood tall and proud right to the end for what they felt was fair. They were stoic in the face of a very tough bargaining round. In particular Shop Steward and Brother Aaron Gruber should be commended for his contributions at the bargaining table. The crew at Atlas Copco Canada similarly fought to the end for the rights, benefits and wages of future members. Negotiations had stalled as only the contentious issues were left. The Company and the Union met at the B.C. Labour Board with a mediator. We were able to get close enough that we could take a proposed agreement to the crew, and the new Collective Agreement was ratified. Shop Steward and Brother Wayne O’Neill was again an intelligent and strong voice for his crew. Hertz Equipment Rental also has a new Collective Agreement. This round of bargaining dealt with the more tradition- Geopac working at the TFN Mills site in Tsawwassen installing 10,000 wic drains. From left to right; Brothers Brent Daggit, David Arnott, Kyle Taylor, Brad Slyman and Business Representative Frank Carr. PICTURE COURTESY OF BROTHER KYLE TAYLOR. 12 News March 2015 al issues for wages and benefits, and a fair agreement was reached and ratified. Shop Steward and Brother Ben Proudley brought a level headed approach along with his vast working knowledge of the industry, which was indispensable during these negotiations. Young Ben added to his personage by coming to bargaining in a dapper suit and tie. Ben informed me that the purpose for his haberdashery was to let the company know he was all business and very serious about these negotiations. Indeed, the company was duly Brother Ben Proudley at bargaining with Hertz impressed. Equipment Rental. At the time of print, we are in process of voting a new Collective Agreement for Williams Machinery in Surrey, Prince George, Kelowna and Vernon. Bargaining with both Catalyst Lubricants and Atlas Copco Theissen is winding down and we should have something of substance for the crews to vote on shortly. Congratulations to Brother Tom Kinnear on his move from the Training Association to his role as a Business Representative. I know that Tom’s passion for the Operating Engineers and all the skills and abilities he possesses will serve the membership well. Good Luck Brother! In closing, be safe and thank you for your continued support, it is much appreciated! BA Blacktop and Imperial Paving’s Mechanics. From left to right, Brothers Business Representative Everett Cummings, Nick Eyford, Shane Leslie, Sean Collico, Ray McNeil, Dave Dywak, Scot Stroup, and John Shortridge. Union Organizing Why organizing is important to expand our market share John Munro, Organizer The reason we need to constantly be out organizing new members into our Union is plain and simple. All Unions are losing market share in every industry across this province and country. Since 1981 unionization has declined from 38% to 31.5% in Canada. In all the provinces in Canada, B.C. has taken the largest hit when it comes to union density, dropping from 45% in 1981 to 31.3% in 2012. We are not last but we should work hard to increase this number to beat Quebec and become the leader in Union density in Canada. When it comes to our Union it is very important to keep organizing to continue to expand our market share in construction, mining, waste industry and mechanical shops. This would help us grow our voice at the bargaining table and in the labour movement in B.C. I read in one report that for Unions in North America to have the same membership as back in the 1950s they would need to organize 1 million new members every year for the next 25 years. The report also said that for Unions to maintain their current membership numbers, they would need to organize 25,000 new members a year. Those are some staggering numbers for all Unions to achieve. But with a constant presence and voice out on every jobsite, I believe we can achieve bringing in large numbers of new members. As members of the Union you are the front line organizers. Talk with people at your jobsite, home or anywhere you are. Give people information about your Union, how to get involved with your Union, and who to contact if they are interested in joining. With your help we can continue to grow our great Union. Unionization rate by region, 2012 (Percentage of employees) CANADA 31.5 NL 36.9 PE 34.2 NS 30.6 NB 29.8 QC 39.9 ON 28.2 MB 36.0 SK 35.4 AB 23.5 BC 31.3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 The organizing department is always looking for active leads for non-union and CLAC companies to organize. Please pass on information you have. It will help us and the Union. You have boots on the ground every day in areas we may not get to and do not know about. Help us reach these workers. No matter how big or the small the company is, the workers there have a right to have a voice in their workplace and not get pushed around by the company. By organizing they can have the voice they deserve with the company and make a better living for themselves and their families. Executive Board Member Brother Doug Fisher with Rempel Bros. Concrete Ltd. working at the Industrial Development Site at 196th Avenue and 32nd Avenue in Langley. News March 2015 13 Dispatcher’s Report LNG projects going on back burner due to oil prices Jim Flynn, Dispatcher Hopefully this report finds everyone healthy! With the low price of oil, many of the LNG projects have been put on the back burner for the time being. There are some rumblings of the Site C Dam project possibly getting started later this year. We encourage all members to be vocal about how important these projects are to our members and their families. There are some of our contractors bidding on possible mine work in the northern part of British Columbia. This will employ many of our members if our contractors are successful and the projects go forward. I encourage all members to get out to their District meetings and get the facts. In closing please remember that getting home safe after a day’s work is job # 1. Brother Zack Hogan from WesternOne. DAY OF MOURNING APRIL 28 2015 Across Canada, April 28 has been designated the National Day of Mourning, a time when workers, families, employers and others come together to remember those who have lost their lives to work-related incidents or occupational diseases. Every year, WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of Labour, and the Business Council of British Columbia host a public ceremony to honour the occasion. 14 News March 2015 VANCOUVER CEREMONY Tuesday April 28 10:30AM The Vancouver Convention Centre, Jack Pool Plaza area Other ceremonies will be held around the Lower Mainland and across the province. We will be posting details on our website when we receive them. iuoe115.com/media/news District Two Members need to voice our concerns to government increase in non-union contractors moving into the area, all local members need to play a part in organizing. This is why the need to act is now, “The greater the number of members the greater the voice of the membership.” I put the challenge out to the membership on Vancouver Island to really think about who they know working in other Companies, and educate them about the benefits we have been able to achieve. While I speak to the specific area this is Curtis Harold, an initiative for all Local 115 members. Business Representative The membership at Hazelwood Construction have ratified I am pleased to see the membership and am looking forward their new Collective Agreement and are still working at the to another year of success. Even though last year was busy, a Toba Inlet Hydro project. Hazelwood will be aggressively lot of smaller contracts did not make the approved list and we bidding on other work as the year progresses. are hopeful more ministry contracts will come to light this Chew Excavating has secured more work in the Southern year. Still our contractors are gearing up and trying to keep part of the Island working with B.C. Hydro, Telus, Royal Bay momentum with the success over the past couple of years. expansion and subdivisions. Shops have maintained steady At the time of release of this article, the throughout the winter and should be John Hart Generating Station project is With a significant increase in back to full swing in the spring. going underground. The surface blasting non-union contractors moving The Crane Rental industry is is completed at the south portal and the into the area, all local remaining steady. Currently we are drilling/underground blasting has finishing up collective bargaining members need to play a part commenced. In spring the focus will be from last year, and looking forward to in organizing. on tunneling and underground cavern getting out to the crews to thank them excavation. for their support along the way. A facility, which is near completion, is currently being I encourage the membership to lobby your local MP and installed to accommodate the maintenance equipment and MLA about what matters to you and your Brothers and Sisters. storage. Tree clearing has commenced to allow for a new We have the Site “C” dam project around the corner and no bridge near the intake as the current bridge capacity is under guarantee that it will be under a PLA or Allied Hydro what is required. I will keep you posted at the District meet- Agreement. ings of the progress. It does not matter who you are, everybody should be under The membership at Upland Contracting has ratified their the same terms and conditions to promote equality. We have new agreement. It will be another prosperous year for this the membership that can build this project and collectively we region with additional work on the generating station, water need to voice our concerns. line for Campbell River and upcoming contracts for the City. Let’s make this year one to remember. Please work safe out As discussed at Black Creek and all District meetings, orga- there, see you in the field! nizing is a requirement of all members. With a significant BA Blacktop Plant crew: From left to right, Brothers Phoenix Logan-Hill, Derek Lowen, Ben Yuill, Chase Reiger and Guy Gauthier. News March 2015 15 District Three Take this time to focus on union density and work share for future bargaining for the Interior Addendum to the Road Building, RJames Western Star (Kamloops and Kelowna), Premium Truck and Trailer (Kelowna), Cummins, Wajax, and 672462 BC Ltd. With the work picture for this year lining up to look similar to the last, Brad Gerow, Business Representative slow pick up on major projects and Bryan Railton, Organizer large layoffs in Alberta, we have Gerow Railton some serious obstacles ahead. 2015 is upon us and so far this year is shaping up to be similar Last year saw the creation of some new initiatives which to the last. However, membership engagement and bargaining are focused on engaging membership and will continue to have created a busy start. have an impact in 2015. We will be working on educating, Construction for the wider Highway 1 through to Alberta involving and activating the membership, which will in will continue this year, with 672462 BC Ltd. planning to finish turn assist your Local in being successful in District 3. their phase by the end of this year. Emil Anderson ConstrucUltimately, membership is where your Union’s strength tion was the successful bid for the next phase (Hoffman’s Bluff lies and our ability to connect and create relationships is Phase 2) which will be starting in April, with an expected how we can begin reasserting our bargaining strength. This completion of two years. means creating more Shop Stewards and a strong memberThere is also a sizable project that will see Highway 97 from ship base to establish a more desirable environment in the Edwards Road to Highway 33 widened in Kelowna, projected sectors we work in. to start as well. We are waiting to We must turn our focus to Union density see what the Ministry of Highways Our ability to connect and and work share so that the Operating Engiwill put out for the rest of the year. create relationships is how neers can establish themselves in this “calm The City of Kamloops has a before the storm” scenario. we can begin reasserting couple of larger projects planned, We want to thank the members who are our bargaining strength. including working on Columbia already involved and challenge the rest of the Street and the Overlander Bridge. membership to take a moment to learn a little They will be adding turn lanes and planning for more efficient more. Attending your next district meeting is a start, but traffic flow through the downtown core on Columbia Street we are also planning different events where membership from 2nd Avenue to 6th Avenue. After completing inspec- involvement is always welcome. Do not hesitate to contact tions, they have also decided to do a much needed overhaul us to learn more. on the Overlander Bridge. Through membership we will be successful, let’s make Bargaining is ongoing and keeping us busy, including the 2015 a year to remember! Richard Salle Contracting equipment resting for the winter at Orchards Walk project in Kamloops. 16 News March 2015 BC BUILDING TRADES EXECUTIVE MEET WITH JUSTIN TRUDEAU Construction industry discussed with Liberal Leader On December 16th members of the BC Building Trades Executive Board and the Construction Labour Relations Association of BC met with federal Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau at the Operating Engineers office. The meeting was an important opportunity for the new leader to hear about key issues in the construction industry in BC. Participants discussed the failures of the Temporary Foreign Worker program and its abuse by employers. In 2013, the BC Building Trades challenged the program when the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 and Labourers Union Local 1116 took HD Mining to court for hiring foreign miners when local Canadians were available to work. Since the case was dismissed Business Manager Brian two other coal mines in the area Cochrane with Justin have closed leaving HD Mining the Trudeau one on one outside the OE Building. only operational mine in the Tumbler Ridge area. To date, not a single Canadian miner has been hired. Building Trades executive members called on the Liberal leader to support policy that puts Canadians first in line for resource jobs, to which Justin Trudeau agreed in principle. Participants at the meeting also discussed using apprentices on publically funded federal projects. Federal Conservative government policy merely asks contractors to report if they have apprentices working on public projects. This does not go Justin Trudeau meeting with the BC Building Trades Executive Board in the main Boardroom at OE’s Burnaby office. far enough. Representatives from the Building Trades asked the Liberal Leader to commit to placing apprenticeship quotas on federal projects. Over the coming months representatives from the Building Trades will continue to meet with Liberal and New Democrat Members of Parliament and advance our issues in the upcoming federal election. After the BC Building Trades Executive Board meeting, Justin Trudeau stopped in and met the staff at Local 115’s Burnaby office. News March 2015 17 District Four Northern ingenuity will help us survive coal downturn Herb Conat and Wayne Kemp, Business Representatives Conat Kemp Major projects are being projected for the Northwest region of playing field for the Industry, and help secure local companies the province and are extremely close to proceeding. Fairview with the expertise to bid on contracts and be successful. In return we all benefit from members working and the Terminal, LNG both in Prince Rupert and the Kitsault Mine, citizens of Prince George knowing the paving will be done are some of the projects that are waiting for the start date. Business Manager Brian Cochrane has been in the fore- correctly and on budget. The Coal Industry in the North has come to a screeching front of securing this work and multiple other projects for the membership: Project Labour Agreements, Craft Certifica- halt and therefore some of the signatory equipment shops tions, Site C, LNG, Mining projects, and protecting our rights have had to adapt again. However, being from the North and living against Provincial or Federal Governin the North we are never surprised by the ments, Labour Boards, Temporary Prince George needs to ingenuity of our membership and signatory Foreign Workers, and the new Buzz adopt fair wage and companies in shifting gears and adopting word “Open Managed Site”. back into the Forest Industry and lessening These past several years Brian has procurement policies like the City of Burnaby has. the layoffs to a bare minimum or in most been leading the organization, preparcases not at all. Truck shops in the District ing the membership for upcoming projects, securing employment and protecting the rights of have been steady and are actively seeking Journeyman mechanics to hire. the membership of tomorrow. The number of Collective Agreements up for renewal is With spring just around the corner, the new Municipal less than last year. The leitmotif for bargaining last year was regime has kept their promise and the streets of Prince George seem to, in most parts of the city, have had timely snow clear- retention, but with the slowdown in the Industry it may reconing done. That said, our paving contractors have been under cile that initiative with an increase to the labour pool. In closing, we would like to thank the Shop Stewards and attack by non-union and rat-union companies going after the safety committee members who assist the members, and the City’s paving contract. Prince George needs to adopt fair wage and procurement Business Representatives who make the workplace more policies like the City of Burnaby has. These policies level the respectable. Work Safe! Fifty IUOE Local 115 Brothers and Sisters were in attendance at the BC Federation of Labour Convention on November 27th, 2014 to cast our vote for the new BC Federation of Labour President. Longtime President Brother Jim Sinclair stepped down to retire after serving for 15 years. The margins were close in the vote which saw Irene Lanzinger win by only 57 votes (2,249 votes casted) over her incumbent. IUOE Local 115 endorsed Irene Lanzinger. Thank you to those members who came out to vote as the outcome would have been extremely different if they were not there. 18 News March 2015 District Five Site C Dam project begins 18 month preparation phase has also given the green light to Pattern Developments Meikle Wind Energy project located 30 kilometers north of Tumbler Ridge. This $400 million project will consist of 61 wind turbines with construction starting this spring. The project is planned to be operational by the end of 2016. These projects will be beneficial to laid off members who worked in the Tumbler Ridge coal mining industry to achieve meaningful employMike Spiruda, ment once again. Business Representative The municipalities of Fort St. John and Dawson Creek are The Provincial Government gave the final go ahead in Decem- also in the midst of planning to go ahead with major expendiber to the $8.8 billion Site C Dam project on the Peace River tures to improve the outgrown and much needed infrastructure near Fort St. John. BC Hydro has stated that the construction systems. schedule is 6 months behind and will begin in the As the price of oil and gas declines, Hopefully the current summer of 2015. so do the investment dollars which There is 18 months of preparation work to be slide in prices level out has kept the industry and many completed before the actual construction of the to a stable and suitable members active for the past few years. dam itself can begin. Preparation work will involve Some of the anticipated projects in environment clearing, stripping, access roads, laydown sites, the Northeast have been put on hold camp accommodations, diversion tunnels, coffer as the energy companies constantly dams and a temporary bridge across the river to enable access revamp their spending budgets for 2015. back and forth to the site. Hopefully the current slide in prices level out to a stable In conjunction with Site C and B.C. Hydro remaining and suitable environment to enable major projects to go committed to their green renewable energy plan, BC Hydro forward. Work Safe! Equipment sitting idle at Peace River Coal in Tumbler Ridge News March 2015 19 District Six If you have questions, make sure you ask a real union member agreement with them, but the global economy, and downturn in the coal market is not helping things in that respect. This will no doubt continue to be a factor when we hit the table with Maxam Bulk Systems, slated to begin in late February this year. Line Creek Operations Grievance Update Rob Foskett, Business Representative We hit the ground running at full throttle in January 2015 with respect to bargaining several agreements in our district. In the West Kootenays, the New Denver Public Works negotiations have concluded with the ratification of a new agreement. Castlegar/Trail/Nelson Ready mix contract negotiations began in early November 2014, and at the time of this writing, I am confident that we will reach an agreement in the near future. Selkirk Paving bargaining began at the end of January this year. Columbia River Reload contract negotiations continue to be plagued with health issues, and we are presently re-scheduling bargaining dates to meet with them down on the coast. Over here in the East Kootenays, Line Creek Operations began in May of 2014, and we are continuing our marathon sessions with Teck Resources in regards to reaching an TIPS FOR BETTER PIX • Outdoor posed and action shots are great. • Watch for the flare that can be reflected on safety vests. Also, look out for hard hats that can throw harsh shadows on faces. • Try to get an IUOE logo in there! • With group photos, have people arranged in a semicircle rather than a straight line. • To avoid harsh shadows, move people a step or two away from back walls. • Please use and send high resolution images. We have a number of grievances to be scheduled for either Stage II or Stage III meetings with the company. • LC-14-28 : Unfair Discipline - Requested Stage III meeting • LC-14-29 : Unfair Discipline - Requested Stage III meeting • LC-14-30 : Unfair Discipline - Requested Stage III meeting • LC-14-34 : Bypassed Overtime - Requested Stage II meeting • LC-14-40 : 50% review - Requested Stage II meeting As bargaining continues with Teck Recourses, below is a list of several grievances pertaining to outstanding items on the table for negotiations have been held in abeyance for discussion at the table with the Company. • LC-14-19 : Straight Days Pump Shift • LC-14-25 : Temporary assignments exceeding one shift • LC-14-26 : Facilities Support Classification negotiation • LC-14-33 : Temporary Foremen Utilization • LC-14-38 : Temporary Foremen Seniority • LC-14-39 : Early Start Overtime • LC-14-41 : Leadhand Utilization We want your photos! If you have a fond memory to share, a recent shot which shows off your skills, or just want your crew shown off in the magazine, send us your pictures for the next OE News! Digital Images • Please use the highest quality settings on your camera, phone or device when taking photos. • You can upload your images at: www.iuoe115.com/media/ submit or email them to media@iuoe115.com • You can also send CDs or USB drives of photos to our office address. Don’t worry, we’ll get them back to you! • If you swing by your local office or meeting, you can bring your pictures with you and ask that we quickly download them. • Always provide the location, date, name of person(s) in the photos, and a description of what is taking place. Printed Photos If you have printed photos, they will be returned. These can be sent to: Lynda Arland, Manager, Administration & Special Projects, IUOE Local 115 4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 3T3. 20 News March 2015 Benefits and Pension Plan Report Benefits Plan 2014 Year in Review Shawn Hatch, Administrator 2014 was a busy year for the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan. The Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan covered just under $20 million in benefit coverage for the year providing a wide range of benefits for just under 5,500 members and their dependents. The single largest benefit payment was to the Medical Services Plan of B.C. at approximately $6.6 million. Extended Health Benefit claims totalled just over $5 million made up of: • Drugs: $3 million • Chiropractor, Physiotherapy & Massage Therapy: $915,000 • Vision Care: $540,000 • Medical equipment: $500,000 • Other: $58,000 • Out of Province Emergency: $32,000 Dental claims totaled just over $4.6 million. Group Life Insurance premiums were approximately $1.2 million. Weekly Disability claims totaled just over $1 million for the year. Our Great-West Life long term disability premiums totalled just over $720,000. Members are reminded that any Extended Health or Dental claims incurred in the 2014 calendar year must be received by Pacific Blue Cross no later than June 30, 2015. Looking ahead, in 2015 Pacific Blue Cross is predicting that the cost of Extended Health Benefits will increase by 10% and the cost of dental claims will increase by 7.5%. Your board of trustees has indicated there are no plans to increase member premiums this year Pacific Blue Cross has also indicated that they plan to improve member services in 2015 by introducing electronic claims submission for a number of service providers including chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, optical dispensers and optometrists. When this new service is introduced members will not have to submit claims, members will know the amount of reimbursement immediately and members will not be out of pocket while waiting for reimbursement. Watch for further announcements. BENTALL TRAGEDY Remembering four who died on the job The 34th Anniversary of the Bentall Tragedy was on January 7th and representatives from IUOE Local 115 were there along with family members and the public to remember the workers who plunged to their deaths when a fly form collapsed at the 36th floor of the Bentall Centre Tower IV building in 1981. Each year representatives from the BC Building trades gather to remember Gunther Couvreux; Brian Stevenson; Donald Davis; and Yrjo Mitrunen. They also come together to remember the 898 construction workers that died IUOE Local 115 Business Representatives Craig McIntosh and Frank Carr, and Business Manager Brian Cochrane attended the ceremony. The Bentall Memorial plaque. from trauma and exposures since the Bentall Tragedy. They gather at the western corner of the park at the Burrard Skytrain Station and laid wreaths at the Bentall Memorial plaque. News March 2015 21 BC MINIMUM WAGE AND STUDENTS THE FACTS $10.25 per hour is not enough to help address student debt load. Join the fight to make BC’s minimum wage $15 BC eliminated student grants in 2003 BC’S LOW MINIMUM WAGE HURTS STUDENTS Young people from low- and middle-income families are finding it harder to access the university or college education they need to get a good job. Tuition fees have more than doubled since 2002, and student grants were eliminated in 2003. BC’s record when it comes to non-repayable student aid is dead last in Canada, and interest charged on BC student loans is among the highest in the country. Many students rely on part-time and even full-time work to try to get by. But with a minimum wage stuck at $10.25 per hour, they are falling behind. Students need to work more than 550 hours, or the equivalent of 14 weeks in a full-time minimum wage job just to cover tuition fee costs. This is more than three times as many hours as previous generations. Why is BC making it so hard for students to access an education? than doubled since 2002 550 hours of minimum wage work just to pay for tuition BC Federation of Labour January 2015 22 News March 2015 THE SITUATION IS WORSE FOR VULNERABLE STUDENTS Students who need to access adult basic education must now pay tuition fees and face an unnecessary financial burden to complete high school classes. Cuts to English as a second language (ESL) programs and new tuition fees for ESL courses have also made it more challenging for new Canadians to complete the necessary language training to participate in the job market. WHAT WOULD $15/HR MEAN FOR BC STUDENTS? 15 An increased minimum wage along with reduced tuition fees and better loan systems for students would help to make post-secondary education truly accessible. FIGHT FOR Tuition fees have more Training Association Report Training Association busy providing upgrading around the Province Brad Randall, Training Administrator Courses Program Review Committees Several years ago we established four Program Advisory Committees, Mobile Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Asphalt Laydown Technician and Plant Operator. The purpose of these committees is to review the program outlines, confirm that the instructor’s qualifications, training materials and facilities are adequate and that the training meets or exceeds industry standards. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members that participated on these committees and look forward to their continued support and participation in the future. The Training Site continues to be full of activity. We are very busy providing off-site upgrading training around the Prov- Skills & Technology Week ince for our members and contractors. These are offered for The Skilled Trades and Technology week ran from November programs such as Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) and 3rd to 7th, 2014. It was created by Skills Canada to raise awareAsphalt Laydown Technician half day ness of skilled trades and technology careers refresher courses (to prepare We are very busy providing among youth, their parents and the general members to challenge their Provinpublic. cial Certificate of Qualification), off-site upgrading training On Wednesday October 29th the Industry crane refresher, rigging, forklift, around the Province for our Training Authority (ITA) sponsored a visit to asphalt & roller, excavator, and grader members and contractors. our Training Site from the media to film Ann training. Luu’s “In Your Shoes” which aired on CTV November 7th to the 9th, 2014. Ms. Luu was filmed operating Staff changes one of our excavators and our 30 ton Grove crane. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Brother Jeff Turner to the team. Jeff will be working as a Training Coordi- Financial assistance and incentives for apprentices nator out of the Burnaby office. Jeff spent the last 25 years The Government of Canada recently announced that the working for Columbia Bitulithic as a Plant Operator. “Canada Apprentice Loan” initiative is now accepting applicaWe utilized Jeff ’s expertise by having him instruct our plant tions. The Canada Apprentice Loan will provide apprentices course in January with Brother Steve Carter. We look forward in Red Seal trades across Canada with access to interest-free to working with Jeff and wish him the best of luck in his new loans. position. These loans will help apprentices address the costs they continued on next page WEAR YOUR UNION PRIDE toques $11 baseball hats $14—$18 long sleeved shirts $25 hooded sweatshirts (zippered) $40 hooded sweatshirts (pullovers) $48 microfibre vests $45 golf shirts $48 custom lined hoodies $48 Plus more to choose from! Visit www.iuoe115.com to view our full range of Local 115 merchandise and order online News March 2015 23 Training Association Report encounter during technical training, including educational fees, tools and equipment, living expenses and forgone wages. Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship will be able to apply for loans of up to $4,000 per level of technical training. The loans are interest-free until after apprentices complete or leave their apprenticeship training program, up to a maximum of six years. Those interested in applying for the Canada Apprentice Loan can do so through the Canada Apprentice Loan Online Service which is available through: Canada.ca/ apprentice. Apprenticeship Grants There are two types of grants available to apprentices. The “Apprenticeship Incentive Grant” (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, up to a maximum amount of $2,000 per person. It is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year/level (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades. The “Apprenticeship Completion Grant” (ACG) is a taxable grant of $2,000 for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade. For more information on these grants, please visit the Service Canada website or call 1-866-742-3644. Website helps you find union goods and services Members who want to support other union members at work should take a look at a new website developed here in BC which helps progressive consumers identify union goods and services. ShopUnion.ca was launched in January, 2012 and it has thousands of listings of common products and services which we buy every day. Items as diverse as car batteries, breakfast cereals, work clothing, beer, wine, taxi cabs and other consumer items are added to the site every week. Simply type in the name of the item you want to buy. The key word search tells you the name of the company that makes it, its location, its website and its union affiliation. Check it out at www.shopunion.ca. Support the union members who produce these goods for you. Annual Open House I look forward to seeing everyone this year at our 20th Annual Open House on Saturday June 20th, 2015 at our Maple Ridge Training Site. We need close to 80 volunteers to make this great event a success. If you are interested in volunteering or require more information please call the Training Association at 604299-7764. See you there. Work safe! 24 News March 2015 IUOE LOCAL 115’s Annual Open House Heavy Equipment Rodeo Saturday June 20, 2015 10:00 am to 3:00 pm At our Maple Ridge Training Site Members, family and friends are invited to attend the Training Association’s Annual Open House & Heavy Equipment Rodeo. This event has been a great success every year. We will have all our heavy equipment set up for everyone to operate as well as additional equipment provided by our contractors and equipment dealers. Our simulator trailer will be on site and ready to try. We will have a booth set up to provide information on the various courses and apprenticeships we have to offer. Site tours are available. Complimentary soft drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. We are located in Maple Ridge. Take Dewdney Trunk Road to 256th Street. Travel north about 2.5 km. Watch for our signs. Call the Training Association at (604) 299-7764 for more information. See you there! Training Association Report Crane Common Core Level 1 class, standing in front of our clamshell bucket, are Brothers Jordan Cool, Mitch Elias, Kurtis Little, Aron Bennett, Sean Allemang, Pat deJong and Wes Bauder (Instructor). Mobile Crane Level 2 class are Brothers Brad Carr, Brad Heddle, Chris Hartinger, Matt Beemer, James Knowles and Mark McGregor (instructor). Heavy Equipment Operator class are Brothers Steve Carter (Instructor), Sheldon Tschritter, Luke Mueller, Bertram (Buddy) Stewart, Jason Neighbour, (top) Lorren Marks, Hayden Rowan, (top) Arthur Johnson Jr, Moses Johnson, Jesse Tynan and Robyn Bishop (Instructor). Brother Darin Condon being presented with his Provincial Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate of Qualification with the Articulating Haul Truck Endorsement by Brother Jeff Gorham (Training Coordinator). Darin served his apprenticeship while working with our signatory contractors in the Kamloops area. Brothers Roy Prois, Derek Arason, Fred Becvar, Jason Armstrong and Brian Koch (Instructor). Brother Koch provided a Fall Protection course for members at Northern Crane in Terrace, BC. Brother Kyle Thompson being presented with his Mobile Crane Operator - Hydraulic Unlimited Tonnage Certificate of Qualification by Brothers Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) and Mike Spiruda (Business Representative). Brother Thompson served his apprenticeship with Sterling Crane in Fort St John. News March 2015 25 Training Association Report Brother Alex Daigneau being presented with his Heavy Equipment Operator Provincial Certificate of Qualification by Brother Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator). Members of the Plant Program Advisory Committee are Brothers Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator), Tim Teichrob (BA Blacktop), Dave Channel (Winvan Paving), Garry Jabs (Instructor / Supervisor), Jeff Turner (Training Coordinator / Instructor), Brad Randall (Administrator), Colin Herbert (Mainland Sand & Gravel) and Nick Santorelli (Grandview Blacktop). Members of the Heavy Equipment Operator Program Advisory Committee are Brothers Garry Jabs (Instructor / Supervisor), Brad Randall (Administrator), Jim McWilliams (Progressive), Gary Coulter (Bel Pacific), Ryan Berthaudin (FRPD), Steve Arcand (FRPD), Robyn Bishop (Instructor), Al Cooper (Duchek), Brian Cochrane (Business Manager) and Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator). Members of the Mobile Crane Program Advisory Committee are Brothers Garry Jabs (Instructor / Supervisor), Bob MacMillan (GWIL Cranes), Brian Cochrane (Business Manager), Trevor Reid (Vancouver Pile Driving), Gordon Lindberg (Instructor), Wes Bauder (Instructor), Larry Marshall (Retiree), Doug Younger (WorkSafe), Brad Randall (Administrator), Ralf Notheis (RKM), Fred Grabowski (Vancouver Pile Driving), Grant Washington (Retiree), Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) and Mike Leary (Sterling Crane). 26 News March 2015 Members of the Asphalt Laydown Technician Program Advisory Committee are Brother Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator), Larry Lewis ( BA Dawson), Garry Jabs (Instructor / Supervisor), Danny Peters (Jack Cewe), Brad Randall (Administrator), Nick Santorelli (Grandview Blacktop) and Jeff Turner (Training Coordinator / Instructor). Training Association Report Brother Derek Perry being presented with his Provincial Truck and Transport Mechanic Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement by Brother Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) at Inland Kenworth in Prince George. Brother Brad Kurtz being presented with his Provincial Heavy Duty Mechanic Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal Endorsement by Brother Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) and Brother Colin Herbert (Equipment Repairs & Maintenance Manager) at Mainland Sand & Gravel. Brother Aaron Willison being presented with his Heavy Duty Mechanic Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement at Fraser River Pile & Dredge’s yard in New Westminster. Pictured from left to right are Brothers Tony Pires, Mark Jorgensen, Matt Green, Dan Shellard, Aaron Willison, Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator), Rey Bernier and Ken Jorgensen. Brother Matt Beemer being presented with his Mobile Crane Operator - Lattice Boom Hydraulic Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement by Brother Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator). Brother Brian Koch (Instructor) providing a Fall Protection course at GWIL Cranes yard in Burnaby. Pictured left to right are Brothers Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator), Brian Koch(Instructor), Bob MacMillan, Rob Farrow, Calvin Meier, Justin Mainville, Jason Bjur, Nick Di Palma, Brent Faminoff and Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator). Mobile Crane Level 2 class. Pictured left to right are Brothers Craig Weatherly, Simon Sohrabi, Shane Drombolis, Kevin Hildebrandt, Nick DiPalma, Glen Seeley (Instructor), Mark McGregor (Instructor), Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator), Grant Washington (Instructor). I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brothers Glen Seeley and Grant Washington for spending a few days at the Training Site working with the students on Pile Driving. Lending their expertise and time is very much appreciated. Thanks again. News March 2015 27 Training Association Report Heavy Equipment Operator class. Pictured left to right are Brothers and Sisters Steve Carter (Instructor), Justin Godler, Nicki Hein, Adam Halvorson, Gordon Newby, Corbin Shamley, Jennifer Howey, Brandon Tomelin, Fabian Grancaric, Steve Zanatta, Nolan Doornberg, Robyn Bishop (Instructor). Brother Jonathan Klassen being presented with his Provincial Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate of Qualification with Articulated Haul Truck Endorsement from Brother Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator). Brother Gordon Lindberg (Instructor) putting on a Rigging course for members working for Lafarge at Pitt River Quarries. Brother Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) and Brother Frank Carr (Business Representative) were visiting the jobsite. Brother Doug Younger (Worksafe Prevention Officer and member of Local 115) suspended in his harness during a Fall Arrest course with Brother Steve Carter (Instructor) holding the rope. Worksafe utilized our Training Site to have a Fall Arrest course delivered to 6 of their prevention officers. 28 News March 2015 Brother Jarrett Neufeld being presented with his Provincial Mobile Crane Operator – Lattice Boom Friction Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal Endorsement by Brother Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator). Training Association Report Brother Gurjit Bancy being presented with his Provincial Truck and Transport Mechanic Certificate of Qualification by Brother Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator). Brother Bancy works for First Truck Center Vancouver Inc. in Port Kells. Brother Frank Carr (Business Representative) delivering a Union Orientation course to the Mobile Crane Common Core class. Pictured left to right are Brothers Wes Bauder (Instructor), Adam Beaton, Dean Knuff, Kyle Laprairie, Gian Grewal, John Babcock, Frank Carr (Business Representative) and Dean Kenny. Mobile Crane Lattice Friction Level 2 class. Pictured left to right are Brothers Richard Conway, Kevin Paul, Mark McGregor (Instructor), Matthew Clarke and Rob Swan. Brother Michael Schaap being presented with his Provincial Certificate of Qualification for Parts and Warehousing Person 1 by Brother Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator). Brother Schaap works for National Truck Center in Port Kells. Brother Mason Randall operating an 80 ton Linkbelt crane in Fraser River Pile & Dredge’s yard assisting in the re-assembly of their re-built 50 ton Link Belt crane. News March 2015 29 Member Recognition Name Age Date Passed Name Age Date Passed Brown, Walter 87 November 21, 2014 Hoffman, Elmer 76 December 20, 2014 Candiago, Giuseppe 70 November 23, 2014 Hogan, Gary 69 December 14, 2014 Dorrell, James 89 November 28, 2014 Klan, Dan 81 December 3, 2014 Dutka, Metro 89 November 15, 2014 Neher, John 68 December 24, 2014 Gillard, Brandon 54 November 5, 2014 Palatin, Tom 64 December 22, 2014 Gott, Wade 43 November 23, 2014 Pilkey, Roger 78 December 4, 2014 Hall, Jeffrey 48 November 24, 2014 Raosavljevich, Wm. 86 December 14, 2014 McClure, Craig 62 November 11, 2014 Robison, Richard 85 December 5, 2014 Milligan, Glen 74 November 24, 2014 Stoutenberg, Terry 63 December 20, 2014 Quirk, Dave 66 November 14, 2014 Street, Gordon 85 December 23, 2014 Schmidt, William 67 November 3, 2014 Davis, Douglas 74 January 5, 2015 Stevenson, James 59 November 27, 2014 Fuller, Donald 78 January 4, 2015 Tan, Kay 70 November 8, 2014 McNamara, Richard 68 January 3, 2015 Walcot, Phillip 71 November 27, 2014 Roshinsky, Ronald 76 January 12, 2015 Whitbread, Shane 46 November 22, 2014 Sutherland, Andrew 83 January 15, 2015 Woodman, Harry 94 November 21, 2014 Biddle, James 80 December 4, 2014 Bolla, Frank 86 December 26, 2014 The following members were not included in the last newsletter as we were notified of their death after publication. Clouston, James 93 December 27, 2014 Jones, Edgar 87 October 27, 2014 Delorme, Emmanuel 87 December 15, 2014 Patterson, Earl 75 October 27, 2014 Geisheimer, Brian 30 December 28, 2014 Scorgie, Kenneth 70 October 23, 2014 Gray, John 86 December 1, 2014 Members who passed away November 2014 to January 15, 2015 30 News March 2015 - Brother Lloyd Jones is being congratulated by District 3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton Membership Service Awards Honouring our members OUR 60-YEAR MEMBERS Brother Donald Nichols with District 3 Business Representative Brother Brad Gerow. Brother Lloyd Jones is being congratulated by District 3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton. OUR 50-YEAR MEMBERS Bill Elephantstone Brother James Mainer pictured with his 50 Year Watch. Brother John Patton is being congratulated by President Brother Wayne Mills. News March 2015 31 Membership Service Awards OUR 50-YEAR MEMBERS Brother Lance Jones is being congratulated by District 3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton. District 3 Business Representative Brother Brad Gerow congratulating Brother Wayne Amies with his Grandson Tim and Son Mitch (3 generations of Operating Engineers). Brother Matthew (Matt) Smillie is being congratulated by District 3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton. Brother William McNab is being congratulated by District 3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton. SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES IUOE Local 115 offers six different bursaries and scholarships for members and their families. Application deadlines are throughout the year. Check our website for more details. • Pipe Line Contractors’ Cal Callaham Memorial Bursary • IUOE Local 115 Credit Union Pioneers’ Bursary • Donald Smith Scholarship • IUOE Canadian Conference Bursary • M.L. (Mike) Parr Bursary or Bursaries • B.C. Building Trades Council Fred Randall Bursary iuoe115.com/for-members/scholarships 32 News March 2015 Membership Service Awards OUR 40-YEAR MEMBERS Brother Jack Silzer is being congratulated by District 3 Business Representative Brother Brad Gerow. OUR 20-YEAR MEMBERS Brother Ed Walcot receiving congratulations from District 2 Business Representative Brother Curtis Harold. Brother Walcot passed shortly after this photo was taken. He was the owner of Walco Industries and was a fair contractor. Brother Walcot said “he could not be prouder to be a part of the Operating Engineers as a member and a contractor.” SCHOLARSHIPS Business Manager Brother Brian Cochrane awarding Ciera Tremblay the Mike Parr Bursary, with her stepfather Brother Lincoln Petkau and President Brother Wayne Mills looking on. Jess Rake with his Father Brother Edward ‘Jim’ Rake, receiving the Mike Parr Bursary award from District 4 Business Representative Wayne Kemp. Corrections Notice In the December 2014 issue of OE News, there were two errors in the Service Awards section. Page 27 50 Year Members: Pictured with Brother Bryan Railton was Rob Fleming (Brother Fleming’s name was spelt incorrectly). Page 29 50 Year Members: Pictured with Brother Curtis Harold was John Patton (Brother Patton’s first name was incorrect). Business Manager Brother Brian Cochrane awarding Gurkiran Parmar the Mike Parr Bursary, with her Father Brother Ajit Parmar and President Wayne Mills. News March 2015 33 Member Recognition Welcome to our 300 new Local 115 members Paul Aciek Derek Addison Heherson Aggabao Osamah Ahmad Preston Aitchison Tyler Akre Michael Alexander Ali Ali Alan Amolar Garett Anatole Sidney Andersen Kyle Anderson Trent Andres Eliasim N Aninon Fernando Aparri Emeterio Aquino Brett Arki Andrew G Armstrong Fatmir Ashiku Wilson D Atkinson Brian Baekgaard Jason Bailey Herveer Bains Ranvir Bains Doner Balisacan Joey Bankier Mike Barisoff Christina Beekink Gordon Bentley Brien Bernard Justun Bevis Inderjit Bhabba Jason Bjur Melanie Blair Les Bocking Michael D Bodnaruk Kenneth Bonson Bon BonZon Michael R Boon Jody Bowley Larry Briere Lucas Brown Michael Brown Edward Bueckert 34 John Bullen David Burgess Rommel Cabantog Greg Campbell Christopher Casha David Castellani Ruel Castillo Eugene Chamberland Sidney T Charman Bryon Chisholm Frederick Clement Tyler Clifford Craig Combs Jaimelito Conde Caden Cook Sean Cooke Jason Cote Jessica Coutts Owen Crampton Mike Cross Billy Cruz Robert Cruz Candace M Curtin Clark Cutler Stephen J Daly Calvin D Dalzell Cortney Darling Jeremy Delorme Nick DeMerchant Joe Deschenes Karly DesJardins Darrell Deugau Manoj Devasia Kultar Dhaliwal Andrew Dieleman Paul Dilts Mariano Dionisio Mike Dionne Sanjay Dlima Ricky Dorado Timothy Duhn Keith Duncan Daniel S Durocher News March 2015 Richard Dyck Lesley Edwards Jamie Eimer Wayne Esau Gorden Esford Randal Evans Arthur Ewing Steven Farrell Glenn Fawcett Eduardo E Fehr Philip Fick Jarred Fiessel Shawn Fox James French Earl Fried Valentino Fronda Akoj Garang Jedd Gaudreault Jordan Gies Kevin Girroir Denis Godard Ryan C Gogo Scott Gordon Anthony Goreham Andy Grewal Pavandeep Grewal Gavin Grey Sean Griffiths Cassidy Haber Cole Hagen Brandon Hahn Edward P Harper Leonard Harry Nigel Haywood Tony Hebb Michelle Henderson Richard A Henry Bernd Hentze Ralph Herfort David Hills David Hillyard Mathew N Hoekstra Dave Hoffman Neil Holland Terrence Holmes Amadeo Hona Bob Horning Charles Hrabec Randy Hudson Leanne E Hughf Davin Humphrey Amanda Hutchinson Mark Ignacio Michael Irving Marol Jal Gerd Jochimski Craig Johnson Geoff Johnson Matthew Johnson Landon Kerr Ashwat Khan Zachary Killam Kris Knox Kody F Kokoszka Teo Kovac Michael Krogel Derek Kuharchuk Fred Landon Jeff Lannoo Zachary Lavallee Nicholas Lawrence Jeff Lefebvre Lawrie Lennartz Craig Leslie Aaron Liddicoat Mike Linaker Tristan Lloyd Justin Locke Quinell Lockwood Matthew MacBride Bo Mahon Peter Maidment Sabrina Main Talwinter Mann Peppi R Marinelli Michelle A Marlatt Andre Martin Jackie Martindale Kevin McBeath Jeremy McCasey Gregory McDonald Brandon McDowell Tyler McFarlan Jim McKinnon Aurelio Mercado David Metzler Robert Middlekoop Nick S Miguel Kathleen Miller Shawn Milligan Brad Milne Jim Moilliet Graham Moleski John Moore Najibullah Naseri James Neale Kyle Nelson Bradley E Neros Kien-Trung Ngo Jason Nguyen Christian Nicerio Robert Noble Nasir Nur Tanya Nyakas Johnson Ochieng Patrick O’Connell Tom Ohisa Basil Oliver Michael Olkanych Shaylene Osborne John Ostendorf Jerry Owen Gillian Paddon Lucas E Page Ethan Palmberg Maulik Pandit Ryan Pantlin Ryan Paradis Taylor Paulson Member Recognition Membership Service Awards Rick Penner Dante K Pescador Raymond Pezel Hans Podzun Brent Pool Marilyn Porter Dustin T Pospolita Jacob Powszedny Eric Prison Jim Raif Joel Rambac Michael Ramirez Chris Redshaw Glen Reece Trevor Rochon Calloway P Roller Wade E Rowan Sean Salter Raul San Mateo Stephen Sandar Aaron Sauer Thomas Schlamp Adam Schlueter Chris Schwindt Daniel W Sellers Zachary Sharlow Jonathan Shaw Navjot Sidhu Steve Sims Gursewak Singh Veron Singh Run Chang Siu Alex Smith Derek Smith Jerry Soliman Maureen Spence Anders Starheim Jay Steinke Brad Stewart Jamie Stewart Joseph C Strachan Antonio Studer Dayne Sutherland Travis Sutthery Reynaldo Taburada Tim Tailleur Douglas L Taves Ted Thomas Jason D Tiessen Robert Tisdale Shawn Tomlinson Kyle Torry Ted Towne Peggy R Tremblay Tyler Trethewey Joseph Tuff Manuel Tumulak James Vallee George Vanderdeen Ryan VanLaar David Varner Ruperto Villano Chris Visser Preston Vroom Boden Wangler Jeff Washington David Watts Erik Whittington James Whyte Daylen Williams Brian Williamson Ricaldo Wilson Joshua Winchar Kurt Witt Keith Wood David Woytula Joe S Yacovelli Evan York Michael York Recordo Young Ryan Young Kelvin Zentner Trent Ziegeman Gary Zylan OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2014 John J Harder Bruce Hollett 10 year service pin Roman Palaszewski Casey K Hoy George Andjelic Bhupinder S Panag Maurice G Huber Jason C Bourassa William G Perepolkin Ron W Humphries Tim Brown Randy H Perry Dale E Johns Jayne Buckner Spencer T Pilling Albert K Johnson Alan L Christensen Gurjeevan S Poonia Ken F Jorgensen James A Dawson Adrian A Regan Mark F Jorgensen Robert R De Pfyffer Robert G Regan Jamie W Kroeker Dwayne D Decol Joe Roberts James H Lamb Luke M Dennis Rob S Roine Bradley G Lewis Allan G Dick Glenn N Savard Delbert D MacDonald Tomas M Dosil Jay F Schlitz Michael A Marks Glenn R Duggan Randall M Slett Scott McBryde Michael R Elliott Michael W Smith Ronald H McCaughan Zoltan Esceley Kjell E Sorensen Al L Meinen Jerry Geddes Rocky J Tubbs Gordon J Mitt Michael D Goldie Clinton R Tuftin Martin E Mosley Peter D Halliwell Gary F Tuttle John H Mussell Douglas J Hammond Robert L Ungaro Shauna L Nash Anthony A Houska Andrew C Veitch Peter Nielsen Leland A Humphrey Erin M Von Wittgenstein Jack G Peebles Jason D Wallach Dan L Shortill Troy H Jackson Raymond S Johnson Wylie Johnson Chad A Walton John Jones Colin Wong Jim B Lastiwka 20 year service pin Danbo Liu Rino Luison Wade M Macadam Mario Martic Dale B Masse Dustin R McAuley Wayne R McGann Douglas B Meadows Brad C Merrifield Ron J Miller Ken N Nummela Ron J Ostrowercha Carey A Atchison Charles R Rennehan Doug A Stephen Keith G Taggart Emanuele Verrelli Michael J Winterholt Lorenzo Barausse 30 year service pin Terry A Bassanses Ernest W Beharrell John M Beaulieu Malcolm A Boudreau Leonard R Bowman Sean D Broderick Kevin D Chambers Justin L Degeorgio Brian M Dusenbury Michael A Hall Douglas W Essensa Earl E Fisher Robert P Kermode William S Kopiyka William A Lawson Malcolm H MacCallum Maurice M Malcolm See next page News March 2015 35 Member Recognition From previous page Joseph M Braico Gordon A Lindberg Robert A Richardson Robert C West Norman H Chapple Lenard G Lippert Carl F Rietze Howard T Wong Ed T Clarke Leslie A Lohr Alan R Robison John Zalewski Marcel A Cochet Petr Lucik Claude K Rochon Henry Coombs Jim E Lundine Robert J Rowse Michael R Davison Robert D MacDowell Branko Sakic Lloyd A Ducharme John D Martens Beverly R Sampert Richard R Edwards James E McGovern Vincent Santucci Brian F Elders Alfred B McGowan Robert J Scheirer Ross P Fagan Mark W McKinnon Donald L Scotney William G Fitzgerald Fred M McMurray Leagh T Shandler Rick A Flumerfelt Cecil L McRae William T Shannon James R Gabor Robert P McWilliams Kris S Sigurdur 40 year service pin Walter H Gale Richard B Menzies Reginald W Simmonds Thomas F Albrecht John Giesbrecht Attilio J Merola Alan Simpson Bradly J Goldney Gordon J Minet Les G Stevens Glen C Greenwood Clint H Moss Leroy N Strandberg James A Hamilton Edward Nowee Francis J Suek Doug A Henry Hugh S Ogilvie Charles W Supernault Ron D Hupper Wayne P Orcutt Michael Iannidinardo Robert W Paddison Douglas G Van de Kerckhove Lawrence N Johansen Mario Palcich Ron M Walberg Craig A Kinnear Daniel K Patterson Allen B Walch Gary R Kinnear John D Pearson Brad J Wallace Arthur G Lebrun Ray R Poilievre Wallace T Watchell J. C. Alex Lee Dennis L Ramsey Thomas O Webster Fred Markin George A McLaren Jim M McLean Darren E Merrick Ronald J Patterson Roland N Renton Jack R Rotar Mahindar S Sangha Kenny J Smith Ron E Tadei Grahame P Wilson Reynold H Amey Lennart A Andersson John P Anttila Hilario F Antunes Thomas E Bagot Peter J Baillie Wayne R Ballantyne Willi Beier Rudolf F Bernert Alan J Blyth Hugh Booth 50 year service watch Claude J Belisle Vlado Bulic Delbert N Crum Norman Harry Eugene W Lemauviel Wilfred H Olson Raymond L Poitras Edward Riemer Lee V Schille Clarence F Simon George M Smith Doug G Stowe Kenneth J Wakeman Anthony C Wood 60 year service plaque and vest Helmut O Bahr Frank W Warren William J Wells Pensions Awarded NOVEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 Blair, Brian Deptuck, Dennis Eliuk, Jason Friend, David Gardner, Bradley Johnson, Allister Klimek, Richard Penner, Douglas Peterson, Alfred Player, Lorne Skinner, Howard Uphill, Donald Adams, Bruce Alton, John Bauder, Kenneth Brewer, Terrence Carter, Kenneth Court, Colin Crema, Danny Dyck, Kenneth Edwards, Richard Gordon, Robert Hudson, George 36 News March 2015 Law, Ivan Mackay, Danny Orcutt, Wayne Partaik, David Phillips, Kevin Pomponio, Charles Rutkowski, Ronald Stockbrugger, Jim Williams, Terry Wisdom, Barry JANUARY 2015 Allen, William Birss, Randall Clarke, John Deneer, Ricardo Dimovics, Karoly Driedger, Brian Dwyer, Michael Fitzpatrick, John Fontaine, Achille Forde, David Hartnell, Bret Landry, Raymond Marchuk, Edwin Stevens, Les Young, Harry Please note: The following member was not included in the last newsletter as his retirement was processed late OCTOBER 2014 Taylor, Brian Contact Details Local 115 District Offices Meeting Notices District 1 and Main Office District 1 4333 Ledger Ave., Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3T3 Phone: 604-291-8831 Toll Free: 1-888-486-3115 Fax: 604-473-5235 E-mail: iuoe@iuoe115.com Online: www.iuoe115.com Business Manager: Brian Cochrane President: Wayne E. Mills Mgr. Administration & Special Projects: Lynda Arland Office Manager: Arlene Lindsay Business Representatives BURNABY: 1st Thursday of every month 7:30p.m. at 4333 Ledger Ave., Burnaby Except March & September (due to General Membership Meeting) District 2 Monthly meeting locations alternate: NANAIMO: 2nd Monday of odd months Frank Carr Brett Chapman Everett Cummings Chip Dhaliwal Tom Kinnear Craig McIntosh Don Swerdan 6:00p.m at the Coast Bastion Inn, 11 Bastion St. Dispatcher 6:00p.m. at the Pro Pat Legion Branch 31, #292 - 411 Gorge Rd. E. Director of Organizing CAMPBELL RIVER/COURTENAY: Members will be advised of meeting date, time and place. Jim Flynn: 604-473-5231 Brian Lefebvre Organizing Representatives Rob Duff: 604-473-5206 John Munro: 604-473-5272 Bryan Railton: 250-320-4840 Benefits and Pension Plans Shawn Hatch, Administrator Training Association VICTORIA: 2nd Wednesday of even months District 3 Monthly meeting locations alternate: KAMLOOPS: 2nd Thursday of even months 7:30p.m. at the Union Hall, 785 Tranquille Rd. KELOWNA: 2nd Tuesday of odd months 7:00p.m. at the Teamsters Hall, 185 Froelich Rd. Brad Randall, Administrator District 4 District 2 PRINCE GEORGE: 2nd Wednesday of each month 8:00p.m. at Coast Inn of the North, 770 Brunswick St. Vancouver Island: Curtis Harold, Business Representative 35 Wharf Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2X3 Mailing Address: PO Box 213 Stn A, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5K9 Phone: 250-754-4022 Fax: 250-754-5513 District 3 Kamloops-Revelstoke-Okanagan: Brad Gerow, Business Representative 785 Tranquille Road Kamloops, B.C. V2B 3J3 Phone: 250-554-2278 Fax: 250-554-1766 District 4 Central Interior-Yellowhead: Herb Conat & Wayne Kemp, Business Representatives Unit B, 3339 8th Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2M 1N1 Phone: 250-563-3669 Fax: 250-563-3603 District 5 Peace River and Yukon Territory: Mike Spiruda, Business Representative & Organizer Site 20, Comp 19 SS2 Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 4M7 Phone: 250-787-9594 Fax: 250-787-9491 Tumbler Ridge Mining Office: 220 Main Street, Tumbler Ridge, B.C. V0C 2W0 Phone: 250-242-3888 Fax: 250-242-3881 District 6 East and West Kootenays: Rob Foskett, Business Representative 103 Centennial Square, Sparwood, B.C V0B 2G0 Mailing Address: PO Box 1567, Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0 Phone: 250-425-2161 Toll Free: 1-888-605-9955 Fax: 250-425-2166 PRINCE RUPERT, TERRACE, KITIMAT, SMITHERS: Members will be advised of meeting dates and times. District 5 Monthly meeting locations alternate: FORT ST. JOHN: 2nd Tuesday of odd months 7:30p.m. at the Masonic Hall, 10441 100th Ave. DAWSON CREEK: 2nd Tuesday of even months 7:30p.m. at the George Dawson Inn, 11705 8th St. TUMBLER RIDGE/PEACE RIVER COAL: Members will be advised of meeting date, time and place. WHITEHORSE: Teamsters Hall, 407 Black St. Members will be advised of meeting dates and times. District 6 Monthly meeting locations alternate: CASTLEGAR—1st Wednesday of odd months 7:00p.m. at the Super 8 Inn, 651 18th St. CRANBROOK—1st Tuesday of even months 7:00p.m. at the Labour Centre (Boardroom), 105 9th Ave. South ELK VALLEY COAL CORP: Line Creek Mine Members will be advised of meeting dates and times. News March 2015 37 A completed pipeline in British Columbia. Many people do not understand the care and expertise spent building a major pipeline. Operating Engineers work to the strictest environmental standards, so that often the surrounding habitat Our families live and work here too, so we want the safest, cleanest pipeline project in the world. is in a better state than it was beforehand. I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N O F O P E R AT I N G E N G I N E E R S LOCAL 115 With over 11,500 members and 80 years of experience in pipeline and resource projects Brian Cochrane, Business Manager. 1-888-486-3115 i u o e115 . c o m
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