IUOE News July 2013

News

July 2013 www.iuoe115.com

BC gets set for summerProjects across the province shift into higher gear

OEN July Cover.indd 1 28/06/2013 11:24:19 AM

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011378

IUOE News is the official publication of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115.

Local Executive Board Business Manager Brian CochranePresident Wayne MillsVice-President Brad RandallRecording Secretary Brian Lefebvre Financial Secretary Don SwerdanTreasurer Frank Carr Guard Bob Higgs Conductor Dave Hannis

Trustees Brett Chapman Brian Moore Curtis Wright

Auditors Chip Dhaliwal Goretti Guibault Craig McIntosh

District Executive Board 1—Al Cooper 2—Tim Cullen 3—Brad Gerow 4—Herb Conat 5—Mike Spiruda 6—Brian Lefebvre

Publication Committee Brian Cochrane Wayne Mills Lynda ArlandEditorial Services Susan Armstrong, COPE 378 Working Design, CEP Local 20004333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 3T3 Telephone: 604-291-8831 Fax: 604-473-5235 Website: www.iuoe115.com E-mail: [email protected]

Please

Recycle

FEaturEsLocal 115 forced government changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program . . . . . . . . . . . 19IUOE bursaries and scholarship can help fund education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A profile of longtime member John Freeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Membership Service Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

rEports

Business ManagerOutcome of case disappointing, but key gains made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

President BC election attracted just over half of all voters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

District 1Temporary Foreign Workers Program encourages race to the bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Let’s talk up the union advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Adapting to a new way of bidding and working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6No strike, no lockout in Evergreen bid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Are your skills up to date? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7We’re active on the bargaining front and we could use your help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Foreign workers controversy should lead to change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Union organizingWe’re all about safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

DispatchStill hoping for much-needed changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

District 2A good batch of work coming up on Vancouver Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

District 3Good progress on bargaining and working together to organize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

District 4Looking forward to LNG development and building Site C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

District 5Tougher rules aim to ensure safe hydraulic fracturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

District 6Local 115 attends 38th General Convention of the Operating Egnineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Retiring with a pension. Thank goodness I’ve worked union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Now that we’re into nice weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Benefit PlansJuly features open enrolment of optional life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Training Association Our training efforts keep our skills up and our union strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

July 2013 News 1

At the end of April, myself, Brother Wayne Mills, and nine other delegates attended the 38th Annual IUOE Convention. There were well over 600 delegates representing their respec-tive locals throughout Canada and the U.S.

Brother James T Callahan was re-elected as President of our International Union, and Brother Brian Hickey was re-elected as General Secretary Treasurer. Our two Canadian members of the General Executive Board Brother Mike Gal-lagher (Ontario) and Bruce Moffatt (Alberta) were also re-elected to their respective Board positions.

During the convention, Local 115 was glad to secure a spe-cial resolution to ensure that the IUOE would continue to support our fight against the TFWP in Canada, as well as our ongoing battle with CLAC. This also includes the “Right to Work” movement, which is gaining ground in the U.S. and starting to build momentum here in Canada. It is encourag-ing to see our international brothers and sisters recognise and support our efforts to make sure we organize and empower our workforce effectively, and take on the fight against those who undermine our efforts.

I am very proud of the work done at the convention by the Local 115 delegates; they all did an excel-lent job in representing the membership of our Local.

As most are now aware, the Federal Court has dismissed our judicial review application challenging HD Mining’s use of 201 temporary foreign workers at the Murray River Coal project in Tumbler Ridge.

Needless to say that we were disappointed in the outcome, as the evidence we brought forward was very compelling in demonstrating that qualified Canadians are currently avail-able to perform the work. Despite vast amounts of evidence and overwhelming public support, the judge saw fit to allow HD Mining to bring in 201 Chinese miners on TFWPs to begin the mine’s exploration phase.

According to our legal counsel, this type of application has no ability to appeal this decision, otherwise the Building Trades Unions would have no doubt stepped up to the plate to try and have it overturned. However, your Local Union has

Outcome of case disappointing, but key gains made Brian Cochrane, Business Manager

Business Manager

gained a massive win in the court of public opinion by taking this fight through the courts to not only protect the interests of our members, but the working interests of all British Colum-bians and Canadians.

We have received hundreds of calls for support and numer-ous messages of congratulations from people and labour insti-tutions glad to see us exposing the flaws and inadequacies of Canada’s TFWP program. Already, sweeping changes are being proposed by the Federal government to try bring the TFWP more in line with fair labour practises, rather than a gaping loophole in which to procure cheap labour and exclude Canadians from work opportunities.

One of the highlights of the changes to the TFWP is the regulation allowing employers to pay up to 15% less than mar-ket rates for Canadian workers, which is now gone! It is a huge victory in protecting our interests and stopping the exploita-tion of cheap labour. The IUOE 115 will continue to speak out

against the program where it fails to provide our members and fellow Canadians the first opportunity to work. Those interested in keeping

up to date with our progress can do so at www.labourspeak-sout.com. We are also looking at ways to unite our efforts in making further changes to the program with other organizations.

Other challenges that we as a union are facing are Bill C-377 and Bill C-525. These pieces of Conservative legislation are targeted directly at trying to weaken the labour movement across the country

Although the proposals have been reviewed by experts and largely denounced as unenforceable, the Conservatives are pushing ahead to see if the bills can be passed. This will con-tinue to play into their low-wage strategy and continued fight against trade unions from coast to coast.

Both bills will be decided upon in the coming months, and the IUOE will keep a close eye on how things develop and will

It is a huge victory in protecting our interests and stopping the exploitation of cheap labour.

continued on next page

2 News July 20132 News July 20132 News July 20132 News

work diligently to try and modify the destructive intent. There are endless articles and debate raging online around the pro-posed legislation and I encourage you to read up on how they would affect your union.

”Right to Work“ (for less) legislation is being pushed on us by the Conservative agenda faster and stronger than at any point in Canadian history. In order to be successful in our fight to this anti-worker agenda, we need to be knowledgeable and united in our stance when it comes to unconstitutional, discriminatory decisions like these, which will affect hun-dreds of thousands of union workers across our country

I want to thank everyone that took the time to get involved in the Provincial election in May. Although the outcome may not have been what we wanted, the Liberals did acknowledge during their campaign a need to work closer with the workforce and their union representatives in the private sector. There is a lot of work to be done in developing the future workforce of B.C. in order to build many of the infrastructure projects promised during the campaign. Rest assured we have already begun the outreach to ensure they deliver on these promises, and we are currently trying to establish meetings with the new Ministers to discuss the value Operating Engi-neers bring to the table.

Pipeline work over the next several years looks like it has the potential to become a booming sector. The Enbridge Gate-way project, while still having some major hurdles to over-come, has a much greater chance of moving forward under a

Liberal government. All of the proposed natural gas pipelines, plants, and terminal expansion in Kitimat are areas that have great potential over the short term.

Site C is also wrapping up the environmental review pro-cess, which if approved will be a great opportunity for Operat-ing Engineers for many years to come.

One of the things in common with many of the large proj-ects over the next few years is that they are in Northern B.C. This will create great training opportunities in many of our Northern communities, and that is a challenge our Training Association is currently reviewing, as there is a huge skills gap between manpower demand and local supply.

Over the past few months Brother Don Swerdan has pre-sented successful Shop Steward courses throughout B.C. in conjunction with our Shop Steward recognition dinners. They have been well received and well attended, and there are a few

more are scheduled for the com-ing months. Our Stewards are the backbone of our Local Union providing the daily “on the ground” representation of

our members, and these training opportunities help to pro-vide some additional tools to work with. On behalf of the Offi-cers and the Executive Board, thanks to those that took the time to attend.

Lastly, the IUOE Training Association’s Annual Open house was held on June 15th. The weather really co-operated this year and it was an excellent day for families, friends, and guests of Local 115. Many thanks to all of the volunteers and staff who made this day a great success.

Work Safe.

In order to be successful in our fight against this anti-worker agenda, we need to be knowledgeable and united

continued from previous page

FROM cOveR Pacific Blasting doing some heavy duty residential excavating. Photos courtesy Peter Palm

July 2013 News 3

District 1

The BC election featured 19 different parties and just over half of all votersWayne Mills, President

Provincial Election

Could have been the whiskey, might have been the gin.Could have been three or four six-packs,I don’t know, but look at the mess I’m in,My head is like a football, I think I’m gonna die,Tell me, me oh me oh my,Wasn’t that a party?

Did you know there were candidates from 19 registered politi-cal parties that ran in our recent provincial election this year? I have been around the block a time or two with elections, and there were some that even I was unaware of. For example, have any of you ever heard of The Helping Hand, The BC Excalibur, or The Platinum? What about The Unparty, The Work Less, and even Your Political Party? You gotta love Democracy!

Even the wingies get to play provincial politics, but at least they come out, whereas 48 % of people never even bothered participating. That is a scary statistic when you consider they are simply letting others decide their fate, and not be bothered with what happens. And it’s not just the young people we tend to assume who didn’t show up; we did a member-to-member campaign and I spoke to two spouses over the age of 40 that had never voted, and didn’t know if they were even going to vote in this election or not.

We are so lucky in Canada to be able to vote without fear, as opposed to some countries where genuinely concerned citi-zens are harassed, threatened, or even murdered when they express their decision and desire to go out and vote, as a dem-ocratic right for the benefit of them and their country. Why are we Canadians so complacent?

Well it was great while it lasted. We saw different styles of electioneering that made you wonder in the dying days of the campaign as to what style people really pay attention to; the one where you get down and roll around in the slop and throw as much mud as possible at the other guys; or the one where everything is positive, we’re nice to each other, and generally take the high road.

Well, she was close, and we all know who won. Regardless

of whom you voted for, I want to say thank you to those who got out and exercised their right to vote.

General ConventionI would like to say congratulations to General President James T. Callahan and General Secretary-Treasurer Brian E. Hickey on their re-election, and congratulations on the re-election of all the Vice- Presidents to the General Executive Board at the 38th General Convention of the International Union of Oper-ating Engineers held in Florida at the end of April.

On the Canadian side, congratulations to Brother Mike Gallagher, Business Manager Local 793, on his election as the 10th Vice President, and Brother Bruce Moffatt, Business Manager of Local 955, on being re-elected as Trustee.

This was the first General Convention as Business Manager for Brother Brian Cochrane, and my first as the President of our Local. I was therefore able to take in the convention pro-ceedings with a different perspective.

The General President appointed 24 people, of whom I was one, to the Resolution Committee; we met before the conven-tion to review 26 resolutions that went before more than 650 delegates. One of the resolutions was about the issues of CLAC in Canada and their suspension from the International Trade Union Confederation. I was the first delegate off the floor to speak, and it was on this CLAC resolution.

IUOE Local 115 Business Manager Brian Cochrane, Recording Corresponding Secretary Brother Brian Lefebvre, and myself also worked on a resolution regarding the Tempo-rary Foreign Workers and HD Mining issue. The resolution also found its way to the Convention floor, as Brother Cochrane spoke about the matter.

SummerWith the summer season nearly upon us, I want you to remember that safety applies everywhere, and not just at work. When you are doing something (at home, on holiday, or at work), always ask yourself is this the safest way to do it?

With those thoughts, I will leave you, and hope your summer is an enjoyable one. As always, many thanks are due to all the stewards and safety reps for their continuing hard work.

President

4 News July 2013

District 1

Cheque Presentation for Walk for Autism Member. Rep Rob dePfyffer, Member Brother Terry James, Wanda Carisse of Chris Rose Centre and Member Rep Brad Gerow.

Temporary Foreign Workers Program encourages a race to the bottomCraig McIntosh, Member Representative

The Federal Conservative and Provincial Liberal Govern-ments have failed to defend Canadians and British Columbia’s people by allowing the number of temporary foreign workers to double in the last 10 years to 340,000 in Canada, and 74,000 in B.C., and with an unemployment rate of over 7% in Canada and B.C. (and much higher for those under 24), the govern-ment’s job plan is simply not working.

The governments keep telling us we need more people to fill all the jobs they are creating, but have allowed the number of temporary foreign workers to surpass working immigrants who can become permanent residents and Canadian citizens in a year.

Richard Kurland, a Vancouver-based immigration lawyer, testified to the House Standing Committee and recommend-ed there be a 15% premium on wages to foreigners, as an icen-tive to hire local.

The Government did the reverse; last year the Federal Gov-ernment started allowing employers to pay foreign workers 15% less than Canadian workers.

Both Federal and Provincial governments are allowing

employers to use the temporary foreign worker program as a steady supply of lower paid workers whose circumstances leave them too vulnerable to exercise their rights. This not only affects these workers, it erodes the bargaining power of everyone else who works in these sectors, and the rights of Canadian workers, both union and non-organized.

In B.C., the Employment Standards Act protects non-union workers who do not belong to a union and have a collective agreement. In 2001, the B.C. Liberals gutted the Employment Standards Branch in B.C. and laid off the people that looked after employee-employer complaints. Today there is little enforcement of the Employment Standards Act and because a temporary foreign worker’s status is tied to his or her employ-er, many will not report instances of exploitation to avoid being sent home, since under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, they can only work for the employer who sponsors them.

I was talking to the owner of a concrete placing and finish-ing contractor and asked him where his crew was from; he told me central America. He had sponsored them, and went on to tell me he only hired them “from the neck down”; when they started to think too much (or learn English and talk too much), he sent them home and put in another request to the Federal Government for more workers. I thought to myself “we treat our dogs better”.

How can legitimate contractors, employers, Canadian and B.C. workers compete with this double-edged injustice and avoid a race to the bottom, putting downward pressure on wages and benefits while inflicting terrible work conditions and diminished worker rights?

It’s yet another fight for our jobs.

4 News July 2013

4 News July 2013

District 1

July 2013 News 5

Bargaining has been completed for the District 1 Utility Stan-dard Road Building Agreement, with a ratification vote on accepting the new changes. In this industry, we need to gain some ground on the CLAC/non-union sectors that are mak-ing the bids difficult for the signatory contractor. Always remember that it’s everyone’s job as a member of the local to let people understand the entire wage and benefits package when talking with friends or family that are not working for a real union contractor.

I hear it all the time from the unorganized sector; on an hourly rate, they claim a dollar or so more per hour, but in fact, without the pension, various benefits and cover, and hol-iday pay that our agreements offer, they are in fact taking in about $8-10 less every hour. Let them know the difference of our defined benefit pension compared to the RRSP they might currently have. It takes all of us to make changes in the indus-try and the mindsets of workers, not just a few active mem-bers and representatives.

The other issue that everyone needs to speak out about to their MP’s are the temporary foreign workers taking jobs from the deserving local work force. Brother Brian Cochrane has done an excellent job on behalf of all Canadians exposing the problems and loopholes in the process which bring in foreign workers. Without unions doing this hard work on behalf of members and all Canadians, these activities would keep hap-pening right here in our back yard, taking both our human and natural resources without a single Canadian seeing a pay cheque.

The other issue that you need to be aware of and discuss is Bill C-377; this bill could make it more difficult for unions to stand up for the rights of this country by tying them up in needless financial red tape.

The other side of this bill is the privacy issues that are attached to it; could you imagine your grandmother or wife’s name being posted on a site saying that she is now a widow and received money as part of a death benefit? It’s well known that people search the internet gathering information exactly of this nature to use against people for scams, identity theft, or other criminal intent, and I am sure it could definitely be used by these types of people.

Go to www.labourspeaksout.com to get updated informa-tion on the temporary foreign workers at the Tumbler Ridge coal mine, and learn how we are fighting against unconstitu-tional and unfair worker employment practices.

Work safe!

Let’s talk up the union advantage to our friends and neighboursEverett Cummings, Member Representative

Peace River Coal’s heavy operations at District 5.

District 1

6 News July 20136 News July 20136 News July 2013

The work picture is slowly evolving from the norm of yester-day. With the growth of international companies in our prov-ince, we have seen a different way of how business is conducted. We’re seeing competition not only between rival companies, but also between different divisions of the same company. It’s no longer advantageous for a contractor to sub-contract to a division within their own organization unless they are in fact the lowest bid.

A good example of this is in the aggregate industry where one division found aggregate for a lesser price from their com-petitors than from their own mines. This has a huge impact on the companies and the membership, creating an environ-ment that requires a little extra effort for management, sales personnel, and the members doing the work, in order to be successful. There are several ways for workers to stay competi-tive in this new world, but there are two “no brainers.”

Firstly, members need to stay focused while at work, and lessen our lost time due to injury. This is probably the easiest thing to accomplish; simply always work safe. I don’t know of a single company out there that does not promote safety as priority number one. The focus on safety is at such a high level

now that some companies are even hiring firms that deal with nothing but safety in an effort to reduce time lost due to injury. Considering the amount of money these losses cost, it’s worth their while to spend considerable amounts to ensure all employees go home safely every day. We can assist their efforts from our side if we stay alert, focused, and pro-fessional on the job. If through our actions we can lessen injury time losses, we only help make our employer more competitive, and our own jobs more secure.

Secondly, is through organizing; all Operating Engineers are organizers. With competition fighting for the lowest bid price and best resources, we hear time and time again that a major component in a bid is labour costs. Through organiz-ing, we can level this field, allowing our employers the opportunity to reduce the wide fluctuations sometimes seen between labour costs in different bids. We talk a lot about market share and how it’s been steadily reducing over the last decade; this needs to change, and we can only regain market share through increased organizing efforts, and retain what we have already fought so hard for.

As I drive around my area of representation, it is good to see all the job sites in full production and the road crews out in force. Municipal work is not as plentiful as it once was, but it is keeping a few crews busy. The Vancouver dry-dock is installing a new crane, ominously named “Goliath”. This crane will have a 300 ton lift capacity and will stand 264 feet tall – that’s about 60 feet taller than the driving deck of the Lions Gate Bridge, and should be completed in 2014.

Have a great summer, and remember to work safe.

Adapting to a new way of bidding and workingBob Higgs, Member Representative

Families and friends enjoying themselves at the annual Training Association Open House event.

July 2013 News 7

District 1

Hello Brother and Sisters. I hope the start of spring has treated you well.

To start off, a brief update on our bargaining activities.We have ratified the Lower Mainland Utility Agreement,

and are currently in negotiations for a new Paving Agreement; Lafarge/Columbia Bitulithic has taken the position that they will be bargaining independently from the rest of the Paving and Crushing Group of Employers, and bargaining is ongoing with both groups.

Pile Driving Industry negotiations have started. We have met numerous times already, we hope to have a document to vote on shortly.

A major project on the books being bid on right now is the Evergreen line; the union has agreed to a no strike/no lockout agreement to bid on the pile driving work as a requirement by SNC Lavalin before our companies can enter into the bidding process.

Another big project on the books is the development planned on the Tswwassen First Nations land in Richmond; at this point our soil densification, the union, and our signatory companies are working hard to get the work and make sure that no non-union work is undertaken.

In closing I would like to thank you for your support in electing me to represent you at our International Convention; I am proud and humbled by the appointment.

Thank you, and see you at the next district meeting.

No strike, no lockout in evergreen bid Frank Carr, Member Representative

To start, congratulations to Mainland Sand and Gravel! They just reached a milestone of moving three million tonnes for Aggregate from their Cox Station location in just 12 months. Very impressive.

The construction side of things is slowly starting to pick up; it’s good to see Union contractors pick up jobs in the Fra-ser Valley, but it would be good to see more, and we can all be part of helping them out.

We need to educate our non-union family and friends on the advantages of being union. It’s not only about the dollar amount – we have pension, benefits, training facilities, sup-port staff and most importantly, collective agreements in

place. Live Better, Work Union – that’s what you need to edu-cate them on, focusing on the Live Better part.

I recently was on a job site talking with a member who was running a skid steer, and he said he would sure like to run a dozer. I asked him if he had dozer training. He said he had done a course a few years back and had some seat time. When I got back to the office, I checked the member’s skills list we keep in dispatch, and there was no mention of dozer experi-ence or training to be found, so I called him to advise him of this and take action.

This got me thinking about how many other members out there also have skills that nobody knows of; it is your respon-sibility to update our dispatch office with your current skills, and check in with them to make sure the list of equipment you run is current, and make any changes necessary. I would hate to think you are running a skid steer when really you should be on a D11!

In closing, I would like to say we all need to stay informed, and stay active. Come out to your local district meeting; ask questions, get informed, get involved.

Think Safe. Be Safe.

Are your skills up to date?Stewart Miller, Member Representative

8 News July 2013

District 1

Hello Brothers and Sisters.On the bargaining front, we have been busy to say the least.

Wajax equipment has been negotiated and 87.5 % of the bar-gaining unit has voted in favour of their new collective agree-ment. The members at Wajax Equipment will enjoy a wage increase of 3.3% and 2% during the next three years, along with a signing bonus of $650.00.

I am currently preparing to assist Brother Stewart Miller in negotiations with Parrish & Heimbecker. I am also getting ready for negotiations with Pacific Coast Heavy Truck, for-mally known as Volvo. There are two locations attached to this unit, so I can see that this will be a challenge to overcome,

but we will “get ‘er done”.I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank all

the hard work the shop stewards have been doing this last year as we have had several challenges and hurdles to overcome, and must prepare for many more - keep up the good work!

The Union would like to encourage members to get involved when it comes to becoming a shop steward, as there are several areas that could use your help. The Peace Country is definitely one of them, being Peace River Coal. I am looking to build a solid team to be able to fix the issues that have been ongoing, and any that arise, and need a shop steward on each crew as there are many different shifts and many issues to address on behalf of the work force there. If you are interested, please contact me or your current shop steward.

As the summer and nicer weather approaches, the South Perimeter Highway and Fraser Transportation Group (FTG) will be pressing forward to completion. Several of our con-tractors will be exceptionally busy. The Evergreen Line has also taken off to a good start where more of our signatory companies have picked up a fair amount of work on this project.

Be Safe, and we will see you in the field.

We’re active on the bargaining front and we could use your helpBrett Chapman, Member Representative

Neptune Terminals Building. Photo by John Vosbourgh.

8 News July 2013

8 News July 2013

Union Organizing

I have been getting a lot of positive feedback about the safety programs at the Kitimat Modernization Project (KMP) and Kemano camps.

And safety is the word of the day. Whether you are sitting in the seat or working on the ground, these job sites can be very dangerous places to work.

Member safety is the most important aspect of these proj-ects. Far too often we see work sites with less than perfect safety practices. The programs that have been put in place in

We’re all about SAFeTY Rob Duff, Organizing Representative

I was hoping that, by the time you read this, there would be some changes in Victoria. Changes that were, and still are, long overdue.

The hope was that a new government could bring in a bal-anced labour code so that we could start winning our market share back to where it once was. However, with the unfore-

Dispatcher’s Report

Still hoping for much needed changesJim Flynn, Dispatcher

BEChTEl ES&h DEPArTmEnT | KiTimAT mODErnizATiOn PrOjECTOur goal: zero

incidents First Aid medical Treatment

lost Time near miss

Property Damage

Env

restricted Work Day

Lost Work Day

28 April - 04 may 6 0 0 0 4 4 2

April 2013 17 2 0 0 11 12 10

Year to Date 89 3 0 2 26 41 35

Project to Date 477 12 7 6 186 185 285

hours Worked Since last lost Time incident (13 February 2013) : 609,630

Kemano and KMP are models to be followed on other work-sites throughout B.C. The numbers speak for themselves, with the lost time due to an incident at 609,630 hours. I think it’s safe to say that our members are buying into the philoso-phy of safety first.

Remember we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. If you see something that is unsafe, correct it. If you see someone working unsafe, stop it. A little extra effort on the safety side may save a finger, an arm or even a life.

seen re-election of the Liberals, we have at least another four years to wait before we can rely on them to create these changes.

Our trade has been affected by a labour code that rewards the (non-union) union companies’ ability to set their raid windows when they are the least likely to have the bulk of their workforce employed. So the choice few make the deci-sions for the majority. Dispatch has been steady, but not set-ting the world on fire so far this year. I am hoping by the time you read this, things will have ramped up.

In closing, school will soon be out so let’s all keep a sharp eye out for the kids.

July 2013 News 9

10 News July 2013

District 2

A good batch of work coming up on vancouver IslandCurtis Harold and Tim Cullen, Member Representatives

Hello Brothers and Sisters from District 2.Work on Vancouver Island is gearing up for another steady

construction year. The big talk of course is the John Hart Dam in Campbell River which we have covered briefly in other articles. Uplands Excavating was successful in securing some preliminary work for the dam, but the award is not taking place until the late summer. Uplands are currently at the Co-Gen Station in Campbell River removing services tied into the mill and hooking up to the city, and also at the redevelopment of the Campbell River Air Tanker Base at the airport. In May they will be back at the NVI mine site working on the tailing ponds as well as upgrading the dyke. After that, they will be back at Quinsam Coal when the weather has dried out towards the summer. There are also the two hospitals to be built in the Campbell River and Courtney areas, and we will be keeping a close eye on the outcome regarding the successful bidder.

Hazelwood Construction has been busy picking up run of the river projects; they are back at Gold Bridge and heading to Canoe Creek. They have successfully finished up with some local projects in Nanaimo and Cedar.

Chew Excavating has been successful at securing a sizeable job at the old Construction Aggregates location off Metchosin Road, preparing site service for the Royal Bay School to be constructed there. Chew is still at the Hartland Landfill and doing maintenance work for Telus and BC Hydro.

Construction at the Wind Farm in Port Hardy has finished, apart from the erection of the mills themselves, with a total of six completed at the time of writing this article. There is talk

of the second phase starting this year; we will keep you posted if that transpires.

The paving season is just starting out at a slow pace, and our various contractors will be bidding aggressively on work this season to keep the crews going.

Point Hope Maritime has ramped up their workforce with several vessels in dock, and have a great year to look forward to.

Industrial shops Wajax, Brandt Tractor, SMS, United Rent-als, and Robinson Rentals, continue to enjoy their great start to the season. Forestry and many different construction proj-

ects keep the parts and repairs shops going strong.

Upcoming bargaining with United Rentals Vancouver Island will be starting at the beginning of May, and Victoria Materials Depot in July.

A thank you to the Shop Stew-ards that could attend the appreciation dinner held on April 6 – the night went very well, with excellent entertainment and dinner.

Please remember that our Victoria meeting times are at 7:30pm and Nanaimo at 6:00pm. The next Black Creek meet-ing is at 6:00pm on September 26, 2013.

We would like to thank the Stewards for the great work that they do for all the membership at their work sites. A member-ship that stays engaged continues the success of Local 115. Stay safe, and see you in the field and our district meetings.

Harold Cullen

Looking ahead, work on Vancouver Island is gearing up for another steady construction year.

10 News July 2013 July 2013 News 11

District 3

Good progress on bargaining and working together to organize Rob dePfyffer and Brad Gerow, Member Representatives

Hello Brothers and Sisters. The summer is upon us and things are getting busy. We have had a good spring with bargaining for many contracts in place so far, and we still have more to come.

First, we have completed bargaining with Wajax, delivering an 87% acceptance of a new three-year deal with increases of 3%, 3%, and 2% over the negotiated time period. Pacific Abra-sives in Grand Forks have just ratified a three-year deal with cost-of-living increases each year, and an increase to pensions as well. Currently, we are in bargaining with James Western Star and Premium Truck and Trailer in Kelowna, and hope to have their agreements completed by the time this publication hits your mail box.

CGL in Vernon has just ratified a new three-year collective agreement and is busy working on a beautification project in the heart of downtown Vernon. There are other similar proj-ects on the horizon they are investigating, and they are look-ing at staying busy for the next while, which is good news for members in the area.

In the coming months we will be entering into bargaining with Westlake and Vernon Paving as well; this will be the first collective agreement with them since we raided them from CLAC back in the summer of 2011. We have a good founda-tion of members there, and look forward to our first round of bargaining for them.

Con-Ex Civil Contractors is busy working on an infra-structure upgrade project for the Kamloops Band, and has started the earthworks for the next lot development in Juni-per. Combine that work with upcoming negotiations and the plate is almost full for the crew at Con-Ex.

The industrial sector is very busy right now; the shops in District 3 are doing very well and seems to be picking up as the spring turns into summer. Currently it is break-up time in the area, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing down progress right now, as there is work in the local mines keeping busi-nesses and our members busy.

The crane industry has been very steady over the winter with Sterling Crane keeping all their staff working throughout

the area, and not having the normal slowdown that they nor-mally experience at this time of year. Entrec is continuing their work up at the Highland Valley Mill Modernization project in Logan Lake with a few more months to completion, and are currently running both day and night shifts to keep the project going, with approximately 24 workers on various shifts.

The local highway work is starting to come out for tender. The first of these projects is 21.5kms of paving on Westsyde Road in Kamloops which is being done by Dawson Construc-tion. B.C. 672462 has picked up phase 1 of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff four-laning from Kamloops to the Alberta border. Meanwhile, Hazelwood’s run of the river project in Goldbridge is in full swing, and once again will deliver some interesting stories to tell for years to come. The job is tough, with landscape and geography the prime contributors to the degree of difficulty; but that’s precisely why it’s the right job for members of the Operating Engineers.

B.A. Dawson Blacktop is also hard at work in Salmon Arm. Last time I was out there they were knee deep in the mud and pumping ground water, but making progress installing 36” concrete pipe. These are the elements of the type of work that makes for future stories on how “we pulled together and got the job done”, despite difficulties along the way. B.A. Dawson Blacktop is also busy with paving in Kamloops and some pedestrian upgrades.

In regards to organizing, I have had many conversations with members over the last few months on this topic and how it relates to their collective agreements. We need significant market share in order to increase the wages and pensions in the contracts we negotiate, and this can only be achieved by working together as one collective group. When you are out on job sites, talking to other contractors, let them know about the benefits and options you have; let them know about the pension, medical, and training that is readily available to you as an Operating Engineer. The seed gets planted through our members talking to the people they are working with, so when you encounter someone that wants to talk about the union, let us know and we will come out and help grow the idea you have planted.

If you happen to be out on a site that is non-union, let us know where you are and we will come out to see you and the people you are working with, and get them started on orga-nizing their work place. We all need to work together on get-ting our market share back to where it should be, one site and meeting at a time.

Brothers and Sisters, remember you are the union, and by working together and keeping communication open, we can grow this great organization even further.

Gerow

12 News July 2013

Formula Contractors working on the iskut bridge in Prince George.

On February 27th, 2013 hundreds of thousands Pink Shirt Day supporters committed to “make some noise against bullying” and their message was heard. $275,000 was raised as a result of the campaign organized by the CKNW Orphans’ Fund.

NEWS B U L L E T I N

DUES INCREASE NOTIFICATION

At the IUOE General Convention held in April 2013, the delegates passed a resolution to increase the per capita tax by $0.25 per month effective July 1st, 2013. These increases affect all members as per the following statement:

“The per capita increase of $0.25 per month commencing July 1, 2013, shall be done so in accordance with Article XI Section 1 of the Constitution.”

Should anyone have any questions regarding the implementation of the necessary deductions, please contact Don Swerdan at 604.291.8831

Yours truly

Don SwerdanFinancial SecretaryIUOE Local 115


District 4

There are several projects within the district currently on the books, and hopefully they will kick off before the fall. The Northwest corridor is shaping up to be a huge opportunity for the membership with multiple projects proposed, providing that commodity prices stay high which will ensure the success of these projects.

Liquefied natural gas is the big ticket item for the province and enjoy strong government backing and investment. These plants require a tremendous amount of electrical power, and this should fall right into place with the construction of BC Hydro’s Site C dam. These projects would employ many Operating Engineers, which will in turn support our extended families.

Currently one of the largest project labour agreements, the Rio Tinto Alcan Kitimat Modernization Project, is progress-ing well. There are roughly 150 members working on this massive project, with the completion date set for 2015.

Despite these forecasted projects and the benefits and posi-tive outlook they provide, the union contractors are having a

Looking forward to LNG development and building Site cHerb Conat and Wayne Kemp, Member Representatives

difficult time trying to compete against non-union and employer-dominated unions. Our market share continues to be challenged and eroded by the gov-ernment’s continued attack on labour as a whole. This enforces our goal of con-tinuing to “organize the unorganized” and bring fair, equitable treatment to as many deserving workers as possible. Not only this, the goal of developing a

membership that is further skilled than our competition means that now is the time to upgrade your expertise and contact the training association coordinators to take your abilities, and career opportunities, to the next level; this is what makes Operating Engineers members outclass the competition.

On the topic of training, Brother Don Swerdan conducted Steward Training in Prince George during April, where 30 members attended the course. The event was well received by all who participated, and the stewards appreciated the colour-ful presentation by Brother Swerdan. Thanks to those stew-ards who took the time out of their weekends to participate in this course, including the members who travelled long dis-tances to attend.

In closing, we would like to thank the great work that the stewards and safety committee members do for all members at their work sites. These women and men stand up for the wellbeing of the membership and their efforts should be noticed and appreciated. Thank you, and work safe.

Conat Kemp

Spring has come unusually late this year in the Northeast which may delay some seasonal projects.

Hydraulic fracturing has been getting a lot of media atten-tion lately as Canadians request more information as to how industry uses and protects our fresh ground water.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) members have established new guiding principles for hydrau-lic fracturing which will guide water management and

Tougher rules aim to ensure safe hydraulic fracturing Mike Spiruda, Member Representative

improve the water and fluids reporting practices for shale gas development in Canada.

Environment Canada also wants the oil and gas industry to become transparent about the unidentified fluids and chemi-cals which are injected deep underground to extract natural gas and liquids.

Shale gas is the game changer that will enable British Columbia to produce the large volumes and enable us to export Liquefied Natural Gas from the Northwest to Asian markets.

Now that the election is behind us and with proper hydrau-lic fracturing principles coming into play, the major oil and gas producers should be in a better position to move forward with some of the planned major projects.

There is $50 million plus in road work approved for the Northeast this coming summer which creates the opportunity for Local 115 and membership to increase our market share within the road building industry. Please let us know where you may be working. Have a safe summer.

District 5

14 News July 2013

District 6

From April 28th to May 1st, 2013, delegates from Local 115 attended the 38th General Convention of the Operating Engi-neers in Hollywood, Florida. The theme of the Convention was “Honour the Past - Shape the Future” and this theme was very prevalent throughout the entire convention. There were 622 delegates and 37 guests in attendance from all over Cana-da and the USA.

Local 115`s Delegates were as follows:• BusinessManager,BrianCochrane• President,WayneMills• RecordingCorrespondingSecretary,BrianLefebvre• FinancialSecretary,DonSwerdan• UnionTreasurer,FrankCarr• ManagerAdministration&SpecialProjects,LyndaArland• District 1 Members’ Representatives, Craig McIntosh &

Brett Chapman• TrainingAssociationInstructor,SteveCarter• District4Members’Representative,WayneKemp• District5Members’Representative,MikeSpiruda

General President James Callahan began the General Con-vention with a few messages to all delegates. Some of the high-lights were:• TheMembershipistheUnion.• Holdpoliticiansaccountable.• Ourneedtoeducate,motivate,andmobilizeour

membership.• Turnchallengesintoopportunities.• Leavethisorganizationevenbetterthanthegreatshape

we receive it in.The delegates were tasked with the election of the General

Executive Boards. I am happy to report that the General Presi-dent, James Callahan, and the General Secretary-Treasurer, Brian Hickey, were re-elected. Also re-elected were all 14 of the current Vice Presidents and five International Trustees.

As part of “Honouring the Past”, our previous General President, Vincent Giblin, was in attendance and spoke to the

delegates about our organization as leaders in the union movement, and how well-respected we are within our indus-tries. He also spoke very highly of our re-elected General President, General Secretary-Treasurer and Vice Presidents, and how there is no doubt in his mind that the organization is in great hands.

The delegates also heard from a wide array of speakers during the convention, such as,• RichardTrumka–PresidentoftheAFL-CIO• RichardDurbin–UnitedStatesSenatorofIllinois• RichardGriffinJr.–BoardMemberoftheNational

Labour Relations Board• TimothyJames–Director,LegislativeandPoliticalAffairs

of IUOE International• GaryDoer–CanadianAmbassadortotheUSA• JamesRay–Lawyer,JamesRayPLLC• StephenLindauer–CEOoftheAssociationofUnion

Constructors• MichaelFanning–CEOoftheIUOECentralPension

Fund• MaureenEhrenberg–GlobalDirectorofCBRE`sGlobal

Facilities Management• BuddyWhite–PresidentandCEOofWhiteConstruction

Inc.• DouglasMcCarron–GeneralPresidentoftheCarpenters

& Joiners of America• RaymondPoupore–ExecutiveVicePresidentatNational

Construction Alliance II• DonaldTaylor–PresidentofUNITEHERE

All of the speakers spoke on topics that are close to the organizations that they represented, but the prevailing theme was how the Operating Engineers’ focus on building improved quality, careers, and secure futures for their membership.

The delegates also had an opportunity to vote on 17 amend-ments to the International Constitution and 27 resolutions, including a resolution submitted by your Local 115 Delegates in regards to the fight against abuse of Temporary Foreign Worker permits. Business Manager Brian Cochrane addressed the delegates on supporting this resolution, who voted unani-mously to support our proposed resolution.

As this was the first General Convention that I have attend-ed, I have to say how impressed I was with our International Union and the direction we are headed in as part of it. It is also great to see first-hand the amount of unfettered support we all have from General President Callahan and the entire Interna-tional Organization membership when called upon.

Local 115 attends the 38th General convention of the Operating engineers Brian Lefebvre, Member Representative


District 6

The 2013 IUOE Convention theme.

Local 115’s delegates with President Wayne Mills.

IUOE Local 115 Business Manager Brian Cochrane spoke to a motion condemning Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers Program. The resolution was unanimously accepted.

July 2013 News 15

16 News July 2013

District 6

Hello from the Sparwood Office!The coal industry is holding its own right now, but coal

sales for the upcoming year hasn’t been made public yet. Those working in the industry will be keeping a close eye on these results to see how performance has fared so far this year.

Line Creek has one less hurdle to clear before being granted an extension permit. You may notice I used the word exten-sion and not expansion. Without this extension, the mine could close its doors in about five years, whereas now it should stay open for the next 20 years. This is great news, as the con-

tractors that survive by working for mines such as Line Creek are having a tough time lately. Almost no contracts of signifi-cance have been issued for almost a year, and it’s tough to make a living in the Elk Valley if you don’t have steady work on one of the mines here.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program issue and ran-dom drug testing continue to be important issues to our mem-berships, which is why the local continues fighting on these issues with such vigour. We need your support to continue to stand up for workers’ rights and bring about much-needed reform in these topics!

Summer is just around the corner, and with that comes new safety concerns. Please have a safe holiday season with your family on the roads, at home, and at your destination.

In closing, I want to thank the members and executives of this Local for a wonderful experience. After representing this Union in one capacity or another for 29 years, it’s time to go.

Retirement; Pensions – great words! Thank goodness I’ve worked Union!

Sincerely,Gord Chaisson

Retiring with a pension. Thank goodness I’ve worked union Gord Chaisson, Member Representative

Now that we’re finally into nicer weather... road construction! Isn’t it great?

Some might think that these comments are sarcastic, as most people consider road construction nothing other than a hassle; but not me. We all know it happens, so you might as well plan ahead for it. And while you are waiting in line, have a look around at the scenery; for most of us, it’s like we live in a postcard. When the Flagger turns the sign around and it’s finally your turn to go through, take a look at the people doing the work on that road. They could very well be your fellow Union Brothers and Sisters, and any time I see our member-ship back to work, it’s a good thing.

The Waneta Dam expansion is still going strong, and the project has created a steady source of income for a great num-ber of our members. I believe applause is well deserved for both past and present members that have both worked and are currently working on the project for how safely they work.

On a project this big, it’s an amazing accomplishment. Not too long ago the attitude and mentality around safety issues was different on many construction sites, and a lot of chances would be taken, often with negative results. The culture is changing for the better, and safety is becoming the norm; it’s great to see.

Things are looking up for the Contractors supporting the five mine sites in the Elk Valley, as they are slowly starting to pick up more work after a slight downturn in the coal mining industry. Thankfully only a small number of members have been affected by the temporary layoffs, and with any luck they will be back to work soon.

On a more positive note, congratulations are in order for the Bargaining Committee and the Membership work-ing for Wajax Equipment in the ratification of their Col-lective Agreement by 87%. Good job everyone!

In closing, I would like to invite all our readers to become more involved with your Union, and the issues of our province as well as our country. We all know about the “rumour mill” and how it works to skew the facts, so rath-er than getting caught up in it, come out to a District meet-ing, ask questions, and find out what is really going on as well contribute to the valuable information and opinions that are shared at every meeting. You deserve to know the truth so that when you hear any rumours, you can help set the record straight for everyone else.

Work safe.

Now that we’re into nice weather...Rob Foskett, Member Representative


Benefit Plans

This is a reminder that during the month of July members under age 65 will have a one-time opportunity to purchase up to $40,000.00 of optional life insurance coverage without any medical qualification. This medical evidence-free insurance is only available on the member’s life. Spouses are not eligible for medical evidence-free coverage.

Great-West Life will hold this open enrolment in July only. Members interested in purchasing coverage can obtain an

application form from the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan office. The completed application must be returned to the office, or postmarked, no later than July 31, 2013.

This insurance is available in units of $20,000 to a maxi-mum of $40,000. Once a member turns 65 the coverage will terminate. The premium varies with age and your initial costs is noted in the chart below. As you get older the premium will be adjusted the first day of the month following your reaching the ages listed.

In addition to the medical evidence-free coverage, mem-bers and their spouses can purchase optional life insurance for up to $300,000.00. Coverage is subject to approval by Great-West Life. See your Benefits Plan booklet for more informa-tion or contact the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan office. The applicable premiums for optional life insurance are the same as those noted in the chart for the medical evidence-free insurance.

July features open enrolment for optional life insurance Shawn Hatch, Administrator

Age of member or Spouse

male non- Smoker

male Smoker

Female non- Smoker

Female Smoker

To age 34 $ .05 $.08 $.04 $.06

35 – 39 .05 .11 .05 .08

40 – 44 .08 .16 .07 .12

45 – 49 .15 .29 .12 .21

50 – 54 .25 .49 .20 .33

55 – 59 .46 .85 .32 .50

60 – 64 .64 1.10 .41 .60

IUOE115 IS GOING DIGITAL!The IUOE News, and many of our other Local 115 publications will soon be available online for digital reading, downloading, discussion, and sharing. Our website is being completely rebuilt in the coming weeks to create an interactive, informative experience for all our members and readers. Get your digital copy and keep up with our progress and website relaunch at www.iuoe115.com.

Training Association

18 News July 201318 News July 2013

Brother Don Swerdan conducting a Shop Steward Training Course in Prince George.

IUOE LOCAL 115

Annual Defence FundThis is a notice to all members who will be paying their dues in the

next couple of months. The annual defence fund dues of $40 is payable on july 1. Be sure to include this additional amount

with your dues payment because any dues payment is applied to

outstanding assessments first.

July 2013 News 19

tEmporary ForEign WorkEr program

iUOE local 115 forced government changes to Temporary Foreign Worker ProgramBy Bill Tieleman

THANKS TO A MAJOR COURT BATTLE started by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115, the federal government has been forced to make significant changes to the flawed Temporary Foreign Worker Program that allowed coal miners from China to work in B.C.

IUOE Local 115 filed legal action in the Federal Court of Canada last fall after Chinese-owned HD Mining announced it had received approval to bring 200 Temporary Foreign Workers from China to work on a coal mine development near Tumbler Ridge.

“The challenge to even have the Court consider the union arguments was enormous,” says Brian Cochrane, IUOE Local 115 Business Manager.

“And that’s not to mention cancelling the order work per-mits already granted to HD Mining by the federal Human Resources and Skills Development ministry.”

But IUOE Local 115, along with the Construction and Specialized Workers Union [Labourers’ Union] Local 1611 and the BC Building Trades unions, knew the case was the only way to expose the systematic abuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program by employers with government acceptance, Cochrane said.

“Even before the Court decision was given, the federal Conservative government had already announced very sig-nificant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program because of evidence produced in Court about how qualified Canadians were not considered for HD Mining jobs,” Cochrane says.

The unions proved that while HD Mining rejected all 300 Canadian applicants, many of them were extremely qualified for coal mining jobs. HD Mining demanded Mandarin lan-guage as a job requirement.

In April the federal government announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that include ending an option that allowed employers to pay 15 per cent lower wages than Canadian prevailing wage rates, removing an Acceler-ated Labour Market Opinion process to bring in Temporary

Canadians were outraged when Temporary Foreign Workers from China got BC coal mining jobs

Foreign Workers, giving the government increased authority to suspend and revoke worker permits for abusing the pro-gram and ensuring foreign languages are not job requirements.

“This Federal Court case was the catalyst to demonstrate conclusively that the dramatic increase in the use of Tempo-rary Foreign Workers has come at the cost of Canadian jobs,” Cochrane added. “We fought to win many of the changes pro-posed by the federal government but will continue to demand even more improvements to end abuse of the system.”

The Federal Court ruled in May against overturning the HD Mining work permits, with Justice Russel Zinn excluding some key evidence produced in Court by the unions from consideration – but Cochrane says there is no reason for disappointment.

“By taking on this case, our union and the BC Building Trades exposed a fundamentally broken Temporary Foreign Worker Program and won in the most important court in the country – the court of public opinion.”

“Without this case we would have not have seen a single improvement to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program – the lesson is that you have to fight for changes to make any progress and we will keep doing that,” Cochrane said. “Now everything has changed and employers can no longer blatant-ly abuse the system.”

“Canada has seen the use of Temporary Foreign Workers explode in the last 10 years to over 330,000 – and 71,000 of those workers are in British Columbia,” Cochrane said. “Our union is determined to ensure that qualified Canadians are always first in line to get jobs – not be rejected and replaced by workers from other countries.

Bill Tieleman is a communications and strategy consultant who also writes a weekly column in 24 Hours Vancouver news-paper and The Tyee online magazine.

20 News July 201320 News

iUOE local 115 Annual Financial Statement FYE 2012

20 News July 2013 July 2013 News 2120 News News 21

M.L. (Mike) Parr Bursary or Bursaries

Amount: total $2,000.May be divided between more than one applicant.

CriteriA: Awarded annually to a son, daughter or legal ward of a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 entering first-year studies in any discipline at a recognized Canadian college, university or voca-tional school as a full-time student. Awards are based upon secondary school academic standing.

Applications are available from:Sandie BirdOperating Engineers’ Benefits Plan OfficePhone: (604) 299-8341, ext. 407Fax: (604) 473-5236

Deadline: Applications to be submitted before Sept. 30, 2013 and awards are presented in November.

IUOE Canadian Conference Bursary

Amount: 10 bursaries of $750.00 each. Two of these are allotted to British Columbia.

CriteriA: Awarded annually to a dependant of a member of a Canadian local of the Operating Engineers.

The bursary recipient must be enter-ing their first or subsequent year of a full-time course of study (at least 2 years in length) leading to a diploma, certifi-cate or degree from any recognized public Canadian college or university. Applications must be supported by transcripts of high school achievement and accompanied by a detailed letter of

recommendation from an individual with personal academic knowledge of the candidate, outlining reasons why the bursary should be awarded. In addi-tion, applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay on the reason why the bursary will be of assistance or the impact that being a dependent of a union member has had on the appli-cant’s life.

For more information, contact:Canadian Conference of Operating Engineers1030 Upper James St, Suite 401Hamilton, Ontario, L9C 6X6Phone (905)-527-5250Fax (905)-527-6336Email: [email protected]

Deadline: Applications to be submitted no later than August 1, 2013.

B.C. Building Trades Fred Randall Bursary

Amount: the British Columbia Build-ing trades established two $500 bur-saries in memory of Fred randall, former mLA and business manager of operating engineers Local 115.

CriteriA:•Amemberingoodstanding•Enrolledinaunion-recognizedtradestraining program•A250-wordessaymustbesubmittedby the applicants on the topic of “Com-mitment to Trade Union Principles.”

The committee will make its selec-tions considering financial need, profi-ciency in the trade and the applicant’s commitment to trade union principles. Joint training boards from each affiliat-

iUOE bursaries and scholarships can help fund post-secondary education for your families

ed local union can submit a name from their membership for consideration. The two selections will be made from those applicants. Following the com-mittee selection, the successful appli-cants will be awarded their bursary upon confirmation of their attendance in their training program.

For more information please contact:Brynn Bourke, ResearcherBC Building TradesPhone: 778-397-2220Email: [email protected]

Deadline: the end of June

Pipe Line Contractors’ Association Cal Callahan Memorial Bursary

Amount: A bursary, or bursaries, not exceeding $10,000 in total, is awarded in the fall of each year, by the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Can-ada to a son, daughter, or legal ward of persons who derive their principal income from pipeline construction.

CriteriA:To qualify, the parent or guardian of the applicant must be employed by, or have a history of employment with, a firm that is a member of the Pipe Line Con-tractors’ Association of Canada. The applicant must be enrolled in first-year studies at any recognized Canadian uni-versity or college in a program leading to a degree or diploma in any field.

Visit www.pipeline.ca/bursary.html or call (905) 847-9383.For more information visit www.iuoe115.com/for.members/scholarships.


Deadline: Applications must be received by the Executive Committee of the Pipe Line Contractors’ Association of Canada no later than Oct. 31, and must be supported by evidence of enrolment in a fall or winter session during the current year.

Community Savings Credit Union OECU Pioneers Memorial BursaryAmount: Originally established in 1989 by Operating Engineers Credit Union, which merged with Community Savings Credit Union in 2008, the memorial provides an annual donation to honour the pioneers of the Operating Engineers Credit Union.

CriteriA: This trust incorporates the original memorial established for Harry & Doris Berger. Harry was a founding charter member, President and Director

of Operating Engineers Credit Union. Doris was a dedicated volunteer serving as Secretary to the Credit Union’s Board, the Credit Union Foundation of B.C. and other associated organizations. Much of Doris and Harry’s volunteer work reflected their keen interest in less privileged children. Awards from the Community Savings Credit Union OECU Pioneers Memorial bursary are designed to help disadvantaged youth pursue higher education.

For an application, visit www.cufounda-tion.org or stop by the Operating Engi-neers branch of Community Savings Credit Union at 4590 Hastings Street in Burnaby, B.C.

Deadline: Applications for students starting school in the fall are accepted beginning September 1, 2013 with the deadline being October 15, 2013.

Donald Smith ScholarshipAmount: Up to $1,000.

CriteriA Awarded annually to a son, daughter or legal ward, a member or a member’s spouse who is in full-time attendance at the UBC, SFU, University of Victoria, University of Northern Brit-ish Columbia or BCIT pursuing studies in engineering, industrial relations or law at either the graduate or undergrad-uate level. Awards are based upon aca-demic standing.

Applications are available from: Sandie BirdOperating Engineers’ Benefits Plan OfficePhone: (604) 299-8341, ext. 407Fax: (604) 473-5236

Deadline: Applications to be submitted before Sept. 30, 2013 and awards are presented in November.

Pipe Line Contractors’ Cal Callahan Memorial BursaryDonald Smith ScholarshipM.L. (Mike) Parr Bursary or BursariesIUOE Local 115 Credit Union Pioneers’ BursaryIUOE Canadian Conference BursaryB.C. Building Trades Council Fred Randall Bursary

Scholarships and Bursaries

For more information, check outiuoe115.com/for-members/scholarships/

L o C a L 1 1 5

Scholarshipsand Bursaries


CELEBrating thE First 25 yEars oF our training assoCiation

Our training efforts keep our skills up and our union strong

continued on next page

It was back in 1987 that the Operating Engineers Training Association con-ducted an earthmoving course in Kam-loops for our members in support of the Cariboo College’s track and field proj-ect, when we were referred to as the Operating Engineers Training Plan. Recently, on behalf of the local Union, Brother Gordon Patterson had a plaque made and installed at the site to com-memorate the 25th anniversary of the local Union’s contribution to the City of Kamloops.

At the time, the association donated the use of four scrap-ers, three dozers, and two graders, which were transported from our training site in Maple Ridge. Two compactors and a water truck were also used on the project, which was donated by local contractors. In addition to the equipment donations, the project was supported by funds from the Cariboo College, and generous donations from local union contractors such as Dawson Construction and various equipment dealers

The project included the excavation of 275 thousand meters of material on two sites, the preparation of the track and field, and the student housing development. The entire project was the vision of, and organized by Brother Gordon Patterson, a Training Coordinator working out of the Kamloops office at the time. The project was supervised by Brother Pete Zanatta, the earth moving instructor.

Trainees used the skills and industry contacts they devel-oped from this project to go on to build major roads around the Province, including the Coquihalla Highway.

The commemoration of the plaque was attended by the college, local politicians, and news media, along with Brothers Brian Cochrane (Business Manager), Pete Zanatta, and Lionel Railton ( International Representative).

It is fitting to extend many thanks and give recognition to Brother Gordon Patterson for his hard work and dedication to our local Union and their historical achievements.


July 2013 News 23

Brad Randall, Administrator

Standing in front of our 62.5 ton American truck crane in our Mobile Crane Lattice Friction Level 2 class are Brothers Calvin Meier, Tim Muhs, Jason Castle, Cory Albright, Ken Collins and Rick Anderson, (Instructor).

Standing in front of the Training Association’s 30 to Grove at the Skills Canada Competition are Brothers Cody Fisher, Paul Wallman, Gordon Lindberg (Judge), Tom Kinnear (Training Coordinator), Brad Randall (Administrator), Kyle Thompson, Scott McRae, Matt Baker, Grant Washington (Judge), Rick Anderson (Instructor), Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) and Jeff Gorham (Training Coordinator).


Training AssociationTraining Association

24 News July 2013

continued from previous page

Skills Canada CompetitionThe Skills Canada Competition, hosted by Skills Canada BC (Skills BC) in association with Skills Competences Canada and WorldSkills, offers a unique opportunity for young peo-ple across the Province to experience and compete in careers in the skilled trades and applied technologies.

Skills BC hosts 13 Regional and one Provincial Competi-tion each year. Winners of the Regional competitions advance to the Provincials where they have the chance to advance to the national and/or world skills competitions.

The competitions serve two main purposes; firstly, to cele-brate and reward students for excellence in their mastery of skilled trade and technology skills in a manner that directly involves industry in evaluating student performance, and that keeps training relevant to employers’ needs; and secondly, to create an interactive and engaging environment for the thou-sands of young people who attend the competitions as spectators.

On April 17th Skills BC held their provincial competitions at the Tradex in Abbotsford. This featured over 30 different competitions involving more than 400 contestants, attracting up to 9,000 visitors.

The IUOE Local 115 Training Association has always been a strong supporter of this program, and approached Skills BC in April 2012 regarding starting a competition for mobile crane apprentices. After working closely with Skills BC over the past year, we were given approval to run the first provin-cial competition for mobile crane apprentices in B.C.

For our inaugural competition year, we had five mobile crane apprentices participate. The apprentices were tested on their theoretical knowledge, rigging, pre-operational inspec-tion, set up, crane operating, and shut down procedures. For the practical portion of their competition the apprentices operated the Training Association’s RT530E Grove Mobile Hydraulic Crane.

I would like to congratulate Brother Cody Fisher on win-ning this first ever Mobile Crane Operators Competition. Cody is well on his way to becoming a Journeyperson opera-tor, and currently working for Entrec.

For this competition to be a success we needed to have a lot of support both from industry and our membership. I would like to thank the following for their participation:• Rob Magee, President from GWIL Crane Service, for

donating a die cast model crane that was presented to Cody Fisher.

• JamilBorge,BranchManager fromHarriganRentals, fordonating the use of a 7,000 watt generator.

• BrotherGordonLindbergandBrotherGrantWashingtonfor volunteering to be competition judges.

• The Training Association staff for putting in the extrahours to get this competition off the ground and being a success.

Women in tradesAt this year`s Skills BC Competition, a mentoring program was put in place to encourage women to enter the trades. Skills BC chose 10 different women, who are successful jour-neypersons in their craft, to spend a few hours with female high school students who have expressed interest in trades careers.

Sister Goretti Guilbault, a member of our Local Union Executive Board, volunteered her services for the day as a mentor. Goretti took her group for a tour of over 30 different competition stations. The highlight for her group was operat-ing the excavator simulator at the Training Association booth and watching the Mobile Crane competition.

Goretti spoke of the many challenges she had to face in her pursuit of her dream of becoming an operator, but that her focus and determination led her to achieving that dream, and how Local 115 was very influential in her reaching her goals.

I would like to thank Goretti for volunteering her time and sharing her experiences with her group. I am sure that the effort she has put into this program will have a positive effect on the future of women entering our trades.

M.L. Parr AwardThe M.L. Parr Award is presented annually to the heavy duty mechanic apprentice who achieves the highest marks upon completing their four-year apprenticeship, and obtaining an interprovincial Red Seal endorsement on their Provincial Trades Qualification Certificate.

The M.L. Parr Award was established in 1980 and is named on behalf of Brother Mike Parr, who first joined the Operating Engineers Union Local 115 in 1948, and later served the union as a Business Representative in 1952. Brother Parr was elected Business Manager in 1963 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1980.

The recipient of this prestigious award is presented with a small plaque and a cheque for $300.00, and has their name engraved on a large plaque that hangs in the Training Associa-tion office.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the IUOE Local 115 Training Association, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the award for the top heavy duty mechanic apprentice for 2012 goes to Brother Clayton Landals. Clayton completed his apprenticeship with Wajax Industries in Kamloops.


Brother Tom Kinnear (Training Coordinator) manning our display booth at the Skills Canada Competition and talking to attendees about the benefits of belonging to the Operating Engineers Union and the many different training opportunities we have.

Sister Goretti Guilbault stands in front of the Training Association’s display booth with a handful of the many women who participated inthe Women in Trades mentoring program this year at the Skills CanadaCompetition.

Brother Cody Fisher (Apprentice) being judged by Brothers Gordon Lindberg and Grant Washington on the Association’s 30 ton Grove RT at the Skills Canada Competition. Also judging the competition were Brothers Rick Anderson (Instructor) and Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator).

Brother Clayton Landals being presented with the M.L. Parr Award at the Annual Prince George Shop Stewards Dinner by Brothers Brad Randall (Administrator), Brian Cochrane (Business Manager) and Wayne Mills (President). Craig served his apprenticeship with Wajax Industries in Prince George.

July 2013 News 25

Members working for Fraser River Pile & Dredge attended a one-day Jay Lift course delivered in their yard by Brother GordonLindberg. Pictured are Brothers Jeff Billingsley, Chris Carroll,Rod Nierva, Jesse Tidmarsh and Daniel Bowyer.

Members working for Geopac/Agra participated in a one-dayrigging course delivered by Brother Gordon Lindberg. Picturedare Brothers Dave Holmgren, Chris Rowe, Colin Paterson, AlHurley, Danielle Fayant (Safety Officer), Le Xuam Lam and BradSlyman.


26 News July 201326 News July 201326 News 26 News July 201326 News

Brother Percy Snow receives his Partsperson BC Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal endorsement from Brother Jeff Gorham (Training Coordinator)on the left. On the right is Mark Kettlewell (Parts Manager). Percy served his apprenticeship while working at First Truck Centre.

Members working for Pro-Tech Industrial Movers attended a 1 week under 40 tonne stiff boom crane course delivered by Brother Gordon Lindberg.Pictured are Brothers Gordon Lindberg (Instructor), Jad Deklava, Mike Stone and Allan Guzzo.

Brother Gordon Patterson speaking to the media at the unveilingof the plaque to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the track and field project in Kamloops.

Brothers Brian Cochrane (Business Manager), Pete Zanatta (Retired TrainingSite Supervisor and Earth MovingInstructor), Gordon Patterson (Retired Training Coordinator) and Lionel Railton (International Representative) standing in front of the commemorative plaque.A picture of the track and field as it looks today at the Thompson River University.

Brother Gordon Patterson shows some of the many pictures of the track and

field project in Kamloops from 25 years ago, and in particular a picture

of himself operating a dozer, assisting in the training of the students.

The commemorative plaque.

traCk anD FiELD projECt kamLoops

25th annivErsary

July 2013 News 27

Brothers John Choi, Joe Bagri and Jeremy Bird being presented with their Diesel Engine Mechanics Certificate of Apprenticeship by Brother Jeff Gorham (Training Coordinator).

All three members served their apprenticeship while working for Cummins Western Canada in the engine rebuild shop. Standing in front of a Cummins QSK 60 engine in a Komatsu 930E module frame are Brothers Ray Warke, Justin Paterson, John De Pourcq (up high), Cal Boyle, John Choi, Joe Bagri, Jeremy Bird, Vince Moznik, Murry Murdoch, Danilo Martinez, Dan O’Connor and Rob Rivett.

Brothers Eduard Gjoni, Luigi Tempesta, Steve Carter (Instructor), Keith Duncan and Gord Macklin at the Asphalt Laydown class. Brother Macklin is from Columbia Bitulithicand came out to the site to lend his expertise and assist intraining the students on the milling attachment for our newJCB Skidsteer.

Brothers James Klement, Doug MacFarlane, Curtis Laverty, Steve Carter (Instructor), Jeff Scott, Sister Shannon O’Brien and Brother Levon Filipponi. at the Asphalt Laydown class.

Our Heavy Equipment Operator students on a field trip to Columbia Bitulithic’s Port Kells asphalt plant. Pictured with the class is Brother Reynold Amey taking the class for a tour of the site. Reynold is very supportive of our training and Appreticeship programs. Reynold also sits on our Trade Advisory Committee for Plant Operator.

Brother Steve Carter instructing the Asphalt Laydown class on our Caterpillar 1050 paver.


28 News July 2013

by Marco Procaccini

Anyone who thinks the life of a con-struction tradesperson and activist is average really needs to talk with a guy like John Freeman

The life-long Local 115 member (will be a 65-year member as of this July), journeyman welder and dispatcher, cur-rently still active on the union’s applica-tion committee, has a wealth of experiences that speak for legions of working people who built BC’s infrastructure and fought for social justice.

“My parents were from England and settled in Sas-katchewan as homesteaders,” says the 83 year-old sibling of 12 brothers and sis-ters. “We went through the Great Depression. My dad lost his farm and we moved to Regina and tried to live doing what we could. In 1939, we moved to BC with the start of the big war machine. My dad got work in the ship-yard in North Van.”

They lived in a small two-bedroom “war house,” built strictly for shipyard workers during the wartime boom. Working there gave his father direct experience with union activism and the

importance of workers organizing together to get a democratic say in the businesses they work in — a fundamen-tal understanding shared by his whole family, including sons, daughters and grandkids, to this day

“My dad was a strong union mem-ber,” he said. “But he started to suffer from failing health. I was the oldest brother, so I ended up becoming the

main bread winner. But working in con-struction in the union, I made more than my dad ever did.”

Freeman started working as a con-struction labourer at 17 for Northern Construction, building the Lajoie Res-ervoir Dam (near the small town of Gold Bridge north of Whistler) in 1947.

“One day the shop steward for the welders saw me and said, ‘hey we need helper.’ So I started working with them. I joined the union for $11. That’s how I got trained.” It’s also, apparently how he really grew up. “I was a skinny little kid.

I grew seven inches in just a few months eating the good food in the camp.”

Freeman was really inspired by the World War II veterans returning to work, especially their pride and dedica-tion to quality work and standing up for their rights as union members. “The guys that came back from war were fan-tastic,” he said. “They were really strong unionists who really organized our industry in BC. You don’t see this atti-tude that much anymore.”

After working on numerous jobs across BC, including the massive Kema-no project, he went back to help com-plete the Lajoie dam project in 1952, where he was appointed the foreman of a 14-member welding crew.

“Joyce, my girlfriend of three years, came up from Vancouver. We went to Kamloops and got married on May 8, 1952. She was 19 and I was a week from my 22nd birthday,” he said. “The job was so busy, I only managed to get a week off.”

Freeman then worked on a variety of other projects until 1959, when he went back to North Vancouver to work in Northern’s fabrication shop, where he

eventually became a welding super-intendent directing large Local 115 crews.

“I went into the permanent yard in 1959, where we made steel fabri-cation work for projects all across

the country,” he said. “We had hundreds of Local 155 guys work there over the years. I had crews of up to 55 guys work-ing for me.”

“I enjoyed my 27 years of employ-ment and association with Northern’s engineers and many job supervisors — and our IUOE 115 engineer operators, mechanics, welders, machinists, oilers, trainees, electricians and master mechanics, to name a few,” he said. “Local 155 tradesmen need to be very versatile and ready to work on every kind of job. They deserve much praise.”

union in thE souLLong time Local 115 member John Freeman looks back on a varied career

John at 18; while working as a dispatcher; and today at 83.

Freeman was really inspired by the World War II veterans returning to work, especially their pride and dedication.

Members are welcome to send action photos from the sites where they’re

working. If your photo is used, you will receive an IUOE Local 115 logo item.

Glossy colour printsSend them to your district office c/o Media, IUOE News, 4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 3T3.

Digital images

• Usethehighestqualitysetting (“Fine/Superfine” or “Large”) on your digital camera.

• DropoffaCDatyourdistrict office or e-mail your photos to: [email protected]. (You will only be able to e-mail 1 or 2 at a time

We’re looking

for photos from the field

We can use either traditional prints or digital images.

because the files will be large.)

• Largefilescanalsobesentto this email address via yousendit.com. One large file or compressed folder at a time can be sent at no charge.

• Whensendingphotosplease make sure to include the location, date, name of person(s) and a small description of what is taking place. We’ll make sure we get your prints or CDsbacktoyou.

TiPS FOr GrEAT PhOTOS• Try to shoot outdoors whenever possible.

• Watch for the flare that can be reflected from your flash when photographing people wearing safety vests.

• Watch for hard hats that can throw harsh shadows on faces. You may have to shoot from a different angle.

• With group photos, have people arranged in a semi-circle rather than a straight line. To avoid harsh shadows, move them a couple of metres away from back walls.

• Shoot your photos with the automatic date feature turned off.

July 2013 News 29

“Bert Brooker, Jim Biddle, Gordy Patterson and Matt Sterling were the dispatchers when I worked (at the Northern fabrication plant),” Freeman said. “I would put in an order for ten or more ticketed welders a 2 PM, telling them they were needed ASAP, and the next morning ten additional men were at work. That was really appreciated.”

Northern was shut down in 1975 due to a corporate merger. Freeman, at the suggestion of several union colleagues, took upgrading courses, including drafting and blueprint reading, and worked a stint as a welding instructor.

“I took a few courses at PVI (Pacific Vocational Institute: now BCIT) and started teaching at night school,” he said. “Most of the instructors there were Plumbers Local 170 members, and they talked me into teaching a couple ten-month courses … I know at least two

(students) joined 115 as trained welders and got steady employment on the dredges.”

But since he was no longer paying into the Local 115 pension plan and concerned about future retirement, he returned to seek work through the local. “That’s when (late Business Manager) Fred Randall offered me a job as dispatcher.”

“It was with great trepidation that I accepted the position. It was always so busy,” he said. “Every day for the first ten days I would say ‘this is my last day.’ But it got better. Everyone was great to work with. There were some characters too, but I liked them as well.”

However, when Joyce began to suc-cumb to long-term illness, he retired to help care for her. “My retirement deci-sion in 1992 was prompted by my wife’s handicap condition,” he said. “She passed

away on May 12, 2004 — four days after our 52nd wedding anniversary.”

But despite this tragic loss, Freeman has continued to remain involved in union work. As the dispatcher, he was required to be on the local’s Application Committee, the position he still holds today, even after 21 years of retirement. “We need to really encourage young people — men and women — to join Local 115 and get a trade with benefits,” he says. “I got what I got today: a good pension, skilled trade, because of the union. I say join the 115 and get a trade. It’s the best way to go.”

Anyone interested in joining the local — whether in construction or in the industrial and services — can send a resume to the local’s hiring hall office. John would be happy to take a look at it.


Membership Service Awards January 2013 to April 2013Membership Service Awards January 2013 to April 2013

Honouring our members

IUOE member Frank Slyman presents 60-year plaques to three retirees. At left is F.J. Moodie

William Chucko and Frank Slyman. Steve Hunchuk and Frank Slyman.

OUR 60-YEAR MEMBERS

30 News July 2013


Membership Service Awards January 2013 to April 2013

Honouring our members

Vern McBride

Norman Pigeon receives his watch from Member Rep Rob dePfyffer.

William Doug Edstrom receives his watch from Member Rep Mike Spiruda.

OUR 50-YEAR MEMBERS

July 2013 News 31

Allison Matfin receives the Don Smith Scholarship from Training Administrator Brad Randall, looking on is father and member Brother Michael Matfin.

Lisa Doberthien (receiving from Member Reps Curtis Harold and Tim Cullen

Chris Paul receives his ring from Member Rep Mike Spiruda.

Joe Duruisseau receives his ring from President Wayne Mills.

Craig Hobbins receives his ring from Member Reps Curtis Harold and Tim Cullen.

Phil Johnson receives his ring from Member Rep Brian Lefebvre.

Bruce Cameron.

OUR 40-YEAR MEMBERS OUR 30-YEAR MEMBERS

OUR 20-YEAR MEMBERS

OUR 10-YEAR MEMBERS BURSARY RECIPIENTS

32 News July 2013

Membership Service Awards January 2013 to April 2013

July 2013 News 33

in memoriam

Remembering members who have recently passed away

Name Age Date

January 2013Doyle,RusselR. 67 January11,2013Evans, Robert L. 67 January 14, 2013Petrow, John 86 january 17, 2013Arnold, Bernard C. 86 January 21, 2013Dana,LyleG. 64 January24,2013

February 2013Carrier, Emile J. 78 February 4, 2013Sieppert, Edvin 80 february 4, 2013Heisler, Myles 50 February 6, 2013Mcintosh, William J. 75 February 6, 2013Van Zandt, Aldon C. 66 February 12, 2013Hill, Kenneth G. 81 February 14, 2013Dinner,LeonardJ. 80 February15,2013Murphy,DennisJ. 58 February22,2013Cordonier, Peter E. 81 February 23, 2013O’flaherty, Kevin O. 85 February 25, 2013

March 2013Zadow, Terry 85 March 1, 2013Thompson, Walter 79 March 3, 2013Watkins, Harold B. 79 March 7, 2013Friesen,Darren 40 March8,2013Henderson, Jack 76 March 9, 2013Lodge, Maxwell 88 March 10, 2013Doerksen,KarlW. 68 March18,2013Carlson, Llewellyn K. 89 March 27, 2013Wilcox, Leslie John 61 March 28, 2013

April 2013Matte, Matthew 22 April 5, 2013Sihvo, Martti 64 April 9, 2013Sward, George I. 78 April 10, 2013Treleaven, Neil 65 April 13, 2013Savoie, Joe A. 84 April 16, 2013Rogers, John R. 77 April 20, 2013Krasey, Walter W. 77 April 22, 2013Mitchell, Colin 83 April 23, 2013Smith, Ron W. 74 April 28, 2013

No hospitalized members as of May 1, 2013

Pensions awardedJanuary 2013 to April 2013

W. BalckeKirk BattrynNeil BennerStephen BoothRussell BourkTimothy BrentonDennisCampbellDonaldChimkoKenneth CollinsCliff CoryPatrick EaglesToreEngqvistDuncanGayGrant GingrasJohn Brian GreerEd HannahRick HardyGordon HildebrandtAllan HolmesRobert JacksonWilliam JoeWilliam KabelDaleMackGlenMcDonaldKeith McGladdery

Randy MitchellSteve MorganKeith MuffordDennisMurphyRussell NilssonDonaldNoelSteven PalmerRobert PelletierGerald PockrantGerald PuhanDavidRallisonEdward RozeBob ShimoyamaRobert SteevesTerry TollefsenDavidVarneyOlga WelychkaCharles WestlindKenneth WilbernHarald Wold

July 2013 News 33

Members

34 News July 2013

10 YearsSanto Amante Chris Ayers Neil Benner DavidBloomfieldDanBoyceShane Chicoine Mark Cowin DanielDankwerthRodneyDembowskiMichaelDezengDavidDobbsLisaDoberthienTyler Ellery Ronald Fisher Jason Hammond DarrinHarrisonBrandon Hebert William Hencheroff Bertram Hutchins William John Christopher King Joe Kokkelink Eric Kozlowski Jerome Lean DonaldLewisTroy Lewis Clifford Loberg Leonard Lott DanteMassariDenisMayertTom McKersie DarrinMeroniukGeorge Monaghan Kirk Odne Rob Osachoff Kenneth Osmond Michael Ostberg Robert Patton Rod Payne Ivan Pendleton Jim Pereversoff Rae Potter Wally Reis Victor Ribeiro

DavidRiggsFrank Smekal Morgan Smith Clinton Stiles Thomas Stringer Ivan Thomas Terry Trainor Carmin Traversano Brad Vessey Lee Walker George Waller Richard Wallin James Webb William Welch Andrew Wiebe DavidWoolmanRodney Zaytsoff John Ziegler

20 YearsEmilio Aviani Frederick Belway Steve Bezak Robert Billey DavidBrooksJames Cochrane RudyDePaoliJimDoyleJoeDuruisseauRobert Fosty William Galloway Clive Gambling Ken Gatzke George Gibson Mark Gilbert Ken Hadden Ian Hawes Norman Henderson Brian Hiebert Guy Hilchey Craig Hobbins Brenda Hoffman Keith Holloway Archie Jensen DarrylKokoska

Peter Kooistra Harcharan Kundan Vincent Lambert Glen Lange Brian Lefebvre Scott Lozie Giovanni Macera Allan Mandruk Stephen Moore Ian Nelson Paul Newcombe Gordon Poole Cody Pritchett Carl Quechuck DickRankinsAugustin Rehak Edward Riddall John Robertson Robert Sanders Francis Schwarz Chester Seles Bob Semenoff Maurice Siebert Timothy Simpson Mike Strelaeff Miles Thomas Terry Wanke Albert Webster Gerald Whitehead

30 YearsGarth Baher Wayne Baldwin Johnstone Barr DavidBjarnasonStephen Bucchiotti Timothy Burns Robert Carter JDavidsonDouglasGilbertJohn Green Kevin Hodgins Max Kohen Robert Mason Tom McGregor

Tom Moskalyk Chris Paull Alvin Scarff William Wilson

40 YearsBryan Albers Arthur Allard Robert Annas James Ayotte Bosko Begusich Larry Bellamy Ken Bonner Jim Brooks Laurie Broughton Norman Cameron Cyril Cope Ronald Croteau Charles Crowley Jim Cruch Morgan Cummings Leonel Custodio HarryDerksenAlfred Fester Edward Fiedler Paul Ford John Gabara Glenn Gallagher Edward Giesbrecht Larry Giroux William Gudwer Foster Harding Lloyd Harding Herbert Heise Paul Hindle DaleHyamsPhil Johnson DavidKennedyBryan Klassen Albert Rudy Koopmans Brian Kuzyk Larry La Fave Arne Lauridsen Ernesto Mancin Gordon Les McClure Richard McNamara James Mutter Jerry Olynyk Andrew Ordogh

Richard Pellerin Norman Penner Lloyd Perkins Charles Person Brent Prato Arthur Rau Jack Rice John Ross Kjell Sorensen Mario Stancati Ronald Swart Stanley Swetlikoff Robert Thiessen JohnVanDiemenRobert Verdiel Wayne Vickner DennisWalkerGodfrey Watson Bernie Wiebe

50 Years:Gordon Crawford Glen Ecklund William Edstrom James Fraser John Hernon Rudolph Johnson Norman Pigeon DavidQuaifeJohn Rempel Hans Rosvold Bill Sorensen James Walske

60 YearsSebastian Biegler Clark Brodie William Chucko Steve Hunchuk Henry Jerema Howard Mackenzie James Malange Robert Malange Victor Menini C. Ed Mills Francis Moodie Morris Oerlemans Anthony Perrino William Ward

Membership awards November 2012 to April 2013, all districts

July 2013 News 35

New Members

Welcoming new members to Local 115Norm AckerKen AhnerDaleAmblerVadana AmistadBraedon AndersonDeanAndersonErik AndersonMartin AndersonDonaldAngelucciFelix AntoineMichael AspinallJerome AugustAlina AussemDavidBagurCole BaileyTyler BarlowAbdullahi BarreBrent BayliffCameron BedardEsther BejarnoSean BennettDarrenBensonKeith BertrandGlen BezakPritpal BhumrahJeffrey BilenkiRick BirchKenny BirchmoreNestor BonillaSara BoothNoah BordianAnita BoreenKen BorringEvan BraunAaron BreuJaquelynBroadTim CaldwellRobert CallaghanDennisCameronChristopher CarlsonDwayneCarltonCharles CasseltonClarence ChongEric ChouMatthew ClarkeMichael ClydeSean CollierTyler Collins

Brad CookRobert CookJordan CoolChad CosarBrandon CowanBrandonDanielRogerDanisAaronDavisonMichaelDawsonShaneDesbiensSawrajDhaliwalJustinDonaisPetraDonkLloydDoyleTroyDoyleWilliamDrakeGurjinderDulayGeraltDyckLance EdwardsJeremy EngelJames EvansMike FewchukJames FiglerWill FinchBradley FisherJames FlintDarcyForbesEvan FultonAndreas FunkLisa FynnMichael GallaTravis GallagherJason GattoJustin GeernaertDanielGirardJorge GomesDanielGoodfellowWayne GrewcockVernon GustafsonGarret HalickiDevonHalpinBrandon HammerJames HammondNicholas HanischukTanya HaslerG. Matt HatalaMurry HearlMichael Heppell

Jason HeveyDannyHiebertFrank HillyerWilliam HitchmanPargat HoonjanOwen HorbatukCody HorneChristopher HorntvedtEric HutchinsonBarry HyslopJoel InouyeFranklin IsadoreShawn JacksonMahad JamaNicolaas JimmieKathleen JoeBill JonesDavinJosephsonWaldemar KanzlerShane KavolinasSean KealyMichael KeatingAllister KennedyDaleKluseritsJordon KorvenCarolyn KristensenDeanKunySylvia LachapelleTrever LambethDaleLamonBranden LandryRyan LandryBrendan LaneDerekLaneSterling LaughrenKenneth LawrenceCody LeekLeslie LeierKenneth LenartDavidLukaitisChris LyallWill MacburneyCory MacdonaldLayton MaloneyRichard MartinRaul MartinezNathaniel MasonJonathan Massimiliano

Ojay MatiasColeton MaurerDarrenMautheJeff MayGrant MayersSteven McgrawStephen MckennaAaron McleanMike MeyerAllan MillerLevi MilneMarc MincieliLyndon MoloJames MoodyDanielMorrisBret MorrisonBrad MulhollandTaiho MyungMahesh NaickerPatrick NickelRod NiervaTyler PalmerWayne ParsonsDarnellPaulRobin PerrinCory PerryMichael PetruniaMack PhillipsMichael PockrantRudolf PolicTys PoolThomas PowerNishel PrasadGerald RamoliChris RamsayDanielReochKristopher RiceBradley RiddochGraham RobergeStewart RobertsonJeff RockwellJosh RudolphJay RutherfordSean SalterJohn SawatzkyRod SchadlichGeorge SchreiberEdward Schulz

Nathan ScottPatrick ScottTom ServiceKevin SetoAlexander ShapovalovJohn ShuryDanielSiebertBrendan SimpsonJames SimpsonJohn SinclairRobert SkovgardChristopher SmeltzerKasey SmithOwen StaceyJordan StanekJaime StromRobert SykesSean TagertJeff TannerRiley ThomasRussell ThomasRyan TilleyRobert TodosychukAndrew TurnbullSethVanDerKampRiley WalshKristopher WarkentinDarrylWendlandEdward WhiteKatherine WigglesworthNick WillmottRoss WilsonKenneth YagelneskyKevin YearleyBrandon Zimmer

36 News July 2013

Member Information

Toques (black) $11With or without a cuff

hats (navy or black) $18Embroidered logo

hats (new style) $ 20.00Black and navy with a diamond pattern on peak

Safety T-shirt (navy) (m – 4Xl) $25Long sleeve, logo on back, right sleeve “Safety”

Organizing T-shirts (navy) (l - 4Xl) $ 25Long sleeve, logo on back, right sleeve “Organize”

hooded Sweatshirts (navy) (S – 4Xl) $ 40Full zip, logo on front left

hooded Sweatshirts (black) (S - 4Xl) $ 40Full zip, logo on front left

microfibre Vests (black) (m - 4Xl) $ 45Logo embroidered on left front

Bomber jacket (black) (m - 4Xl) $ 70Logo embroidered on left front

Custom Bomber jacket (black) (m – 4Xl) $115Logo embroidered across back

Union Pulsar Watches $125 (men’s and women’s)

MERChANDISE

make cheque or money order payable to:“IUOE Local 115” and send to: IUOE Local 115 Merchandise4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3T3All prices include tax and shipping charges

Member Information

local Union OfficesDistrict 1 and main Office4333 Ledger Ave., Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3T3Phone: 604-291-8831 Toll Free: 1-888-486-3115Fax: 604-473-5235 E-mail: [email protected]

Business manager: Brian Cochrane President: Wayne Millsmgr. Administration & Special Projects: Lynda Arland Office manager: Arlene LindsayCommunications Coordinator: Kevin Willemse

member representativesFrank Carr Brett Chapman Everett Cummings Chip Dhaliwal Bob Higgs Craig McIntosh Stewart Miller Don Swerdan

Dispatcher Jim Flynn 604-473-5231

Organizing representativeRob Duff 604-473-5206

Benefits and Pension PlansShawn hatch, Administrator Directline:604-299-8341Fax:604-473-5236

Training AssociationBrad Randall, AdministratorDirectline:604-299-7764E-mail:[email protected]

District 2Vancouver Island:Tim Cullen and Curtis Harold, Member Representatives35 Wharf Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2X3Mailing Address: PO Box 213 Stn A, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5K9Phone: 250-754-4022 Fax: 250-754-5513

District 3Kamloops-Revelstoke-Okanagan:Brad Gerow, Member Representatives785TranquilleRoadKamloops, B.C. V2B 3J3Phone: 250-554-2278 Fax: 250-554-1766

District 4Central Interior-Yellowhead:Herb Conat & Wayne Kemp, Member Representatives#115 - 513 Ahbau StreetPrince George, B.C. V2M 3R8Phone: 250-563-3669 Fax: 250-563-3603

District 5Peace River and Yukon Territory:Mike Spiruda, Member Representative & OrganizerSite 20, Comp 19 SS2Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 4M7Phone: 250-787-9594 Fax: 250-787-9491

Tumbler Ridge Mining Office220 Main Street, Tumbler Ridge, B.C. V0C 2W0Phone: 250-242-3888 Fax: 250-242-3881

District 6East and West Kootenays:Brian Lefebvre, Rob Foskett, Gordon Chaisson Member Representatives#102 - 105 9th Avenue S.Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 2M1Phone: 250-426-4562 Fax: 250-426-6882103CentennialSquare,Sparwood,B.CV0B2G0Mailing Address: PO Box 1567, Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0Phone: 250-425-2161 Fax: 250-425-2166

meeting notices for 2013 General membership Saturday, September 21, 20139:30 a.m. at 4333 Ledger Ave., Burnaby

District 1BURNABY—1st Thursday of every month EXCEPT: March & September (because of general membership meetings) 7:30 p.m. at 4333 Ledger Ave., Burnaby

District 2Monthly meeting locations alternate: NANAIMO— 2nd Monday of odd months, 6:00 p.m. at the Coast Bastion Inn, 11 Bastion St. VICTORIA—2nd Wednesday of even months, 7:30 p.m. at the Pro Pat Legion Branch 31, #292—411 Gorge Rd. E.

District 3Monthly meeting locations alternate: KAMLOOPS—2nd Thursday of even months 7:30p.m.attheUnionHall,785TranquilleRd.KELOWNA—2nd Tuesday of odd months 7 p.m. at the Teamsters Hall, 185 Froelich Rd.

District 4PRINCE GEORGE—2nd Wednesday of each month, 8p.m.attheDaysInn,600QuebecSt.PRINCE RUPERT, TERRACE, KITIMAT, SMITHERS —Members will be advised of meeting dates.

District 5Monthly meeting locations alternate: FORT ST. JOHN—2nd Tuesday of odd months, 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Hall, 10441 100th Ave.DAWSONCREEK—2ndTuesdayofevenmonths,7:30 p.m. at the Carpenters Hall, 900 118th Ave.TUMBLERRIDGE/PEACERIVERCOAL—Date,timeandplacewillbeposted.WHITEHORSE—Members will be advised of meeting dates and times. Teamsters Hall, 407 Black St.

District 6Monthly meeting locations alternate:CASTLEGAR—1st Wednesday of odd months 7 p.m. at the Super 8 Inn, 651 18th St.CRANBROOK—1st Tuesday of even months 7 p.m. at the Labour Centre (Boardroom), 105 9th Ave. SouthELK VALLEY COAL CORP.—Line Creek Mine— Date,placeandtimeasposted.

July 2013 News 37

FINANCIAL STRENGTHFOR THE WORKING COMMUNITY

* Some qualification, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Visit a branch for details.

• Burnaby • New Westminster • • Port Coquitlam • Surrey •

• Vancouver • Victoria •

1-888-963-2000 • www.ComSavings.com

At BC’s largest fully unionized credit union, Community Savings dedicates its time and resources to improving the financial strength of hardworking British Columbians. As a union member, your union dues entitle you to host of financial perks.*

FREE single-signature travellers chequesFREE safety deposit box for 3 months, then receive a $5 annual discountFREE chequing for 3 months. Think of it as a free test drive.BONUS RATES on term deposits

DISCOUNT on loans and mortgages DISCOUNT of $300 on your legal fees with any closed mortgage POSTPONE regular mortgage and loan payments for up to 3 months, in the event of a labour dispute

The commitment we have to our Sisters and Brothers is unmatched. Visit a branchto discover how Community Savings Credit Union puts people before profits.

Documents

IUOE News July 2013