IUOE News Spring 2014

With projects coming,
everyone should be
working union
Stewart Miller,
Member Representative
Wow! Into another year, and what do we look forward to?
Hopefully, more work!
Things started to slow down at the tail end of last year for
some of our contractors, and others managed to keep it going.
I know in our aggregate pits, things are a little slower in getting
started, but our grain contractors are
going flat out just trying to keep up
with demand, while our fuel haulers
are running at a steady pace at the
moment.
I recently attended a staff meeting
where we hosted some notable guest
speakers. Norm Rinne from Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain
pipe line project explained the challenges they face as they
move forward with the expansion project, which they hope to
start building in 2015 and complete by 2017. Mr. Rinne says
that at the peak of construction the project will provide jobs
for around 4,500 workers (all trades), and represent an investment
of $5.4 billion.
It’s a huge project and represents some very exciting times
ahead for our members.
Another massive project that was talked about was BC
Hydro’s Site C Dam. Hopefully starting in 2015, this will be a
seven year long construction project that will add another
1,700 trades jobs at the peak of construction, with almost $8
One question asked of me
recently from a new member
was “why Union?” My answer
was simple, and one that we all
should know and share
District One
billion invested into it.
Two huge projects—exciting times and invaluable opportunities
lie ahead for the Local, and for any members that
want to work up north.
Our organizing department has been very busy for the past
few months, and succeeded in the certification of another
division of Harvest Power, called Urban Wood Waste. Myself
and Brother Don Swerdan put out notice to commence
bargaining with the company in late January, and we look
forward to working with this new company. Welcome the new
Brothers and Sisters to the Local.
Recently a new member (who was unsure of the Unions’
function and history) from Urban Wood Waste asked me
“why union?” My answer was simple, and one that we all
should know and share:.
“Having a union means more fairness
in your job and your workplace. It
means having a voice in the decisions
that affect you at work. It means safer
jobs. And, of course, it means better
pay and benefits.”
The IUOE Local 115 works with
you to build that better future at work. Working with the
IUOE, you can improve your personal job satisfaction and
build pride in your workplace. You can end unfair treatment,
inconsistent rules, favouritism and intimidation. In today’s
economy, having a union on your side is a real advantage.
A new study by the Canadian Labour Congress reveals the
pay impact of the union advantage—both nationally and in 29
communities across the country. It shows that on average, in
Canada, employees with unions earn $5.11 more per hour
compared to those who choose not to.
So, with all of these benefits, my question back to new
members is “what took you so long to become union?”
Welcome to the Local, Brothers and Sisters.
News March 2014 9