IUOE News Winter 2013

District Four
growing uncertainty and risk that seems to be affecting the
industry seems to be causing the smaller mines to be overlooked
by the larger mining corporations.
Over the past eight years or so we all know that the mountain
pine beetle has devoured most of the pine tree stock in
the North. Although devastating at the time, that pine beetle
damaged wood is now being used as a green energy source, by
powering new bio-energy power projects, which will sell electricity
into the BC Hydro grid. Integrated Contractors has a
large job ahead of them with Conifex in Mackenzie to install a
bio-energy plant, and the crew should be there for most of
next year. This is a great example of looking at making the
most of our renewable resources, whatever they are or wherever
they may come from.
Formula Contractors are still working up at Forrest Kerr on
their Hydro run of the river project, and is hoping to be
successful in securing some tenders at the Line Creek Mine in
Sparwood next year.
With all the work that is being proposed and scheduled in
northern B.C. for the next 10 years, our organizers will be kept
busy, and we need your help. That includes letting us know if
you know of anyone working with and talking to non-union
crew members who know about the benefits of belonging to
the Operating Engineers Local 115 (as well as doing this yourself
whenever you can).
By encouraging new members you are not only improving
their working conditions, you are helping to secure your own
future by growing the organization.
In closing, the staff in District 4 would like to welcome all
the new members and say thank you to all the Shop Stewards,
Safety Reps, and their spouses for the endless hours of hard
work and dedication they show on behalf of the local union
and its Brothers and Sisters.
We would also like to wish all members and their families a
safe, prosperous and healthy 2014.
Out and about with the staff and trainees at Local 115’s Maple Ridge Training Facility.
20 News December 2013