IUOE News February 2015

District One
Some project updates
and labour union
activities
Additionally, we are waiting for their response and proposal
regarding the new log loading equipment they have introduced
into the industry. We will have more to report on in
future articles.
Frank Carr,
Business Representative
Fairview Terminal Expansion Project
Fraser River Pile and Dredge and Bel Pacific are the preferred
contractors for the Fairview Terminal Expansion Project in
Prince Rupert. The vision of the project is to quadruple the
capacity of the facility, to move and store up to 2 million
containers to meet the demand of continued growth in Asia-
Pacific traffic trade.
It is reported that when this phase and an additional phase
are complete the projects will extend the wharf to 800 metres,
achieve an 18 metre (59 feet) minimum
water depth, increase the dock area to 56
hectares (139 acres), and support eight
post-panamax cranes.
It is estimated that this phase of the
project will take two years to complete at
a cost of over $150 million. We will
report further details as we receive them.
Last year, 31 workers in
the construction industry
died … These statistics
are unacceptable. The
bottom line should be:
Kill a Worker – Go To Jail.
Vancouver Pile Driving
Vancouver Pile Driving was awarded a fourth stone column
project in Richmond for Cressey, giving them roughly 10
weeks work.
In tandem the Union has filed a jurisdictional claim for
work that is normally done by a crane operator or crane
apprentice which was awarded to the Bridgemen by Vancouver
Pile. This is the IUOE’s core jurisdiction and area practice
which is part of our argument to protect our work.
F&G Delivery
Members working at F&G Delivery are steady right now with
many hours being worked on the new Telus Gardens Building
in downtown Vancouver.
Seaspan
Seaspan International is having a slower start to the year. The
company has made the decision to lay off all but one barge
crew. There are a few issues related to the layoffs and we are in
discussions with the company to resolve them.
Phoenix Enterprises
I am happy to report we now have an agreement with Phoenix
Enterprises. Thanks to Brother Jim McLean for steering the
company in the right direction and unionizing them. Phoenix
has been involved in the demolition and asbestos removal
business for roughly 30 years.
Bentall Tower Commemoration
Bentall Tower Commemoration took place on January 7 this
year. It honours a tragic accident in 1981, where four carpenters
plunged 36 floors to their deaths when a fly form used for
pouring concrete broke away from the top of Bentall Centre’s
Tower IV.
The workers killed on the job were: Gunther Couvreux, 49;
Brian Stevenson, 21; Donald W. Davis, 34; and
Yrjo Mitrunen, 46.
At the Commemoration it was reported that
the B.C. construction industry continues to see
an average of 29 deaths a year since the accident.
Last year, 31 workers in the construction
industry died (12 trauma; 19 exposure) and a
total of 898 workers in B.C. have lost their lives
since the accident. These statistics are unacceptable.
The bottom line should be: Kill a Worker – Go To
Jail.
Jim Sinclair retires from BC Fed
After 15 years, BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair
retired, and in November Irene Lanzinger was elected
President.
On January 10th a tribute was held for Brother Sinclair at
the Maritime Labour Centre, with many affiliates and hundreds
of private and public sector union members in attendance.
The speakers’ list was extensive and the recognition
speeches were well delivered and well deserved.
The event was a testament to the accomplishments and legacy
Jim has left for the labour movement in B.C. and across
Canada. All spoke of his unfettered determination in standing
up for the rights of all workers in the province thoughout his
life. Jim is definitely an inspiration to us all. Good luck in your
retirement, Brother!
10 News March 2015