IUOE News February 2015

District One
Our bargaining
committees have
been standing strong
Chip Dhaliwal,
Business Representative
Brother Ben Proudley at
bargaining with Hertz
Equipment Rental.
Brothers and Sisters, collective bargaining continues to take
up the lion’s share of my time.
Collective Agreements have been ratified at Carney’s Waste
Systems and Atlas Copco Canada. The Carney’s crew stood
tall and proud right to the end for what they felt was fair. They
were stoic in the face of a very tough bargaining round. In
particular Shop Steward and Brother Aaron Gruber should be
commended for his contributions at the bargaining table.
The crew at Atlas Copco Canada similarly fought to the
end for the rights, benefits and wages of future members.
Negotiations had stalled as only the contentious issues were
left.
The Company and the Union met at the B.C. Labour Board
with a mediator. We were able to get close enough that we
could take a proposed agreement to the crew, and the new
Collective Agreement was ratified. Shop Steward and Brother
Wayne O’Neill was again an intelligent and strong voice for
his crew.
Hertz Equipment Rental also has a new Collective Agreement.
This round of bargaining dealt with the more traditional
issues for wages and benefits, and
a fair agreement was reached and
ratified. Shop Steward and Brother
Ben Proudley brought a level headed
approach along with his vast
working knowledge of the industry,
which was indispensable during
these negotiations.
Young Ben added to his personage
by coming to bargaining in a
dapper suit and tie. Ben informed
me that the purpose for his haberdashery
was to let the company
know he was all business and very
serious about these negotiations.
Indeed, the company was duly
impressed.
At the time of print, we are in
process of voting a new Collective
Agreement for Williams Machinery in Surrey, Prince George,
Kelowna and Vernon. Bargaining with both Catalyst Lubricants
and Atlas Copco Theissen is winding down and we
should have something of substance for the crews to vote on
shortly.
Congratulations to Brother Tom Kinnear on his move from
the Training Association to his role as a Business Representative.
I know that Tom’s passion for the Operating Engineers
and all the skills and abilities he possesses will serve the membership
well. Good Luck Brother!
In closing, be safe and thank you for your continued support,
it is much appreciated!
Geopac working at the TFN Mills site in Tsawwassen installing
10,000 wic drains. From left to right; Brothers Brent Daggit,
David Arnott, Kyle Taylor, Brad Slyman and Business
Representative Frank Carr. PICTURE COURTESY OF BROTHER KYLE
TAYLOR.
BA Blacktop and Imperial Paving’s Mechanics. From left to right,
Brothers Business Representative Everett Cummings, Nick Eyford,
Shane Leslie, Sean Collico, Ray McNeil, Dave Dywak, Scot Stroup,
and John Shortridge.
12 News March 2015