IUOE News Fall 2013

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District Three Paving work still strong while shops are overflowing Brad Gerow, Member Representative Brothers and Sisters: Summer has officially ended, and although we had a slow start to the construction season, things are busy even at this point for District 3. Brentwood has kept themselves busy so far this year at the Telus site in Kamloops doing the earth works and pipe work for that project. They have also been at work performing derailments with the railway. 672462 B.C. Ltd. won the two contracts for the Highway 1 project east of Kamloops. These are actually two separate projects—the smaller of the two is well underway, while the larger project had a later start date, but both are is moving along at a great pace as we speak. Dawson’s paving crew has been busy with projects throughout the area, including Chase, Salmon Arm, and a section of the Okanagan Connector. In between these they have also been finishing smaller projects in and around the town. B.A. Dawson Blacktop has been working all season in Salmon Arm at the new Walmart site, building the road into the massive retail site. Meanwhile they are also building changes to Highway 1 to allow for turn lanes. 18 News October 2013 “Many shops are busting at the seams and don’t have enough room for people and equipment” Vernon Paving unfortunately has had a slow season this year thanks mainly to a lot of rain in the area during the first few months. During the summer we were able to complete our first round of bargaining with this group since we raided them from CLAC. So far we have brought them onto our Benefits Plan, as well as made changes to their pension. Westlake Paving has had a busier year and we are going into our bargaining sessions at the end of September. Currently, they are paving Harvey Avenue in Kelowna (Highway 97). Emil Anderson Construction has also had a slower season than normal in our area, but has kept a good number of members working nonetheless. They completed a paving job in Greenwood and have picked up work on Kelowna’s new rapid bus line, including a number of bus stops along the route. CGL seems to be working steadily in many areas, including Salmon Arm, Kelowna, Kamloops and Vernon, mainly doing underground utility work. Shops in the area are very busy with mining in the area keeping them going strong. The mines are providing a steady stream of parts, equipment, and repairs jobs to keep members busy. In fact, many of these shops are busting at the seams and don’t have enough room in their shops or yards for the people and equipment coming in; some have even considered moving to larger facilities, or have already done so, to allow for the large influx of work. In closing, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of organizing to help the Union grow. If you or someone you know is working non-union, drop us a line to let us know where. Talk with the people you are working with about the benefits of working under a Collective Agreement with the Brothers Aaron Ulvid and Brad Wallace, Brock Owens, Darren Arrance, Chad Schindler, and Mike Tallmadge of Westlake’s Paving crew with their equipment at work on Highway 97.
The District 4 work picture has changed substantially this year from last. For starters, we are still extremely busy in the Terrace Kitimat Prince Rupert area, and we are expecting the spring to be a whirlwind of activity as we are waiting for the green light to be given on several projects within the district. The Operating Engineers Training Association plays a significant role in the growth of our organization. This was highlighted at the Union Executive Board meeting in September, where a motion was passed for the Local Union and Training Association to develop a strategic plan to maximize work opportunities for the Operating Engineers in northern British Columbia. Already preliminary progress has been made, and we have some exciting plans to ensure we capitalise on what is a oncein-a-generation opportunity to grow our membership and create job opportunities for so many people. Creating a strategic plan to provide the training and manpower needed in the northern parts of the province will ensure the Local is ready to provide ready, willing and able members to the projects and our signatory contractors. In preparation for the pipelines, LNG plants, and mining developments, it is important to ensure that all members’ 19 News July 2013 Training programs up north is the Union and members’ ticket to success Herb Conat and Wayne Kemp, Member Representatives District Four tickets are current. This includes your WHMIS, First Aid, Hearing Test, Telehandler, and CSTS qualifications. The paving industry within the district has been busy, and with winter fast approaching the companies are working diligently to complete their contracts. Columbia Bitulithic and the paving crew have had a full season with city contract work and have completed the paving on the Boundary Road Connector for Western Industrial Contractors. Industrial shops throughout the district have been increasing their market share in the mining sector. There has been a turnaround in the forest industry in the Prince George and Mackenzie area, providing some extra volume for the shops. Almost all the shops are looking for any type of mechanic who has a Red Seal Ticket, so anyone considering completing their qualification should know there is an excellent career path here. In closing, we would like to welcome all new Local 115 members, and to also thank the stewards and safety representatives for their dedication and countless hours they spend assisting the membership as we work together for a safer and better work place. Work safe District 3 Member Representative Brad Gerow is joined by the team from Entrec at the Highland Valley Copper Mill Modernization in Logan Lake. He is joined by Brothers Lee Stein, Fred Becvar, Geoff Wheatley, Darren Bradburry, Perry Malcolm, Derek Graham, Dwayne Smith, Will Terpstra, District 1 Member Representative Frank Carr, Jason Krickan, Chad Jorgensen, Pete Buitendyk. News October 2013 19
Page 1 and 2: News Getting ready for BC’s megap
Page 3 and 4: Positive negotiations are taking pl
Page 5 and 6: Training is key to meet the develop
Page 7 and 8: Kamloops’ new dialysis clinic has
Page 9 and 10: This has been a busy year for our m
Page 11 and 12: Challenges from all sides, but our
Page 13 and 14: Skilled operators are still needed
Page 15 and 16: Operators are in demand, and certif
Page 17 and 18: not only for future projects, but r
Page 19: Hazelwood and Chew. We have also ta
Page 23 and 24: Megaprojects start to gather steam
Page 25 and 26: Bargaining becomes a priority as th
Page 27 and 28: BC LIONS VS. CALgArY STAMPEDErS Thi
Page 29 and 30: Clockwise from right: The main conf
Page 31 and 32: Training takes centre stage at even
Page 33 and 34: Training Classes and Updates Brothe
Page 35 and 36: Training Association News October 2
Page 37 and 38: construction,” he says. “Then I
Page 39 and 40: As an interesting coincidence, one
Page 41 and 42: 50 yEAR MEMBERS Member Recognition
Page 43 and 44: 30 yEAR MEMBERS 20 yEAR MEMBERS Mem
Page 45 and 46: Pensions awarded May 2013 - Septemb
Page 47 and 48: Local Union Offices District 1 and

IUOE News Fall 2013

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