IUOE News Fall 2013

District Six
As work slows, we
should count our
successes and plan
ahead
Brian Lefebvre,
Member Representative
Fall has crept up on us, and winter is just around the corner.
As you are reading this, we are in the throes of electing a
Bargaining Committee at Line Creek to represent the membership
when we get to the bargaining table with Teck.
This upcoming round of bargaining
will be no easy task, but with your
support, the committee will do our best
to obtain the changes to the agreements
that the membership deserves and trusts
us to accomplish on their behalf. It’s
great when we are able to deliver an improved workplace and
way of life for any member, at any site.
On the construction side of things, work is starting to wind
down slowly. With the persistent rain creating a late start for
most in the construction season, this year hasn’t been the best
for employment opportunities for our membership, but it
definitely has not been the worst. Not only that, we may see a
few more weeks of dry weather persist, allowing the paving
crews to keep at it.
In fact, at times this summer we have been unable to fill
orders and have had to rely on other Dispatch Halls in our
Local to assist us with workers.
22 News October 2013
“Certified workers make for a
safer, more productive work
environment and more
competitive members.”
The Waneta Expansion is rolling along with the majority of
our work on the project still being with the cranes. There have
been no major issues from our tradespeople on the job, as we
(Rob Foskett and myself) have been able to get any membership
issues ironed out in a timely and well-organized manner.
As the season slows, it is a good time for equipment operators
to consider working toward their Heavy Equipment
Operator (HEO) Certification.
Although it is not mandatory, it is a credential that will help
you get ahead of the rest , whether or not HEO certification
becomes mandatory. Let’s face it, certifications will be the
standard in the industry in one way or another.
This is a good thing that should be embraced and not
avoided; certified workers make for a safer, more productive
work environment and more competitive
members. Add to this our Training
Association’s excellent courses, and
every Local 115 equipment operator has
no reason not to look into upgrading
their skills.
This past August I was fortunate to attend the 55th Canadian
Conference in Nanaimo, B.C.; what a top-notch
Conference, with plenty of information shared from the other
Operating Engineers Locals across Canada.
As one of the three host Locals, I was very proud of our
organization’s efforts in putting this conference together.
Sister Lynda Arland and Sister Sarita Stad went above and
beyond what has been done before at any of our conferences
with regards to logistics and organizing the event to be a
success. It was flawless, the delegates appreciated their efforts,
and best of all, they weren’t shy in telling us so.
Work safe and be safe
Member Reps Brian Lefebvre and Brad
Gerow with Minister of Transportation
Todd Stone kicking off the Highway 1
Monte Creek expansion project with
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy
McLeod also ceremoniously breaking
ground.