IUOE News - Fall 2011

District 1
Recently, I attended an NDP
function where Adrian Dix, the
Opposition leader, addressed the
audience. Part of his message included
support for the building trades
unions. Even with this encouraging
sign, it is still important for us to remind our MLAs about
the constant challenges we have to endure.
We must all make the NDP understand that when
it forms government, it must make the changes that will
support us, the true builders of British Columbia. It is
of paramount importance that it conduct a review of
the Labour Code. Labour legislation must be rebalanced
so workers can easily choose to be represented by a real
union, rather than CLAC.
The new government must also ensure that major
public projects in B.C. are built under project labour
agreements with the trades.
There is an extensive list of changes needed to reverse
the anti-worker agenda we have lived under for more
than 10 years.
Please remember: When you vote in the next provincial
election, a change in government is the only way we
will be able to get the changes we need.
At the municipal level, elections are coming up this
fall. Educate yourself. Understand who the labourfriendly
candidates are. They will need our support.
Bargaining update:
• Crane Rental—We have had a number of
bargaining sessions with the Construction
Labour Relations Association and the
employers. If all goes well, we may have a
8 News September 2011
List of problems must be addressed
Frank Carr, Member Representative
I’m looking forward to my
new assignment as a member
representative.
I started on staff with the
Operating Engineers as an organizer.
As a member rep, I will be serving
members in Surrey, North Delta,
Tsawwassen and Richmond. I’m looking forward to
meeting the shop stewards and members at the signatory
companies I’ll be representing.
tentative agreement in place this year.
• Paving—Our most recent meeting was in June.
Many of the owners and all of the unions were
in attendance. We were not able to secure a
settlement and are looking for dates to meet
again.
• Hydraulic Dredging—A four-year agreement
was ratified by 87% of the members. There is no
retroactive increase for 2010, but the increase for
the remaining three years averages 3% per year.
Thanks to Brothers Ken Vallance, Mike Gillis
and Steve Arcand for their participation on the
negotiating committee.
• Seaspan International—We have exchanged
proposals, had two meetings with the employer
and will be meeting again in September. There
are still a number of issues on the table.
Arbitration over owed wages and benefits began
in August.
Over the last few months I have met with a number
of members and company representatives at Brandt
Tractor and SMS Equipment in the Lower Mainland. I
look forward to working with them in the future.
In closing, congratulations to Brother Wayne Mills
on his move to Superintendent of Staff Operations, and
Brother Brett Chapman on his new appointment as a
member representative. Also, welcome to Brother Jared
Hamlin as an organizer and congratulations to Brother
Gary Kinnear on his retirement.
Work safely, and thank you from all of us for your
ongoing support. See you at the general membership
meeting on Sept. 17.
Ready for the challenges that come with being a member rep
Brett Chapman, Member Representative
I would like to thank Brother Brian Cochrane for
giving me this opportunity to move forward and grow
within the Local Union.
The representatives and organizers have been very
supportive during my job transition and I thank them
as well. I’m looking forward to learning from their
experience.
Lastly, thank you to Brother Rob Duff, for all that
you taught me about organizing. You have a wealth of
knowledge. See you in the field.