IUOE News February 2015

News
Instilling
pride and
activism
Passing the history
onto the next
generation of
Operating Engineers
March 2015
www.iuoe115.com

IUOE News is the official
publication of the International
Union of Operating Engineers
Local 115.
Local Executive Board
Business Manager
Brian Cochrane
President
Wayne E. Mills
Vice-President
Brad Randall
Recording Secretary
Brian Lefebvre
Financial Secretary
Don Swerdan
Treasurer
Frank Carr
Guard
Everett Cummings
Conductor
Doug Fisher
Trustees
Brett Chapman
Curtis Wright
Auditors
Chip Dhaliwal
Goretti Guilbault
Craig McIntosh
District Executive Board
1 - Al Cooper
2 - Curtis Harold
3 - Brad Gerow
4 - Herb Conat
5 - Mike Spiruda
6 - Rob Foskett
Publication Committee
Brian Cochrane
Wayne Mills
Lynda Arland
Don Swerdan
Editorial Services
Jen Rasmussen, COPE 378
Design and Layout
www.workingdesign.net
Contact Details
4333 Ledger Avenue,
Burnaby, B.C., V5G 3T3
Telephone: 604-291-8831
Fax: 604-473-5235
Website: www.iuoe115.com
E-mail: iuoe@iuoe115.com
Please
Recycle
Contents
ON THE COVER As part of Local 115’s
Membership Engagement Strategy, January
13th’s District 3 Meeting in Kelowna saw
one of the largest turnouts in history for
that area. Pictured are Business Manager
Brother Brian Cochrane and District 3
Organizer Brother Bryan Railton in front of
our members.
Business Manager
Delays could provide breathing room for training and preparation................................................ 1
President
Looks like a rocky ride, but we have hope for the future................................................................. 3
District 1
Taking a look at what 2015 will bring us........................................................................................ 4
It’s important to keep big projects like Site C built by skilled workers.............................................. 5
Operating Engineers have a role to play in future of construction................................................... 6
Talking to employees of non union companies is key .................................................................. 9
Some project updates and labour union activities ...................................................................... 10
Declining economy a challenge for jobs and bargaining.............................................................. 11
Our bargaining committees have been standing strong ............................................................. 12
Union Organizing
Why organizing is important to expand our market share............................................................ 13
Dispatch
LNG projects going on back burner due to oil prices................................................................... 14
District 2
Members need to voice our concerns to government.................................................................. 15
District 3
Take this time to focus on union density and work share for future............................................... 16
District 4
Northern ingenuity will help us survive coal downturn................................................................ 18
District 5
Site C Dam project begins 18 month preparation phase ............................................................. 19
District 6
If you have questions, make sure you ask a real union member.................................................... 20
Benefits Plan
Benefits Plan 2014 Year in Review............................................................................................... 21
Training Association Report
Training Association busy providing upgrading around the Province........................................... 23
News
IUOE shows its heart.................................................................................................................... 7
New Red Seal Apprentice Initiative announced by Federal Government ........................................ 8
OE member for 57 years .............................................................................................................. 8
AN IUOE Member has some straight talk for his MP..................................................................... 11
Construction industry discussed with Liberal Leader................................................................... 17
Remembering four who died on the job..................................................................................... 21
Regular Features
Remembering our members...................................................................................................... 30
Honouring our members........................................................................................................... 31
Scholarships awarded................................................................................................................ 33
New Local 115 members............................................................................................................ 34
Membership Service Awards...................................................................................................... 35
Pensions Awarded..................................................................................................................... 36
Local 115 District Offices............................................................................................................ 37
Meeting Notices........................................................................................................................ 37

Delays could provide
breathing room for
training and
preparation
Business Manager
Brian Cochrane,
Business Manager
For most of us, the thought of seeing the price of oil below $50
per barrel or gas at under a $1 per litre ever again in our lifetime
seemed pretty farfetched. While it is a big benefit for us
as consumers, unfortunately it has certainly changed the timelines
for many of the large scale projects in BC. Many of the
big oil and gas giants are quickly trying to shut down planned
development and are throwing the switches off to preserve
cash flow.
This will no doubt continue to cause some delay in the final
investment decisions for the Proposed LNG work.
Depending on which analyst you read, we could be in for a
12 - 18 month correction before things stabilize again. On the
positive side, this will soften some of the critical labour shortage
issues that we were facing for some trades, and will provide
a little breathing room for training
and to prepare for the future demand.
How long it takes is still unclear, there
has been significant investment in LNG,
and this opportunity will eventually
come on stream, however the green light
is probably a few months away. We will
continue to stay on top of these developments closely and
report out details in future OE News, as I have been appointed
to the Premier’s LNG Advisory Council.
Site C
On December 16th BC Hydro announced the approval of the
Site C Dam project, which is scheduled to begin construction
in the summer of this year. While there will no doubt be some
roadblocks along the way, this project will create 10,000
person-years of direct employment during construction, and
approximately 33,000 total person-years of employment
through all stages of development.
This Project was not covered under the Allied Hydro
Council Agreement which would ensure that it would be a
Building Trades Project, so we have been meeting with BC
Hydro, and Government officials to explain the benefits of
extending the Agreement to cover the entire scope of the job.
We are continuing to meet with all senior leaders involved to
explain the benefits that a Project Labour Agreement (PLA)
would provide to one of the largest public projects we will see
in our lifetime.
The most recent Project Labour Agreement for large Hydro
work is the John Hart Dam upgrade in Campbell River. This
upgrade is worth over one billion dollars, and the consortium
realized the benefits of a Project Labour Agreement, employing
skilled Operating Engineers. It would only make sense for
Hydro to see the value in a PLA for a project with 8 times the
cost!
Pipeline Campaign
At a recent meeting with the major OE Pipeline Locals across
the Country it was agreed that we must work more aggressively
and collectively to support the industry in the eyes of
the public. Pipelines are the safest,
most reliable and cost effective way
to move our natural resources and
the industry has been under intense
scrutiny over the last several years.
It was decided that it is time that we
increase the volume on behalf of
our membership and the sector.
Some of the environmentalists don’t seem to understand
that moving product by rail or truck creates both more risk
and cost. However, compared to pipelines there is little regulation
or public debate on this method of transport and it will
become a default position if pipelines aren’t approved.
There will be more on this in the months ahead as we
develop a plan to get the message out.
Some of the environmentalists
don’t seem to understand that
moving product by rail or truck
creates both more risk and cost.
Federal Election
2015 is a Federal Election Year, and we have been meeting
with all parties to make sure that the interests of Operating
Engineers are heard. The new Federal Government Apprentice
Loan was announced in January, and will allow Apprentices
registered in Red Seal Trades the opportunity to apply for
loans up to $4,000 per year. This is long overdue, giving
apprentices additional support to complete their trades
training.
continued on next page
News March 2015 1

from previous page
However we cannot forget that this is the same Federal
Government that has been working overtime to weaken
unions by changing the laws to make it more difficult to Organize
by Introducing Bill C-525.
The current Conservative Government has also been
relentless in trying to pass Bill C-377 which would add unnecessary
costs, restrictions and bureaucracy to your Local
Union.
As if those two issues weren’t enough, the Government’s
lack of attention to protecting Canadian jobs by allowing over
300,000 Temporary Foreign Workers into Canada, including
the 201 Chinese coal miners approved to work in Tumbler
Ridge, should be enough to make sure we have a change in
direction.
As it is clear that the Federal Conservative Party is trying to
destroy free collective bargaining, the Canadian Building
Trades will be promoting an A-B-C campaign later this year
(Anything But Conservative).
Training and Organizing
In 2015, the Local will be working on different strategies to
train/educate and organize throughout the province. We need
strong leadership and mentors to provide the next generation
of Operating Engineers with the skills to grow and strengthen
our Local Union. We know these efforts will help to create
stronger Union members and better activists.
As many of our long time members know, we have come a
long way in our 84 year history, and none of it was handed to
us, we had to work together to influence and adapt to change.
We need to pass that history along to the next generation,
and instill the pride and activism of being a part of a great
Union .
Local 115 Heritage Room opening
After doing a quick review of an old Local 115 Collective
Agreement from 1959-1960 with the Heavy Construction
Association a few weeks ago, it was a good reminder of how
far we have come and the improvements we have made for
Operating Engineers and all workers in BC.
There is a very long list of people that have put effort into
making that happen over generations and it is important that
we recognize all of those successes.
At the March 2015 General Membership Meeting we will
be showcasing our history with the Official opening of our
Heritage Room here in Burnaby. If you have any pictures or
pieces of history from any of the jobs worked on over the years
that you may wish to share, please let us know.
To close, I want to say that 2015 should turn out to be a
good year for our membership. Your Executive Board and
staff have been working hard to focus on all areas of the Organization
to improve Agreements, Benefits and services and to
create new programs to strengthen the future of our Organization,
and I thank you for your continued support.
Dawsons Paving Crew at Spences Bridge.
2 News March 2015

Looks like a rocky
ride, but we have
hope for the future
Wayne E. Mills,
President
Welcome to the brave new world of 2015 as we look towards
resource development. I was listening to a radio show the
other day and it says that, percentage wise, BC has more than
twice the number of people who classify construction as their
livelihood than any other province in Canada. This makes
organizing interesting.
Site C
The first RFP went out and the scope of work
under the contract will generally include the
following site preparation activities:
• Excavation and disposal of approximately
3,000,000m3;
• Quarry development, including riprap
production, of approximately 100,000m3
• Building of approximately 7.25 kilometres of access roads,
and
• Clearing and grubbing of approximately 115 hectares.
We have had meetings with CLR regarding the Turbines
and those CLR contractors that have been shortlisted.
It is my opinion that the First Nations issues must be
addressed before the work will be allowed to proceed
smoothly.
KMP is heading towards hot metal this spring with final
hot metal in the fall. Job completion, de-mob, load out and
landscaping will be after that, but you can see it winding down
as the pot lines are nearing completion.
President’s Message
LNG and NGP
With Petronas, LNG Canada, Kitimat LNG and now Exxon
entering the picture, the talk of building in the North West
gets more interesting. We had thought that one or two would
have had the go ahead to build but with the World economy
and the $46 per barrel for crude, things have slowed a tad.
Upstream of the LNG plants is the Gas Plants and the
trades have had PLA discussions with CLR and Fluor regarding
some of those plants that EnCana is proposing.
PLA discussions with Enbridge are still proceeding, and we
will continue them at the end of March. The permitting process
requires they start by the third quarter of 2016. It took
over a year of negotiations with the trades and contractors to
get the first PLA into place, and that is the blueprint to keep
them all going forward with consistency.
As we shake the dust off 2015 to see what she looks like we
have hope for the future. Will
all these projects come together
at the same time, or will the
resource sector start to stumble?
At this time it is anyone’s
guess. Just remember to hang
on tight cause she is going to be one hell of a ride this year.
With the leadership of Business Manager, Brother Brian
Cochrane, the Table Officers and your Executive Board, we
are prepared to take on whatever comes our way.
In closing, a special thanks to the Shop Stewards up at KMP
for the work they do. I know how frustrating it can be herding
cats, and that is what seems to be happening there some days.
Thanks to all Shop Stewards and safety representatives.
I apologize to their families, as sometimes there are frustrations
as they deal with me in the evenings. It may sound corny
but we do it for the greater good of our craft.
Always remember to be safe, not just at work but at home
too. Take care, have a good spring, and may the frost get out of
the ground quickly so everyone can get back to work!
It is my opinion that the First
Nations issues must be addressed
before the work will be allowed
to proceed smoothly
Brother Dan Charron
with Gwil working at the
Industrial Development
Site at 196th Avenue and
32nd Avenue in Langley
putting up side panels.
News March 2015 3

District One
Taking a look
at what 2015
will bring us
Craig McIntosh,
Business Representative
Cheaper gas. Who would have thought gas in Vancouver
would drop from $1.54 a litre last June to $1.03 as I write this?
Low gas prices are great for consumers, but Alberta and all the
skilled tradespeople working in the oil patch don’t like it when
a barrel of oil goes below $50 down from $105 last July.
Many of the proposed oil sand projects have been put on
hold. Tradespeople are being laid off as the cost of producing
oil from the oil sands is more expensive
than traditional drilling. When
tradespeople get laid off they chase
the work, and a lot of Alberta tradespeople
may be looking for work outside
the province for the first time in
many years.
The province of Alberta has put new contracts on hold and
has instituted a hiring freeze due to budget issues associated
with the declining oil prices. Alberta has also decided not to
exercise the option to extend a firefighting contract with
Conair to supply 6 Fireboss air tankers and a bird dog plane.
This will affect seven Local 115 members who are pilots at
Conair.
A lot of Alberta tradespeople
may be looking for work
outside the province for the
first time in many years.
Site C Dam
In December the BC government gave the green light for the
Site C Dam in Fort St. John. BC Hydro say it is hoping
construction can start in July. That is optimistic, given how
many legal challenges have been filed with the courts. The
lawyers for the landowners and affected First Nations are set
to fight. The court decisions will likely not be completed
before July.
Transit Plebiscite
In March you will be mailed the Metro Vancouver Transit
Plebiscite Vote. The mail-in ballot question will ask whether
you support a 0.5 percent PST hike to help fund a Broadway
Skytrain extension in Vancouver, light rail in Surrey and a
new Pattullo Bridge.
This will receive a lot of media attention over the next few
months. The “no” side will say Translink doesn’t manage
transportation in the Lower Mainland very well at all, and
they don’t deserve any more money. The “yes” side will say
hold your nose and vote for the tax hike because population
and congestion continue to grow in the Lower Mainland.
These major projects do create a lot of jobs for Operating
Engineers, and if the vote is “no” it will delay these projects for
years while we talk about how to fund them.
2015 will bring more protests against
major projects such as Site C, LNG, pipelines
and the transit vote. The challenge this
year will be finding work for our skilled
tradespeople. You hear lots of talk about a
possible shortage of skilled tradespeople, but
it’s hard to know if there will be enough work to employ them.
Bentall Commemoration
Each year on January 7th the Building Trades meet at a memorial
by the Burrard Street Skytrain Station to remember the
four carpenters who died in 1981 when their flyform broke
away from the 36th floor of the Bentall Tower IV. It is a sobering
reminder at the beginning of the year of the dangers of
construction work.
Some of the carpenters’ families attend each year and talk
about how their lives changed when their loved ones went to
work that day and never came home.
Work Safe.
IUOE LOCAL 115
GENERAL
MEMBERSHIP
MEETING NOTICE
Saturday
March 21
9:30am
The OE Hall in Burnaby,
4333 Ledger Avenue
4 News March 2015

It’s important to keep
big projects like Site C
built by skilled workers
Everett Cummings,
Business Representative
Eurova
There are quite a few things in full swing. Eurova (the parent
company of BA Blacktop and Martens Asphalt) purchased
Imperial Paving some time ago. The companies will be into
one building for office space and the mechanical shop in
March.
The new location for all three companies will be in Port
Kells at the old Volvo Truck location.
This location will be central
for all companies for commuting
to the plants instead of spanning
five locations across the Lower
Mainland, from North Vancouver
to Chilliwack. This will also
provide highway access to get to
With no other large paving
projects like South Fraser
Perimeter road and Highway 1
on the books it’s looking to be
slower for 2015.
job sites via Highway 1 and the South Fraser Perimeter road.
Imperial Paving’s plant in Aldergrove and BA Blacktop’s
shops are running winter maintenance, which is providing a
lot of work for our paving industry members who would
usually be experiencing a slow time in these winter months.
After these plants are completed, Imperial Paving’s River
Road plant in Delta will be shut down for maintenance.
BA Blacktop will be completing the Highway 1 paving
project in the Spring, which resulted in many man hours for
District One
our members. With no other large paving projects like South
Fraser Perimeter road and Highway 1 on the books it’s looking
to be slower for 2015.
Taplow Feeds
Bargaining with Taplow Feeds will be under way in the Spring.
Located in Chilliwack, Taplow Feeds is a pet food feed mill
that produces dog and cat food with a high fish meal quality
product.
International Crushing Contractors
International Crushing Contractors agreement will be coming
up for renewal; they are a blasting company that works out of
our signatory gravel pit mines.
On another note, the membership needs to do their part to
get some big projects moving forward. You need to start
contacting your government officials to let them know you
support projects such as Site C Dam.
This project is the largest in B.C. history,
and would create a lot of man hours of work
for years to come. All previous dams have
been under the Allied Hydro Agreement and
you need to be vocal so this doesn’t continue
to happen.
Open site with union, non-union, or other
union is not the way to go. Help to ensure the higher paid jobs
go to the skilled workers, not to the cut-rate contractors. The
more voices that speak up, the more it helps keep these projects
built by trained skilled workers who have gone through
apprenticeships or certified training courses.
If you want to contact the government but are unsure how,
get in touch with your Business Representative and they will
provide you with the information.
Work Safe!
Brother Ray Degiusti who is a Heavy Duty
Mechanic at Wajax, also volunteers as a Fire
Fighter for the Township of Langley.
News March 2015 5

District One
With winter behind us, spring upon us and summer around
the corner, it is time to look to the future of construction in
B.C. and the role Operating Engineers can play.
With the opportunity of major projects in natural resource
and electric generation slated for the near future, it is important
our government officials hear our voice and ensure these
projects are constructed under a Project Labour Agreement
ensuring they are built by Union Building Trades, and do not
fall to the rats in an open shop environment. We must continue
to grow through Organizing and Apprenticeships to
ensure demand is filled, and YOU have a role by being an
active member.
Filling the increasing demand
for workers is just one of the
challenges facing the IUOE 115
moving forward in large construction
project growth within
B.C. Another challenge is replacing the rising number of retiring
construction workers. Age demographic pressures grow
steadily across our current construction growth period, with
the number of retirements rising in all trades and
occupations.
This challenge requires a different solution, as the permanent
loss of older workers requires the equivalent addition of
a younger and permanent workforce. This can be attained
through our Training and Apprenticeship programs, organizing
and education.
Large industrial and engineering projects provide the main
labour market changes in our sector. British Columbia has a
long and diverse list of current, planned and announced
projects.
A recent construction hiring report, wrote to a scenario
including mining, infrastructure, LNG terminals, pipelines
and renewable, electricity generation and transmission projects.
It showed there was a short pause in overall hiring in
2013, as a number of major engineering projects were past
their peak employment levels and winding down. Industrial
and mining projects continue to forecast hire, and account for
more than half of the 18,000 jobs created in the non-residential
sector from 2014 to 2017. Employment growth predicts
accelerated growth each year to 2017, as four LNG projects,
with related pipeline work, are assumed to start up.
6 News March 2015
Operating Engineers
have a role to play in
future of construction
Tom Kinnear,
Business Representative
Age demographic pressures
grow steadily …with the
number of retirements rising in
all trades and occupations.
This coincides with a series of mining and electricity generation
and transmission projects. These project requirements
are centered on a group of skilled and specialized trades and
occupations, and much of the work is in the northern and
more remote regions of the province. These are all characteristics
that we as Operating Engineers hold.
A recent Market Demand Report and Rankings displayed
that the demand for Operating Engineers will remain high in
upcoming years with the growth in natural resource and electric
generation predicted. Shown below are a few Operating
Engineer trades and their demand ranking within B.C.
Market rankings as of 2014
Level 1
Workers meeting employer qualifications are available in local
markets to meet an increase in demand at the current offered
rate of compensation and other current working conditions.
Excess supply is apparent and there is a risk of losing workers
to other markets.
Level 2
Workers meeting employer qualifications are
available in local markets to meet an increase
in demand at the current offered rate of
compensation and other working conditions.
Level 3
The availability of workers meeting employer qualifications in
the local market may be limited by large projects, plant shutdowns
or other short-term increases in demand. Employers
may need to compete to attract needed workers. Established
patterns of recruiting and mobility are sufficient to meet job
requirements.
Level 4
Workers meeting employer qualifications are generally not
available in local markets to meet any increase. Employers will
need to compete to attract additional workers. Recruiting and
mobility may extend beyond traditional sources and
practices.
Level 5
Needed workers meeting employer qualifications are not
available in local markets to meet current demand so that
projects or production may be delayed or deferred. There is
excess demand, competition is intense and recruiting reaches
to remote markets.
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (5)
Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction.
Demand requirements related to major resource projects
drive tighter labour market conditions over the medium term
continued on next page

District One
to 2018. Conditions return to balance in 2019 as projects peak
and wind down.
Consecutive years of high rankings for this group signal a
potential role for non-resident workers from out of the province
to help meet local construction requirements during
peak periods. The age profile for this group is about average.
Replacement demand requirements are not expected to be
met by new entrants into the labour force.
Crane operators (3)
Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction.
Demand requirements related to industrial and major engineering
projects rise steadily and create tight labour markets
between 2015 and 2017. Consecutive years of high rankings
for this trade signal a potential role for non-resident workers
from out of the province to help meet local construction
requirements during peak periods. The age profile for this
trade is younger than average. New entrants into the labour
force are expected to meet replacement demand requirements,
but workers from outside the local market will be
required to meet increased demand midway through the
scenario period.
Heavy equipment operators (except crane) (3).
Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction.
Demand requirements related to civil and other engineering
projects rise steadily from current levels and create tight
labour market conditions in 2016 and 2017. Conditions are
generally balanced across the remainder of the scenario
period as major projects peak and then wind down. Retaining
workers as labour markets weaken later in the scenario period
may pose challenges. The age profile for this trade is younger
than average. Replacement demand requirements are not
expected to be met by new entrants into the labour force.
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics (4)
Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction.
Demand requirements related to civil and other engineering
projects keep labour market conditions tight over the medium
term to 2017. Labour markets return to balance in 2018 as
some major projects peak and begin to wind down. The age
profile for this trade is younger than average. Replacement
demand requirements are not expected to be met by new
entrants into the labour force.
Welders and related machine operators (4)
Employment is concentrated in non-residential construction.
Demand requirements related to major resource projects
drive tighter labour market conditions over the medium term
to 2017. Conditions return to balance in 2018 and then
weaken as projects end.
Consecutive years of high rankings for this group signal a
potential role for non-resident workers from out of the province
to help meet local construction requirements during
peak periods. Retaining workers as labour markets weaken
later in the scenario period may pose challenges. The age profile
for this group is younger than average. Replacement
demand requirements are notexpected to be met by new
entrants into the labour force. Workers from outside the local
market may be required to meet increased demand midway
through the scenario period. (Source: BuildForce Canada)
With this projected high demand of our skilled trades, we
must strive to have them built by Operating Engineers, and
other BC Building Trades. Be active with your local government
and have your voice heard! Let your municipal leaders,
M.L.A. and M.P. know that you are a voting constituent in
their riding, make it known that these jobs are critical in the
economic and social development of your community, and
they need to be built UNION. Work Safely.
VARIETY TELETHON
IUOE shows its heart
Local 115 donated $10,000 again to this
year’s Show of Hearts Telethon supporting
Variety the Children’s Charity which
was held the weekend of February 14th.
Along with the $10,000 donation,
fourteen of Local 115’s staff and family
members also donated time on Sunday
February 15th by answering phones and
taking donations at the telethon. Gary
Kroeker, past Business Manager, was on
the Gold Panel answering phones as
well. We would like to thank them for
donating their time on behalf of IUOE
Local 115.
Organizations and British Columbians
came together that weekend to raise
an incredible $5.9 million for the 49th
Variety Show of Hearts telethon for
children who have special needs in B.C.
The charity disburses funding to children
and their families throughout the
province. It gives grants to families for
medical emergencies, therapies, specialized
equip ment, drugs, out of town
accommodation and travel costs.
IUOE Local 115 at the 49th Variety
Show of Hearts Telethon donating
$10,000.00. From left to right: Brother
Brian Lefebvre Recording Corresponding
Secretary, Sister Lynda Arland Manager
Administration and Special Projects,
Brothers Brian Cochrane Business
Manager, and Frank Carr Treasurer.
News March 2015 7

New Red Seal Apprentice Initiative
announced by Federal Government
Business Manager Brian Cochrane was
invited to a very hush hush Government
Announcement event on January
8th, 2015 at the BCIT Annacis Island
Campus in Delta.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was
at the BCIT Campus where he
announced a new program for the one
million new trades jobs expected by
2020.
He announced that the Canada
Apprentice Loan initiative is now open
for business and accepting applications.
The initiative will help those already
apprenticing to complete their training
and encourage more Canadians to pursue
a career in the skilled trades, allowing
participants to take advantage of the
many job opportunities across Canada.
The Prime Minister was accompanied
by The Honourable Jason Kenney,
Minister of Employment and Social
Development and Minister for Multiculturalism,
The Honourable Kerry-
Lynne Findlay, Minister of National
Revenue, The Honourable James
Moore, Minister of Industry, The Honourable
Alice Wong, Minister of State
for Seniors, Dan Albas, Parliamentary
Secretary to the President of the Treasury
Board, Nina Grewal, Member of
Parliament for Fleetwood–Port Kells,
John Weston, Member of Parliament for
West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea
to Sky Country, and Senator Yonah
Martin.
The Canada Apprentice Loan, which
was introduced in Economic Action
Plan 2014, will provide apprentices in
Red Seal trades across Canada with
access to interest-free loans.
These loans will help apprentices
address the costs they encounter during
technical training, including educational
fees, tools and equipment, living
expenses and forgone wages. It will be
managed by the Canada Student Loans
Program, within Employment and
Social Development Canada.
Apprentices registered in a Red Seal
trade apprenticeship will be able to
apply for loans of up to $4,000 per period
of technical training.
The loans are interest-free until after
loan recipients complete or leave their
apprenticeship training program, up to
a maximum of six years.
Those interested in applying for the
Canada Apprentice Loan can do so
through the Canada Apprentice Loan
Online Service which is available
through Canada.ca/apprentice.
See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/01/08/pm-announces-canadaapprentice-loan-program-now-accepting-applications#sthash.6fubCcxz.dpuf
OE MEMBER
FOR 57 YEARS
Jim Biddle joined the IUOE in 1957.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce
the sudden passing of Jim (James)
Biddle on December 4th, 2014.
Jim was a devoted family man and
was always there with love, support and
a good laugh. Jim was a longtime member
of the IUOE Local 115 and earned
the respect of many as he worked hard
and climbed the ladder of success.
Mike Parr hired Jim as a dispatcher
on January 15, 1965, 8 years after being
initiated into the union (April 18, 1957).
Jim was only in that position for 2 years
before he became a Business Representative
covering Burnaby and Vancouver;
expanded to North Vancouver and the
Sunshine Coast in 1974.
Elected to the Executive Board as
Treasurer in August 1968; then as Trustee
of the Operating Engineers’ Welfare
and Pension Plans in September 1974
and then elected in August 1980 as the
Vice President.
In January 1982, Jim went to work as
an International Representative to look
after BC and the Yukon Territory, and
then later became the Canadian Regional
Director of the International.
Jim retired January 1, 1995 and
moved to Qualicum Beach where he
could enjoy his golf, socializing with
friends and staying active as a club
member with the Shriners and Masons.
Jim was a large part of the IUOE 115
history and will be greatly missed by all
that knew him!
8 News March 2015

Talking to employees
of non union
companies is key
Don Swerdan,
Business Representative
At the time of writing this newsletter I am in negotiations with
Hiway Refrigeration and Rempel Bros. Concrete. In both
cases the Companies have identified similar problems. The
non-union Companies in their respective industries are under
cutting our signatory contractors by a significant margin.
In the case of Hiway Refrigeration, there are a number of
these non-union “Companies” who are currently working in
this Province that are from Alberta
and points east. These Companies
quite often are one and two man
operations working out of their personal
vehicles. In some cases they
are not qualified to do the work,
and they charge out at a rate substantially
less than our contractors.
In many cases the work accomplished by these Companies
is so poor that it results in a call to our contractors to repair
the sub-standard work. The fact that these non-union Companies
even get a call is having a devastating effect on the
refrigeration industry as a whole.
Collectively, we need to get out and find out where these
In many cases the work
accomplished by these
Companies is so poor that it
results in a call to our contractors
to repair the sub-standard work.
District One
Companies are operating at and from, and have a conversation
with the employees for the purpose of organizing them.
With respect to Rempel Bros. Concrete, there are a number
of similarities in that the non-union element out in the trade
is, in many cases, paying less in wages and benefits.
While there are Companies that pay a comparable wage,
the employees, more often than not, do not receive any variety
of pension and have an inferior Health and Welfare Plan, if
they have one at all.
Additionally, all Companies including the non–union are
in the midst of attempting to establish a lower rate of pay for
those employees working in the Fraser Valley (Langley eastward).
This comes as a direct result of certain non-union
Companies who have already instituted this circumstance
which is wreaking havoc with the industry.
Again, we as a collective group need to be speaking to the
employees of these Companies and have a serious discussion
on the benefits of being under a Collective
Agreement and working Union.
In both cases, we as Business Representatives,
our signatory contractors and our
organizers, Brothers Rob Duff and John
Munro, need your assistance. If you know
anyone working in either of the industries
referenced that you can contact, please
task them to contact the hall to talk to one of us. We will be
happy to answer any question they might have.
The same assistance is available for anyone you might know
in any industry in B.C. that has questions about becoming
Union.
‘Till next time.
Gemco Construction Ltd.
working on the future Mitchell
Road in Coquitlam on Burke
Mountain doing sewer and sani.
PICTURE COURTESY OF BROTHER
MITCHEL LOOR.
News March 2015 9

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

Declining economy
a challenge for jobs
and bargaining
Brett Chapman,
Business Representative
As we move forward into the new year of 2015, I have several
bargaining sessions lined up. Starting off I will be assisting
Brother Lefebvre with H.M. Trimble and Sons (Trimac),
Wajax Equipment, then Deere/Hitachi, First Truck formally
known as (Freightliner) and Harbour International.
I suspect that negotiations will be a
challenge due to the declining economy.
With potential projects on the table set to
commence this year, hopefully the impact of
the weakening economy doesn’t have quite the effect it did
back in 2008.
Peace River Coal has now completely shut down. Two of
our members remain as part of the Care and Maintenance
District One
team, maintaining the equipment and the water system to
fight against the bitter cold in the great white north.
This is a far cry from the 300 of our members previously
working. It is extremely disappointing considering HD Mining
and the Murray River project is still in full swing. Other than
the Canadian contractors HD Mining is using to deliver fuel,
building materials etc., only two Canadians (from what I
understand) have been hired. However, there are still 51
Temporary Foreign Worker’s completing work that could be
done by Canadians.
The Operating Engineers will keep our eye on this project
and continue to put pressure on the company to do the right
thing and hire as many local Brothers and Sisters that make up
the large labour pool that is available to them.
In the meantime Tumbler Ridge
is now struggling to keep people in
town as there is no work for the
locals. Many of our members are
doing an extensive amount of
travel, leaving their families behind in order to find gainful
employment to keep food on the table.
We wish all our members the best in 2015, stay safe and we
will see you in the field.
Tumbler Ridge is now struggling
to keep people in town as there
is no work for the locals.
AN IUOE Member has some straight talk for his MP
IUOE Local 115 Member Brother
Alfred Regehr wrote to his MP Mark
Stahl on December 8th, 2014 asking
him to stop Bill C377 and Bill C525.
Along with his letter he sent a copy of
an article that OE News featured in
the December 2014 publication on
LNG in BC for reference.
Thank you Brother Regehr for your
continued efforts and support and we
hope that you inspire other Brothers
and Sisters to get the pen out and write
to their MPs and MLAs on this issue.
Dear Mark,
Enclosed are copies of an article on
LNG in B.C. — very interesting.
My main reason for this letter is to
ask you to stop Bill C377 and C525.
They will be yours and the conservatives
Gov. defeat next election specifically
in the west. Mulcair & Trudeau
will make this a real issue specifically
for the NDP. Surely your people can
see this as the bill only goes after union
labour. Why not lawyers, doctors and
large corporations, let’s make it fair.
If you want our union’s financial
statements? I will send them to you free
of charge every year, imagine postage
free.
Now getting to the protesters against
Kinder Morgan and Pipelines and Site
C dam, I have a solution.
(1) Ask David Susuki how he got to
Burnaby mountain from Salt
Spring Island? Did he take a handmade
boat and walk from
wherever?
(2) Stop all the TV networks from
broadcasting all these protests.
(3) Where are the protesters getting
there funding from to get to all
these sites?
God put the tar sands, the trees, the
water and gas into this great country.
He also gave us technology to develop
it, surely some politician will have the
courage to tell Canadians this.
Again stop Bill C377 and C525 they
will only destroy and cost hard workers
and pensioners money.
Yours Truly
Alfred Regehr
CC: Laurie Throness, MLA
Christy Clark, Premier BC
News March 2015 11

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

Why organizing is important to
expand our market share
John Munro,
Organizer
Unionization rate by region, 2012
(Percentage of employees)
CANADA 31.5
Union Organizing
The reason we need to constantly be out organizing new
members into our Union is plain and simple. All Unions are
losing market share in every industry across this province and
country.
Since 1981 unionization has declined from 38% to 31.5% in
Canada. In all the provinces in Canada, B.C. has taken the
largest hit when it comes to union density, dropping from
45% in 1981 to 31.3% in 2012.
We are not last but we should work hard to increase this
number to beat Quebec and become the leader in Union density
in Canada.
When it comes to our Union it is very important to keep
organizing to continue to expand our market share in construction,
mining, waste industry and mechanical shops. This
would help us grow our voice at the bargaining table and in
the labour movement in B.C.
I read in one report that for Unions in North America to
have the same membership as back in the 1950s they would
need to organize 1 million new members every year for the
next 25 years. The report also said that for Unions to maintain
their current membership numbers, they would need to organize
25,000 new members a year.
Those are some staggering numbers for all Unions to
achieve. But with a constant presence and voice out on every
jobsite, I believe we can achieve bringing in large numbers of
new members.
As members of the Union you are the front line organizers.
Talk with people at your jobsite, home or anywhere you are.
Give people information about your Union, how to get
involved with your Union, and who to contact if they are
interested in joining. With your help we can continue to grow
our great Union.
NL
PE
NS
NB
QC
ON
MB
SK
AB
BC
36.9
34.2
30.6
29.8
39.9
28.2
36.0
35.4
23.5
31.3
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
The organizing department is always looking for active
leads for non-union and CLAC companies to organize. Please
pass on information you have. It will help us and the Union.
You have boots on the ground every day in areas we may not
get to and do not know about. Help us reach these workers.
No matter how big or the small the company is, the workers
there have a right to have a voice in their workplace and not
get pushed around by the company. By organizing they can
have the voice they deserve with the company and make a better
living for themselves and their families.
Executive Board Member
Brother Doug Fisher with
Rempel Bros. Concrete Ltd.
working at the Industrial
Development Site at 196th
Avenue and 32nd Avenue in
Langley.
News March 2015 13

Dispatcher’s Report
LNG projects going
on back burner due
to oil prices
Jim Flynn,
Dispatcher
Hopefully this report finds everyone healthy! With the low
price of oil, many of the LNG projects have been put on the
back burner for the time being.
There are some rumblings of the Site C Dam project possibly
getting started later this year. We encourage all members
to be vocal about how important these projects are to our
members and their families.
There are some of our contractors bidding on possible
mine work in the northern part of British Columbia. This
will employ many of our members if our contractors are
successful and the projects go forward. I encourage all
members to get out to their District meetings and get the
facts.
In closing please remember that getting home safe after a
day’s work is job # 1.
Brother Zack Hogan from WesternOne.
DAY OF MOURNING
APRIL 28 2015
Across Canada, April 28 has been designated the
National Day of Mourning, a time when workers,
families, employers and others come together
to remember those who have lost their lives to
work-related incidents or occupational diseases.
Every year, WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of
Labour, and the Business Council of British Columbia
host a public ceremony to honour the occasion.
VANCOUVER CEREMONY
Tuesday
April 28
10:30AM
The Vancouver Convention
Centre, Jack Pool Plaza area
Other ceremonies will be held around
the Lower Mainland and across the
province. We will be posting details
on our website when we receive
them. iuoe115.com/media/news
14 News March 2015

Members need to
voice our concerns
to government
Curtis Harold,
Business Representative
I am pleased to see the membership and am looking forward
to another year of success. Even though last year was busy, a
lot of smaller contracts did not make the approved list and we
are hopeful more ministry contracts will come to light this
year. Still our contractors are gearing up and trying to keep
momentum with the success over the past couple of years.
At the time of release of this article, the
John Hart Generating Station project is
going underground. The surface blasting
is completed at the south portal and the
drilling/underground blasting has
commenced. In spring the focus will be
on tunneling and underground cavern
excavation.
A facility, which is near completion, is currently being
installed to accommodate the maintenance equipment and
storage. Tree clearing has commenced to allow for a new
bridge near the intake as the current bridge capacity is under
what is required. I will keep you posted at the District meetings
of the progress.
The membership at Upland Contracting has ratified their
new agreement. It will be another prosperous year for this
region with additional work on the generating station, water
line for Campbell River and upcoming contracts for the City.
As discussed at Black Creek and all District meetings, organizing
is a requirement of all members. With a significant
District Two
increase in non-union contractors moving into the area, all
local members need to play a part in organizing.
This is why the need to act is now, “The greater the number
of members the greater the voice of the membership.”
I put the challenge out to the membership on Vancouver
Island to really think about who they know working in other
Companies, and educate them about the benefits we have
been able to achieve. While I speak to the specific area this is
an initiative for all Local 115 members.
The membership at Hazelwood Construction have ratified
their new Collective Agreement and are still working at the
Toba Inlet Hydro project. Hazelwood will be aggressively
bidding on other work as the year progresses.
Chew Excavating has secured more work in the Southern
part of the Island working with B.C. Hydro, Telus, Royal Bay
expansion and subdivisions. Shops have maintained steady
throughout the winter and should be
back to full swing in the spring.
The Crane Rental industry is
remaining steady. Currently we are
finishing up collective bargaining
from last year, and looking forward to
getting out to the crews to thank them
for their support along the way.
I encourage the membership to lobby your local MP and
MLA about what matters to you and your Brothers and Sisters.
We have the Site “C” dam project around the corner and no
guarantee that it will be under a PLA or Allied Hydro
Agreement.
It does not matter who you are, everybody should be under
the same terms and conditions to promote equality. We have
the membership that can build this project and collectively we
need to voice our concerns.
Let’s make this year one to remember. Please work safe out
there, see you in the field!
With a significant increase in
non-union contractors moving
into the area, all local
members need to play a part
in organizing.
BA Blacktop Plant crew: From left to right,
Brothers Phoenix Logan-Hill, Derek Lowen,
Ben Yuill, Chase Reiger and Guy Gauthier.
News March 2015 15

District Three
Take this time to
focus on union
density and work
share for future
Brad Gerow, Business Representative
Bryan Railton, Organizer
Gerow
2015 is upon us and so far this year is shaping up to be similar
to the last. However, membership engagement and bargaining
have created a busy start.
Construction for the wider Highway 1 through to Alberta
will continue this year, with 672462 BC Ltd. planning to finish
their phase by the end of this year. Emil Anderson Construction
was the successful bid for the next phase (Hoffman’s Bluff
Phase 2) which will be starting in April, with an expected
completion of two years.
There is also a sizable project that will see Highway 97 from
Edwards Road to Highway 33 widened in Kelowna, projected
to start as well. We are waiting to
see what the Ministry of Highways
will put out for the rest of the year.
The City of Kamloops has a
couple of larger projects planned,
including working on Columbia
Street and the Overlander Bridge.
They will be adding turn lanes and planning for more efficient
traffic flow through the downtown core on Columbia Street
from 2nd Avenue to 6th Avenue. After completing inspections,
they have also decided to do a much needed overhaul
on the Overlander Bridge.
Bargaining is ongoing and keeping us busy, including the
bargaining for the Interior Addendum
to the Road Building, RJames
Western Star (Kamloops and
Kelowna), Premium Truck and
Trailer (Kelowna), Cummins, Wajax,
and 672462 BC Ltd.
With the work picture for this year
lining up to look similar to the last,
slow pick up on major projects and
large layoffs in Alberta, we have
some serious obstacles ahead.
Last year saw the creation of some new initiatives which
Railton
Our ability to connect and
create relationships is how
we can begin reasserting
our bargaining strength.
are focused on engaging membership and will continue to
have an impact in 2015. We will be working on educating,
involving and activating the membership, which will in
turn assist your Local in being successful in District 3.
Ultimately, membership is where your Union’s strength
lies and our ability to connect and create relationships is
how we can begin reasserting our bargaining strength. This
means creating more Shop Stewards and a strong membership
base to establish a more desirable environment in the
sectors we work in.
We must turn our focus to Union density
and work share so that the Operating Engineers
can establish themselves in this “calm
before the storm” scenario.
We want to thank the members who are
already involved and challenge the rest of the
membership to take a moment to learn a little
more. Attending your next district meeting is a start, but
we are also planning different events where membership
involvement is always welcome. Do not hesitate to contact
us to learn more.
Through membership we will be successful, let’s make
2015 a year to remember!
Richard Salle Contracting
equipment resting for the
winter at Orchards Walk
project in Kamloops.
16 News March 2015

BC BUILDING TRADES EXECUTIVE MEET WITH JUSTIN TRUDEAU
Construction industry discussed with Liberal Leader
On December 16th members of the BC Building Trades Executive
Board and the Construction Labour Relations
Association of BC met with federal Liberal Party Leader Justin
Trudeau at the Operating Engineers office.
The meeting was an important opportunity for the new
leader to hear about key issues in the construction industry in
BC.
Participants discussed the failures
of the Temporary Foreign Worker
program and its abuse by employers.
In 2013, the BC Building Trades
challenged the program when the
International Union of Operating
Engineers Local 115 and Labourers
Union Local 1116 took HD Mining
to court for hiring foreign miners
when local Canadians were available
Business Manager Brian
Cochrane with Justin
Trudeau one on one
outside the OE Building.
to work. Since the case was dismissed
two other coal mines in the area
have closed leaving HD Mining the
only operational mine in the Tumbler
Ridge area. To date, not a single
Canadian miner has been hired.
Building Trades executive members called on the Liberal
leader to support policy that puts Canadians first in line for
resource jobs, to which Justin Trudeau agreed in principle.
Participants at the meeting also discussed using apprentices
on publically funded federal projects. Federal Conservative
government policy merely asks contractors to report if they
have apprentices working on public projects. This does not go
Justin Trudeau meeting with the BC Building Trades Executive
Board in the main Boardroom at OE’s Burnaby office.
far enough. Representatives from the Building Trades asked
the Liberal Leader to commit to placing apprenticeship quotas
on federal projects.
Over the coming months representatives from the Building
Trades will continue to meet with Liberal and New Democrat
Members of Parliament and advance our issues in the upcoming
federal election.
After the BC Building Trades
Executive Board meeting,
Justin Trudeau stopped in and
met the staff at Local 115’s
Burnaby office.
News March 2015 17

District Four
Northern ingenuity
will help us survive
coal downturn
Herb Conat and Wayne Kemp,
Business Representatives
Conat
Kemp
Major projects are being projected for the Northwest region of
the province and are extremely close to proceeding. Fairview
Terminal, LNG both in Prince Rupert and the Kitsault Mine,
are some of the projects that are waiting for the start date.
Business Manager Brian Cochrane has been in the forefront
of securing this work and multiple other projects for the
membership: Project Labour Agreements, Craft Certifications,
Site C, LNG, Mining projects, and protecting our rights
against Provincial or Federal Governments,
Labour Boards, Temporary
Foreign Workers, and the new Buzz
word “Open Managed Site”.
These past several years Brian has
been leading the organization, preparing
the membership for upcoming
projects, securing employment and protecting the rights of
the membership of tomorrow.
With spring just around the corner, the new Municipal
regime has kept their promise and the streets of Prince George
seem to, in most parts of the city, have had timely snow clearing
done. That said, our paving contractors have been under
attack by non-union and rat-union companies going after the
City’s paving contract.
Prince George needs to adopt fair wage and procurement
policies like the City of Burnaby has. These policies level the
Prince George needs to
adopt fair wage and
procurement policies like
the City of Burnaby has.
playing field for the Industry, and help secure local companies
with the expertise to bid on contracts and be successful.
In return we all benefit from members working and the
citizens of Prince George knowing the paving will be done
correctly and on budget.
The Coal Industry in the North has come to a screeching
halt and therefore some of the signatory equipment shops
have had to adapt again.
However, being from the North and living
in the North we are never surprised by the
ingenuity of our membership and signatory
companies in shifting gears and adopting
back into the Forest Industry and lessening
the layoffs to a bare minimum or in most
cases not at all. Truck shops in the District
have been steady and are actively seeking Journeyman
mechanics to hire.
The number of Collective Agreements up for renewal is
less than last year. The leitmotif for bargaining last year was
retention, but with the slowdown in the Industry it may reconcile
that initiative with an increase to the labour pool.
In closing, we would like to thank the Shop Stewards and
safety committee members who assist the members, and the
Business Representatives who make the workplace more
respectable. Work Safe!
Fifty IUOE Local 115 Brothers and Sisters
were in attendance at the BC Federation of
Labour Convention on November 27th, 2014
to cast our vote for the new BC Federation
of Labour President. Longtime President
Brother Jim Sinclair stepped down to retire
after serving for 15 years. The margins
were close in the vote which saw Irene
Lanzinger win by only 57 votes (2,249 votes
casted) over her incumbent. IUOE Local 115
endorsed Irene Lanzinger.
Thank you to those members who came
out to vote as the outcome would have
been extremely different if they were not
there.
18 News March 2015

Site C Dam project
begins 18 month
preparation phase
Mike Spiruda,
Business Representative
The Provincial Government gave the final go ahead in December
to the $8.8 billion Site C Dam project on the Peace River
near Fort St. John. BC Hydro has stated that the construction
schedule is 6 months behind and will begin in the
summer of 2015.
There is 18 months of preparation work to be
completed before the actual construction of the
dam itself can begin. Preparation work will involve
clearing, stripping, access roads, laydown sites,
camp accommodations, diversion tunnels, coffer
dams and a temporary bridge across the river to enable access
back and forth to the site.
In conjunction with Site C and B.C. Hydro remaining
committed to their green renewable energy plan, BC Hydro
has also given the green light to Pattern Developments Meikle
Wind Energy project located 30 kilometers north of Tumbler
Ridge.
This $400 million project will consist of 61 wind turbines
with construction starting this spring. The project is planned
to be operational by the end of 2016. These projects will be
beneficial to laid off members who worked in the Tumbler
Ridge coal mining industry to achieve meaningful employment
once again.
The municipalities of Fort St. John and Dawson Creek are
also in the midst of planning to go ahead with major expenditures
to improve the outgrown and much needed infrastructure
systems.
As the price of oil and gas declines,
so do the investment dollars which
has kept the industry and many
members active for the past few years.
Some of the anticipated projects in
the Northeast have been put on hold
as the energy companies constantly
revamp their spending budgets for 2015.
Hopefully the current slide in prices level out to a stable
and suitable environment to enable major projects to go
forward.
Work Safe!
Hopefully the current
slide in prices level out
to a stable and suitable
environment
District Five
Equipment sitting idle at Peace River Coal in Tumbler Ridge
News March 2015 19

District Six
If you have questions,
make sure you ask a
real union member
agreement with them, but the global economy, and downturn
in the coal market is not helping things in that respect.
This will no doubt continue to be a factor when we hit the
table with Maxam Bulk Systems, slated to begin in late February
this year.
TIPS FOR BETTER PIX
Rob Foskett,
Business Representative
We hit the ground running at full throttle in January 2015
with respect to bargaining several agreements in our district.
In the West Kootenays, the New Denver Public Works
negotiations have concluded with the ratification of a new
agreement.
Castlegar/Trail/Nelson Ready mix contract negotiations
began in early November 2014, and at the time of this writing,
I am confident that we will reach an agreement in the near
future. Selkirk Paving bargaining began at the end of January
this year.
Columbia River Reload contract negotiations continue to
be plagued with health issues, and we are presently re-scheduling
bargaining dates to meet with them down on the coast.
Over here in the East Kootenays, Line Creek Operations
began in May of 2014, and we are continuing our marathon
sessions with Teck Resources in regards to reaching an
• Outdoor posed and action shots are great.
• Watch for the flare that can be reflected on safety vests. Also,
look out for hard hats that can throw harsh shadows on faces.
• Try to get an IUOE logo in there!
• With group photos, have people arranged in a semicircle
rather than a straight line.
• To avoid harsh shadows, move people a step or two away
from back walls.
• Please use and send high resolution images.
Line Creek Operations Grievance Update
We have a number of grievances to be scheduled for either
Stage II or Stage III meetings with the company.
• LC-14-28 : Unfair Discipline - Requested Stage III meeting
• LC-14-29 : Unfair Discipline - Requested Stage III meeting
• LC-14-30 : Unfair Discipline - Requested Stage III meeting
• LC-14-34 : Bypassed Overtime - Requested Stage II meeting
• LC-14-40 : 50% review - Requested Stage II meeting
As bargaining continues with Teck Recourses, below is a list of
several grievances pertaining to outstanding items on the
table for negotiations have been held in abeyance for discussion
at the table with the Company.
• LC-14-19 : Straight Days Pump Shift
• LC-14-25 : Temporary assignments exceeding one shift
• LC-14-26 : Facilities Support Classification negotiation
• LC-14-33 : Temporary Foremen Utilization
• LC-14-38 : Temporary Foremen Seniority
• LC-14-39 : Early Start Overtime
• LC-14-41 : Leadhand Utilization
We want your photos!
If you have a fond memory to share, a recent shot
which shows off your skills, or just want your crew
shown off in the magazine, send us your pictures
for the next OE News!
Digital Images
• Please use the highest quality settings on your camera,
phone or device when taking photos.
• You can upload your images at: www.iuoe115.com/media/
submit or email them to media@iuoe115.com
• You can also send CDs or USB drives of photos to our office
address. Don’t worry, we’ll get them back to you!
• If you swing by your local office or meeting, you can bring
your pictures with you and ask that we quickly download
them.
• Always provide the location, date, name of person(s) in the
photos, and a description of what is taking place.
Printed Photos
If you have printed photos, they will be returned. These can be sent to:
Lynda Arland, Manager, Administration & Special Projects, IUOE Local 115
4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 3T3.
20 News March 2015

Benefits and Pension Plan Report
Benefits Plan 2014
Year in Review
Shawn Hatch,
Administrator
2014 was a busy year for the Operating Engineers’ Benefits
Plan.
The Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan covered just under
$20 million in benefit coverage for the year providing a wide
range of benefits for just under 5,500 members and their
dependents.
The single largest benefit payment was to the Medical Services
Plan of B.C. at approximately $6.6 million.
Extended Health Benefit claims totalled just over $5 million
made up of:
• Drugs: $3 million
• Chiropractor, Physiotherapy & Massage Therapy: $915,000
• Vision Care: $540,000
• Medical equipment: $500,000
• Other: $58,000
• Out of Province Emergency: $32,000
Dental claims totaled just over $4.6 million.
Group Life Insurance premiums were approximately $1.2
million.
Weekly Disability claims totaled just over $1 million for the
year.
Our Great-West Life long term disability premiums totalled
just over $720,000.
Members are reminded that any Extended Health or Dental
claims incurred in the 2014 calendar year must be received
by Pacific Blue Cross no later than June 30, 2015.
Looking ahead, in 2015 Pacific Blue Cross is predicting
that the cost of Extended Health Benefits will increase by 10%
and the cost of dental claims will increase by 7.5%. Your board
of trustees has indicated there are no plans to increase member
premiums this year
Pacific Blue Cross has also indicated that they plan to
improve member services in 2015 by introducing electronic
claims submission for a number of service providers including
chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, optical
dispensers and optometrists.
When this new service is introduced members will not
have to submit claims, members will know the amount of
reimbursement immediately and members will not be out of
pocket while waiting for reimbursement. Watch for further
announcements.
BENTALL TRAGEDY
Remembering four who died on the job
The 34th Anniversary of the Bentall
Tragedy was on January 7th and representatives
from IUOE Local 115 were
there along with family members and
the public to remember the workers
who plunged to their deaths when a fly
form collapsed at the 36th floor of the
Bentall Centre Tower IV building in
1981.
Each year representatives from the
BC Building trades gather to remember
Gunther Couvreux; Brian Stevenson;
Donald Davis; and Yrjo Mitrunen.
They also come together to remember
the 898 construction workers that died
IUOE Local 115 Business Representatives
Craig McIntosh and Frank Carr, and
Business Manager Brian Cochrane
attended the ceremony.
The Bentall Memorial plaque.
from trauma and exposures since the
Bentall Tragedy. They gather at the
western corner of the park at the
Burrard Skytrain Station and laid
wreaths at the Bentall Memorial plaque.
News March 2015 21

BC MINIMUM WAGE AND STUDENTS
THE FACTS
$10.25
per hour is not enough
to help address student
debt load. Join the fight to
make BC’s minimum wage
$15
BC
eliminated
student grants in
2003
BC’S LOW MINIMUM WAGE HURTS STUDENTS
Young people from low- and middle-income families are finding
it harder to access the university or college education they need
to get a good job.
Tuition fees have more than doubled since 2002, and student
grants were eliminated in 2003. BC’s record when it comes to
non-repayable student aid is dead last in Canada, and interest
charged on BC student loans is among the highest in the country.
Many students rely on part-time and even full-time work to try
to get by. But with a minimum wage stuck at $10.25 per hour,
they are falling behind.
Students need to work more than 550 hours, or the equivalent
of 14 weeks in a full-time minimum wage job just to cover tuition
fee costs. This is more than three times as many hours as previous
generations.
Why is BC making it so hard for students to access an education?
Tuition fees have more
than
doubled since
2002
550
hours
of minimum wage work
just to pay for tuition
BC Federation of Labour
January 2015
THE SITUATION IS WORSE FOR VULNERABLE STUDENTS
Students who need to access adult basic education must now
pay tuition fees and face an unnecessary financial burden to
complete high school classes.
Cuts to English as a second language (ESL) programs and new
tuition fees for ESL courses have also made it more challenging
for new Canadians to complete the necessary language training
to participate in the job market.
WHAT WOULD $15/HR MEAN FOR BC STUDENTS?
An increased minimum wage along with reduced tuition fees
and better loan systems for students would help to make
post-secondary education truly accessible.
15 FIGHT
FOR
22 News March 2015

Training Association
busy providing
upgrading around
the Province
Brad Randall,
Training Administrator
Courses
The Training Site continues to be full of activity. We are very
busy providing off-site upgrading training around the Province
for our members and contractors. These are offered for
programs such as Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) and
Asphalt Laydown Technician half day
refresher courses (to prepare
members to challenge their Provincial
Certificate of Qualification),
crane refresher, rigging, forklift,
asphalt & roller, excavator, and grader
training.
We are very busy providing
off-site upgrading training
around the Province for our
members and contractors.
Staff changes
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Brother Jeff
Turner to the team. Jeff will be working as a Training Coordinator
out of the Burnaby office. Jeff spent the last 25 years
working for Columbia Bitulithic as a Plant Operator.
We utilized Jeff ’s expertise by having him instruct our plant
course in January with Brother Steve Carter. We look forward
to working with Jeff and wish him the best of luck in his new
position.
Training Association Report
Program Review Committees
Several years ago we established four Program Advisory
Committees, Mobile Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment
Operator, Asphalt Laydown Technician and Plant Operator.
The purpose of these committees is to review the program
outlines, confirm that the instructor’s qualifications, training
materials and facilities are adequate and that the training
meets or exceeds industry standards.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members
that participated on these committees and look forward
to their continued support and participation in the future.
Skills & Technology Week
The Skilled Trades and Technology week ran from November
3rd to 7th, 2014. It was created by Skills Canada to raise awareness
of skilled trades and technology careers
among youth, their parents and the general
public.
On Wednesday October 29th the Industry
Training Authority (ITA) sponsored a visit to
our Training Site from the media to film Ann
Luu’s “In Your Shoes” which aired on CTV
November 7th to the 9th, 2014. Ms. Luu was filmed operating
one of our excavators and our 30 ton Grove crane.
Financial assistance and incentives for apprentices
The Government of Canada recently announced that the
“Canada Apprentice Loan” initiative is now accepting applications.
The Canada Apprentice Loan will provide apprentices
in Red Seal trades across Canada with access to interest-free
loans.
These loans will help apprentices address the costs they
continued on next page
WEAR YOUR UNION PRIDE
toques $11
baseball hats $14—$18
long sleeved shirts $25
hooded sweatshirts (zippered) $40
hooded sweatshirts (pullovers) $48
microfibre vests $45
golf shirts $48
custom lined hoodies $48
Plus more to choose from!
Visit www.iuoe115.com to
view our full range
of Local 115 merchandise
and order online
News March 2015 23

Training Association Report
encounter during technical training, including educational
fees, tools and equipment, living expenses and forgone
wages. Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship
will be able to apply for loans of up to $4,000 per
level of technical training.
The loans are interest-free until after apprentices complete
or leave their apprenticeship training program, up to a
maximum of six years.
Those interested in applying for the Canada Apprentice
Loan can do so through the Canada Apprentice Loan
Online Service which is available through: Canada.ca/
apprentice.
Apprenticeship Grants
There are two types of grants available to apprentices.
The “Apprenticeship Incentive Grant” (AIG) is a taxable
cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, up to a maximum
amount of $2,000 per person. It is available to registered
apprentices once they have successfully completed their
first or second year/level (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship
program in one of the Red Seal trades.
The “Apprenticeship Completion Grant” (ACG) is a
taxable grant of $2,000 for registered apprentices who
complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their
journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade.
For more information on these grants, please visit the
Service Canada website or call 1-866-742-3644.
Website helps you find union goods and services
Members who want to support other union members at
work should take a look at a new website developed here in
BC which helps progressive consumers identify union
goods and services.
ShopUnion.ca was launched in January, 2012 and it has
thousands of listings of common products and services
which we buy every day. Items as diverse as car batteries,
breakfast cereals, work clothing, beer, wine, taxi cabs and
other consumer items are added to the site every week.
Simply type in the name of the item you want to buy. The
key word search tells you the name of the company that
makes it, its location, its website and its union affiliation.
Check it out at www.shopunion.ca. Support the union
members who produce these goods for you.
Annual Open House
I look forward to seeing everyone this year at our 20th
Annual Open House on Saturday June 20th, 2015 at our
Maple Ridge Training Site. We need close to 80 volunteers
to make this great event a success.
If you are interested in volunteering or require more
information please call the Training Association at 604-
299-7764. See you there. Work safe!
IUOE LOCAL 115’s
Annual Open House
Heavy Equipment Rodeo
Saturday June 20, 2015
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
At our Maple Ridge Training Site
Members, family and friends are invited to
attend the Training Association’s Annual
Open House & Heavy Equipment Rodeo. This
event has been a great success every year.
We will have all our heavy equipment set up for
everyone to operate as well as additional equipment
provided by our contractors and equipment dealers.
Our simulator trailer will be on site and ready to try.
We will have a booth set up to provide information
on the various courses and apprenticeships we have
to offer. Site tours are available. Complimentary soft
drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers will be served.
We are located in Maple Ridge. Take
Dewdney Trunk Road to 256th Street. Travel
north about 2.5 km. Watch for our signs.
Call the Training Association at
(604) 299-7764 for more information.
See you there!
24 News March 2015

Training Association Report
Crane Common Core Level 1 class, standing in front of our
clamshell bucket, are Brothers Jordan Cool, Mitch Elias, Kurtis
Little, Aron Bennett, Sean Allemang, Pat deJong and Wes Bauder
(Instructor).
Mobile Crane Level 2 class are Brothers Brad Carr, Brad Heddle,
Chris Hartinger, Matt Beemer, James Knowles and Mark
McGregor (instructor).
Heavy Equipment Operator class are Brothers Steve Carter
(Instructor), Sheldon Tschritter, Luke Mueller, Bertram (Buddy)
Stewart, Jason Neighbour, (top) Lorren Marks, Hayden Rowan,
(top) Arthur Johnson Jr, Moses Johnson, Jesse Tynan and Robyn
Bishop (Instructor).
Brother Darin Condon being presented with his Provincial
Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate of Qualification with the
Articulating Haul Truck Endorsement by Brother Jeff Gorham
(Training Coordinator). Darin served his apprenticeship while
working with our signatory contractors in the Kamloops area.
Brothers Roy Prois, Derek Arason, Fred Becvar, Jason Armstrong
and Brian Koch (Instructor). Brother Koch provided a Fall
Protection course for members at Northern Crane in Terrace, BC.
Brother Kyle Thompson being presented with his Mobile
Crane Operator - Hydraulic Unlimited Tonnage Certificate
of Qualification by Brothers Randy Grisewood (Training
Coordinator) and Mike Spiruda (Business Representative).
Brother Thompson served his apprenticeship with Sterling Crane
in Fort St John.
News March 2015 25

Training Association Report
Brother Alex Daigneau being presented with his Heavy
Equipment Operator Provincial Certificate of Qualification by
Brother Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator).
Members of the Plant Program Advisory Committee are Brothers
Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator), Tim Teichrob (BA
Blacktop), Dave Channel (Winvan Paving), Garry Jabs (Instructor
/ Supervisor), Jeff Turner (Training Coordinator / Instructor), Brad
Randall (Administrator), Colin Herbert (Mainland Sand & Gravel)
and Nick Santorelli (Grandview Blacktop).
Members of the Heavy
Equipment Operator
Program Advisory Committee
are Brothers Garry Jabs
(Instructor / Supervisor), Brad
Randall (Administrator), Jim
McWilliams (Progressive),
Gary Coulter (Bel Pacific),
Ryan Berthaudin (FRPD),
Steve Arcand (FRPD), Robyn
Bishop (Instructor), Al Cooper
(Duchek), Brian Cochrane
(Business Manager) and
Randy Grisewood (Training
Coordinator).
Members of the Mobile Crane Program Advisory Committee are
Brothers Garry Jabs (Instructor / Supervisor), Bob MacMillan
(GWIL Cranes), Brian Cochrane (Business Manager), Trevor Reid
(Vancouver Pile Driving), Gordon Lindberg (Instructor), Wes
Bauder (Instructor), Larry Marshall (Retiree), Doug Younger
(WorkSafe), Brad Randall (Administrator), Ralf Notheis (RKM),
Fred Grabowski (Vancouver Pile Driving), Grant Washington
(Retiree), Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) and Mike
Leary (Sterling Crane).
Members of the Asphalt Laydown Technician Program
Advisory Committee are Brother Darren Suehsschlaf (Training
Coordinator), Larry Lewis ( BA Dawson), Garry Jabs (Instructor
/ Supervisor), Danny Peters (Jack Cewe), Brad Randall
(Administrator), Nick Santorelli (Grandview Blacktop) and Jeff
Turner (Training Coordinator / Instructor).
26 News March 2015

Training Association Report
Brother Derek Perry being presented with his Provincial
Truck and Transport Mechanic Certificate of Qualification
with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement by Brother Randy
Grisewood (Training Coordinator) at Inland Kenworth in Prince
George.
Brother Brad Kurtz being presented with his Provincial
Heavy Duty Mechanic Certificate of Qualification with Red
Seal Endorsement by Brother Randy Grisewood (Training
Coordinator) and Brother Colin Herbert (Equipment Repairs &
Maintenance Manager) at Mainland Sand & Gravel.
Brother Aaron Willison being presented with his Heavy Duty
Mechanic Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red
Seal Endorsement at Fraser River Pile & Dredge’s yard in New
Westminster. Pictured from left to right are Brothers Tony Pires,
Mark Jorgensen, Matt Green, Dan Shellard, Aaron Willison,
Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator), Rey Bernier and Ken
Jorgensen.
Brother Matt Beemer being presented with his Mobile Crane
Operator - Lattice Boom Hydraulic Certificate of Qualification
with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement by Brother Randy
Grisewood (Training Coordinator).
Brother Brian Koch (Instructor) providing a Fall Protection
course at GWIL Cranes yard in Burnaby. Pictured left to right
are Brothers Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator), Brian
Koch(Instructor), Bob MacMillan, Rob Farrow, Calvin Meier, Justin
Mainville, Jason Bjur, Nick Di Palma, Brent Faminoff and Randy
Grisewood (Training Coordinator).
Mobile Crane Level 2 class. Pictured left to right are
Brothers Craig Weatherly, Simon Sohrabi, Shane Drombolis,
Kevin Hildebrandt, Nick DiPalma, Glen Seeley (Instructor),
Mark McGregor (Instructor), Randy Grisewood (Training
Coordinator), Grant Washington (Instructor). I would like to
take this opportunity to thank Brothers Glen Seeley and Grant
Washington for spending a few days at the Training Site working
with the students on Pile Driving. Lending their expertise and
time is very much appreciated. Thanks again.
News March 2015 27

Training Association Report
Heavy Equipment Operator class. Pictured left to right are
Brothers and Sisters Steve Carter (Instructor), Justin Godler, Nicki
Hein, Adam Halvorson, Gordon Newby, Corbin Shamley, Jennifer
Howey, Brandon Tomelin, Fabian Grancaric, Steve Zanatta, Nolan
Doornberg, Robyn Bishop (Instructor).
Brother Jonathan Klassen being presented with his Provincial
Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate of Qualification with
Articulated Haul Truck Endorsement from Brother Randy
Grisewood (Training Coordinator).
Brother Gordon Lindberg
(Instructor) putting on a
Rigging course for members
working for Lafarge at Pitt
River Quarries. Brother
Randy Grisewood (Training
Coordinator) and Brother
Frank Carr (Business
Representative) were visiting
the jobsite.
Brother Doug Younger (Worksafe Prevention Officer and member
of Local 115) suspended in his harness during a Fall Arrest course
with Brother Steve Carter (Instructor) holding the rope. Worksafe
utilized our Training Site to have a Fall Arrest course delivered to
6 of their prevention officers.
Brother Jarrett Neufeld being presented with his Provincial
Mobile Crane Operator – Lattice Boom Friction Certificate of
Qualification with Red Seal Endorsement by Brother Darren
Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator).
28 News March 2015

Training Association Report
Brother Gurjit Bancy being presented with his Provincial Truck
and Transport Mechanic Certificate of Qualification by Brother
Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator). Brother Bancy works
for First Truck Center Vancouver Inc. in Port Kells.
Brother Frank Carr (Business Representative) delivering a Union
Orientation course to the Mobile Crane Common Core class.
Pictured left to right are Brothers Wes Bauder (Instructor), Adam
Beaton, Dean Knuff, Kyle Laprairie, Gian Grewal, John Babcock,
Frank Carr (Business Representative) and Dean Kenny.
Mobile Crane Lattice Friction Level 2 class. Pictured left to
right are Brothers Richard Conway, Kevin Paul, Mark McGregor
(Instructor), Matthew Clarke and Rob Swan.
Brother Michael Schaap being presented with his Provincial
Certificate of Qualification for Parts and Warehousing Person 1
by Brother Darren Suehsschlaf (Training Coordinator). Brother
Schaap works for National Truck Center in Port Kells.
Brother Mason Randall operating an 80 ton Linkbelt
crane in Fraser River Pile & Dredge’s yard assisting in the
re-assembly of their re-built 50 ton Link Belt crane.
News March 2015 29

Member Recognition
Name Age Date Passed Name Age Date Passed
Brown, Walter 87 November 21, 2014
Candiago, Giuseppe 70 November 23, 2014
Dorrell, James 89 November 28, 2014
Dutka, Metro 89 November 15, 2014
Gillard, Brandon 54 November 5, 2014
Gott, Wade 43 November 23, 2014
Hall, Jeffrey 48 November 24, 2014
McClure, Craig 62 November 11, 2014
Milligan, Glen 74 November 24, 2014
Quirk, Dave 66 November 14, 2014
Schmidt, William 67 November 3, 2014
Stevenson, James 59 November 27, 2014
Tan, Kay 70 November 8, 2014
Walcot, Phillip 71 November 27, 2014
Whitbread, Shane 46 November 22, 2014
Woodman, Harry 94 November 21, 2014
Biddle, James 80 December 4, 2014
Bolla, Frank 86 December 26, 2014
Clouston, James 93 December 27, 2014
Delorme, Emmanuel 87 December 15, 2014
Geisheimer, Brian 30 December 28, 2014
Gray, John 86 December 1, 2014
Hoffman, Elmer 76 December 20, 2014
Hogan, Gary 69 December 14, 2014
Klan, Dan 81 December 3, 2014
Neher, John 68 December 24, 2014
Palatin, Tom 64 December 22, 2014
Pilkey, Roger 78 December 4, 2014
Raosavljevich, Wm. 86 December 14, 2014
Robison, Richard 85 December 5, 2014
Stoutenberg, Terry 63 December 20, 2014
Street, Gordon 85 December 23, 2014
Davis, Douglas 74 January 5, 2015
Fuller, Donald 78 January 4, 2015
McNamara, Richard 68 January 3, 2015
Roshinsky, Ronald 76 January 12, 2015
Sutherland, Andrew 83 January 15, 2015
The following members were not included in the
last newsletter as we were notified of their death
after publication.
Jones, Edgar 87 October 27, 2014
Patterson, Earl 75 October 27, 2014
Scorgie, Kenneth 70 October 23, 2014
Members who passed away
November 2014 to January 15, 2015
30 News March 2015

- Brother Lloyd Jones is being congratulated by District 3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton
Membership Service Awards
Honouring our members
OUR 60-YEAR MEMBERS
Brother Donald Nichols with District 3 Business Representative
Brother Brad Gerow.
Brother Lloyd Jones is being congratulated by District 3
Organizer Brother Bryan Railton.
OUR 50-YEAR MEMBERS
Bill Elephantstone
Brother James Mainer pictured
with his 50 Year Watch.
Brother John Patton is being congratulated by President Brother
Wayne Mills.
News March 2015 31

Membership Service Awards
OUR 50-YEAR MEMBERS
Brother Lance Jones is being congratulated by District 3
Organizer Brother Bryan Railton.
Brother Matthew (Matt) Smillie is being congratulated by District
3 Organizer Brother Bryan Railton.
District 3 Business Representative Brother Brad Gerow
congratulating Brother Wayne Amies with his Grandson Tim and
Son Mitch (3 generations of Operating Engineers).
Brother William McNab is being congratulated by District 3
Organizer Brother Bryan Railton.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
IUOE Local 115 offers six different bursaries and scholarships
for members and their families. Application deadlines are
throughout the year. Check our website for more details.
• Pipe Line Contractors’
Cal Callaham Memorial Bursary
• Donald Smith Scholarship
• M.L. (Mike) Parr Bursary or Bursaries
• IUOE Local 115 Credit Union
Pioneers’ Bursary
• IUOE Canadian Conference Bursary
• B.C. Building Trades Council
Fred Randall Bursary
iuoe115.com/for-members/scholarships
32 News March 2015

Membership Service Awards
OUR 40-YEAR MEMBERS
OUR 20-YEAR MEMBERS
Brother Jack Silzer is being congratulated by District 3
Business Representative Brother Brad Gerow.
Brother Ed Walcot receiving congratulations from District 2
Business Representative Brother Curtis Harold. Brother Walcot
passed shortly after this photo was taken. He was the owner of
Walco Industries and was a fair contractor. Brother Walcot said
“he could not be prouder to be a part of the Operating Engineers
as a member and a contractor.”
SCHOLARSHIPS
Business Manager Brother Brian Cochrane awarding Ciera
Tremblay the Mike Parr Bursary, with her stepfather Brother
Lincoln Petkau and President Brother Wayne Mills looking on.
Jess Rake with his Father Brother Edward ‘Jim’ Rake, receiving the
Mike Parr Bursary award from District 4 Business Representative
Wayne Kemp.
Corrections Notice
In the December 2014 issue of OE News, there were two
errors in the Service Awards section.
Page 27 50 Year Members: Pictured with Brother Bryan
Railton was Rob Fleming (Brother Fleming’s name was spelt
incorrectly).
Page 29 50 Year Members: Pictured with Brother Curtis
Harold was John Patton (Brother Patton’s first name was
incorrect).
Business Manager Brother Brian Cochrane awarding Gurkiran
Parmar the Mike Parr Bursary, with her Father Brother Ajit Parmar
and President Wayne Mills.
News March 2015 33

Member Recognition
Welcome to our 300 new Local 115 members
Paul Aciek
Derek Addison
Heherson Aggabao
Osamah Ahmad
Preston Aitchison
Tyler Akre
Michael Alexander
Ali Ali
Alan Amolar
Garett Anatole
Sidney Andersen
Kyle Anderson
Trent Andres
Eliasim N Aninon
Fernando Aparri
Emeterio Aquino
Brett Arki
Andrew G Armstrong
Fatmir Ashiku
Wilson D Atkinson
Brian Baekgaard
Jason Bailey
Herveer Bains
Ranvir Bains
Doner Balisacan
Joey Bankier
Mike Barisoff
Christina Beekink
Gordon Bentley
Brien Bernard
Justun Bevis
Inderjit Bhabba
Jason Bjur
Melanie Blair
Les Bocking
Michael D Bodnaruk
Kenneth Bonson
Bon BonZon
Michael R Boon
Jody Bowley
Larry Briere
Lucas Brown
Michael Brown
Edward Bueckert
John Bullen
David Burgess
Rommel Cabantog
Greg Campbell
Christopher Casha
David Castellani
Ruel Castillo
Eugene Chamberland
Sidney T Charman
Bryon Chisholm
Frederick Clement
Tyler Clifford
Craig Combs
Jaimelito Conde
Caden Cook
Sean Cooke
Jason Cote
Jessica Coutts
Owen Crampton
Mike Cross
Billy Cruz
Robert Cruz
Candace M Curtin
Clark Cutler
Stephen J Daly
Calvin D Dalzell
Cortney Darling
Jeremy Delorme
Nick DeMerchant
Joe Deschenes
Karly DesJardins
Darrell Deugau
Manoj Devasia
Kultar Dhaliwal
Andrew Dieleman
Paul Dilts
Mariano Dionisio
Mike Dionne
Sanjay Dlima
Ricky Dorado
Timothy Duhn
Keith Duncan
Daniel S Durocher
Richard Dyck
Lesley Edwards
Jamie Eimer
Wayne Esau
Gorden Esford
Randal Evans
Arthur Ewing
Steven Farrell
Glenn Fawcett
Eduardo E Fehr
Philip Fick
Jarred Fiessel
Shawn Fox
James French
Earl Fried
Valentino Fronda
Akoj Garang
Jedd Gaudreault
Jordan Gies
Kevin Girroir
Denis Godard
Ryan C Gogo
Scott Gordon
Anthony Goreham
Andy Grewal
Pavandeep Grewal
Gavin Grey
Sean Griffiths
Cassidy Haber
Cole Hagen
Brandon Hahn
Edward P Harper
Leonard Harry
Nigel Haywood
Tony Hebb
Michelle Henderson
Richard A Henry
Bernd Hentze
Ralph Herfort
David Hills
David Hillyard
Mathew N Hoekstra
Dave Hoffman
Neil Holland
Terrence Holmes
Amadeo Hona
Bob Horning
Charles Hrabec
Randy Hudson
Leanne E Hughf
Davin Humphrey
Amanda Hutchinson
Mark Ignacio
Michael Irving
Marol Jal
Gerd Jochimski
Craig Johnson
Geoff Johnson
Matthew Johnson
Landon Kerr
Ashwat Khan
Zachary Killam
Kris Knox
Kody F Kokoszka
Teo Kovac
Michael Krogel
Derek Kuharchuk
Fred Landon
Jeff Lannoo
Zachary Lavallee
Nicholas Lawrence
Jeff Lefebvre
Lawrie Lennartz
Craig Leslie
Aaron Liddicoat
Mike Linaker
Tristan Lloyd
Justin Locke
Quinell Lockwood
Matthew MacBride
Bo Mahon
Peter Maidment
Sabrina Main
Talwinter Mann
Peppi R Marinelli
Michelle A Marlatt
Andre Martin
Jackie Martindale
Kevin McBeath
Jeremy McCasey
Gregory McDonald
Brandon McDowell
Tyler McFarlan
Jim McKinnon
Aurelio Mercado
David Metzler
Robert Middlekoop
Nick S Miguel
Kathleen Miller
Shawn Milligan
Brad Milne
Jim Moilliet
Graham Moleski
John Moore
Najibullah Naseri
James Neale
Kyle Nelson
Bradley E Neros
Kien-Trung Ngo
Jason Nguyen
Christian Nicerio
Robert Noble
Nasir Nur
Tanya Nyakas
Johnson Ochieng
Patrick O’Connell
Tom Ohisa
Basil Oliver
Michael Olkanych
Shaylene Osborne
John Ostendorf
Jerry Owen
Gillian Paddon
Lucas E Page
Ethan Palmberg
Maulik Pandit
Ryan Pantlin
Ryan Paradis
Taylor Paulson
34 News March 2015

Member Recognition
Membership Service Awards
Rick Penner
Dante K Pescador
Raymond Pezel
Hans Podzun
Brent Pool
Marilyn Porter
Dustin T Pospolita
Jacob Powszedny
Eric Prison
Jim Raif
Joel Rambac
Michael Ramirez
Chris Redshaw
Glen Reece
Trevor Rochon
Calloway P Roller
Wade E Rowan
Sean Salter
Raul San Mateo
Stephen Sandar
Aaron Sauer
Thomas Schlamp
Adam Schlueter
Chris Schwindt
Daniel W Sellers
Zachary Sharlow
Jonathan Shaw
Navjot Sidhu
Steve Sims
Gursewak Singh
Veron Singh
Run Chang Siu
Alex Smith
Derek Smith
Jerry Soliman
Maureen Spence
Anders Starheim
Jay Steinke
Brad Stewart
Jamie Stewart
Joseph C Strachan
Antonio Studer
Dayne Sutherland
Travis Sutthery
Reynaldo Taburada
Tim Tailleur
Douglas L Taves
Ted Thomas
Jason D Tiessen
Robert Tisdale
Shawn Tomlinson
Kyle Torry
Ted Towne
Peggy R Tremblay
Tyler Trethewey
Joseph Tuff
Manuel Tumulak
James Vallee
George Vanderdeen
Ryan VanLaar
David Varner
Ruperto Villano
Chris Visser
Preston Vroom
Boden Wangler
Jeff Washington
David Watts
Erik Whittington
James Whyte
Daylen Williams
Brian Williamson
Ricaldo Wilson
Joshua Winchar
Kurt Witt
Keith Wood
David Woytula
Joe S Yacovelli
Evan York
Michael York
Recordo Young
Ryan Young
Kelvin Zentner
Trent Ziegeman
Gary Zylan
OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2014
10 year service pin
George Andjelic
Jason C Bourassa
Tim Brown
Jayne Buckner
Alan L Christensen
James A Dawson
Robert R De Pfyffer
Dwayne D Decol
Luke M Dennis
Allan G Dick
Tomas M Dosil
Glenn R Duggan
Michael R Elliott
Zoltan Esceley
Jerry Geddes
Michael D Goldie
Peter D Halliwell
Douglas J Hammond
Anthony A Houska
Leland A Humphrey
Troy H Jackson
Raymond S Johnson
Wylie Johnson
John Jones
Jim B Lastiwka
Danbo Liu
Rino Luison
Wade M Macadam
Mario Martic
Dale B Masse
Dustin R McAuley
Wayne R McGann
Douglas B Meadows
Brad C Merrifield
Ron J Miller
Ken N Nummela
Ron J Ostrowercha
Roman Palaszewski
Bhupinder S Panag
William G Perepolkin
Randy H Perry
Spencer T Pilling
Gurjeevan S Poonia
Adrian A Regan
Robert G Regan
Joe Roberts
Rob S Roine
Glenn N Savard
Jay F Schlitz
Randall M Slett
Michael W Smith
Kjell E Sorensen
Rocky J Tubbs
Clinton R Tuftin
Gary F Tuttle
Robert L Ungaro
Andrew C Veitch
Erin M Von
Wittgenstein
Jason D Wallach
Chad A Walton
Colin Wong
20 year service pin
Carey A Atchison
Lorenzo Barausse
Terry A Bassanses
John M Beaulieu
Malcolm A Boudreau
Leonard R Bowman
Sean D Broderick
Kevin D Chambers
Justin L Degeorgio
Brian M Dusenbury
Michael A Hall
John J Harder
Bruce Hollett
Casey K Hoy
Maurice G Huber
Ron W Humphries
Dale E Johns
Albert K Johnson
Ken F Jorgensen
Mark F Jorgensen
Jamie W Kroeker
James H Lamb
Bradley G Lewis
Delbert D MacDonald
Michael A Marks
Scott McBryde
Ronald H McCaughan
Al L Meinen
Gordon J Mitt
Martin E Mosley
John H Mussell
Shauna L Nash
Peter Nielsen
Jack G Peebles
Charles R Rennehan
Dan L Shortill
Doug A Stephen
Keith G Taggart
Emanuele Verrelli
Michael J Winterholt
30 year service pin
Ernest W Beharrell
Douglas W Essensa
Earl E Fisher
Robert P Kermode
William S Kopiyka
William A Lawson
Malcolm H MacCallum
Maurice M Malcolm
See next page
News March 2015 35

Member Recognition
From previous page
Joseph M Braico
Gordon A Lindberg
Robert A Richardson
Robert C West
Fred Markin
George A McLaren
Jim M McLean
Darren E Merrick
Ronald J Patterson
Roland N Renton
Jack R Rotar
Mahindar S Sangha
Kenny J Smith
Ron E Tadei
Grahame P Wilson
40 year service pin
Thomas F Albrecht
Reynold H Amey
Lennart A Andersson
John P Anttila
Hilario F Antunes
Thomas E Bagot
Peter J Baillie
Wayne R Ballantyne
Willi Beier
Rudolf F Bernert
Alan J Blyth
Hugh Booth
Norman H Chapple
Ed T Clarke
Marcel A Cochet
Henry Coombs
Michael R Davison
Lloyd A Ducharme
Richard R Edwards
Brian F Elders
Ross P Fagan
William G Fitzgerald
Rick A Flumerfelt
James R Gabor
Walter H Gale
John Giesbrecht
Bradly J Goldney
Glen C Greenwood
James A Hamilton
Doug A Henry
Ron D Hupper
Michael Iannidinardo
Lawrence N Johansen
Craig A Kinnear
Gary R Kinnear
Arthur G Lebrun
J. C. Alex Lee
Lenard G Lippert
Leslie A Lohr
Petr Lucik
Jim E Lundine
Robert D MacDowell
John D Martens
James E McGovern
Alfred B McGowan
Mark W McKinnon
Fred M McMurray
Cecil L McRae
Robert P McWilliams
Richard B Menzies
Attilio J Merola
Gordon J Minet
Clint H Moss
Edward Nowee
Hugh S Ogilvie
Wayne P Orcutt
Robert W Paddison
Mario Palcich
Daniel K Patterson
John D Pearson
Ray R Poilievre
Dennis L Ramsey
Carl F Rietze
Alan R Robison
Claude K Rochon
Robert J Rowse
Branko Sakic
Beverly R Sampert
Vincent Santucci
Robert J Scheirer
Donald L Scotney
Leagh T Shandler
William T Shannon
Kris S Sigurdur
Reginald W Simmonds
Alan Simpson
Les G Stevens
Leroy N Strandberg
Francis J Suek
Charles W Supernault
Douglas G Van de
Kerckhove
Ron M Walberg
Allen B Walch
Brad J Wallace
Wallace T Watchell
Thomas O Webster
William J Wells
Howard T Wong
John Zalewski
50 year
service watch
Claude J Belisle
Vlado Bulic
Delbert N Crum
Norman Harry
Eugene W Lemauviel
Wilfred H Olson
Raymond L Poitras
Edward Riemer
Lee V Schille
Clarence F Simon
George M Smith
Doug G Stowe
Kenneth J Wakeman
Anthony C Wood
60 year service
plaque and vest
Helmut O Bahr
Frank W Warren
Pensions Awarded
NOVEMBER 2014
Blair, Brian
Deptuck, Dennis
Eliuk, Jason
Friend, David
Gardner, Bradley
Johnson, Allister
Klimek, Richard
Penner, Douglas
Peterson, Alfred
Player, Lorne
Skinner, Howard
Uphill, Donald
DECEMBER 2014
Adams, Bruce
Alton, John
Bauder, Kenneth
Brewer, Terrence
Carter, Kenneth
Court, Colin
Crema, Danny
Dyck, Kenneth
Edwards, Richard
Gordon, Robert
Hudson, George
Law, Ivan
Mackay, Danny
Orcutt, Wayne
Partaik, David
Phillips, Kevin
Pomponio, Charles
Rutkowski, Ronald
Stockbrugger, Jim
Williams, Terry
Wisdom, Barry
JANUARY 2015
Allen, William
Birss, Randall
Clarke, John
Deneer, Ricardo
Dimovics, Karoly
Driedger, Brian
Dwyer, Michael
Fitzpatrick, John
Fontaine, Achille
Forde, David
Hartnell, Bret
Landry, Raymond
Marchuk, Edwin
Stevens, Les
Young, Harry
Please note:
The following member
was not included in
the last newsletter as
his retirement was
processed late
OCTOBER 2014
Taylor, Brian
36 News March 2015

Contact Details
Local 115 District Offices
District 1 and Main Office
4333 Ledger Ave., Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3T3
Phone: 604-291-8831 Toll Free: 1-888-486-3115 Fax: 604-473-5235
E-mail: iuoe@iuoe115.com Online: www.iuoe115.com
Business Manager: Brian Cochrane
President: Wayne E. Mills
Mgr. Administration & Special Projects: Lynda Arland
Office Manager: Arlene Lindsay
Business Representatives
Frank Carr Brett Chapman Everett Cummings
Chip Dhaliwal Tom Kinnear Craig McIntosh Don Swerdan
Dispatcher
Jim Flynn: 604-473-5231
Director of Organizing
Brian Lefebvre
Organizing Representatives
Rob Duff: 604-473-5206
John Munro: 604-473-5272
Bryan Railton: 250-320-4840
Benefits and Pension Plans
Shawn Hatch, Administrator
Training Association
Brad Randall, Administrator
District 2
Vancouver Island:
Curtis Harold, Business Representative
35 Wharf Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2X3
Mailing Address: PO Box 213 Stn A, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5K9
Phone: 250-754-4022 Fax: 250-754-5513
District 3
Kamloops-Revelstoke-Okanagan:
Brad Gerow, Business Representative
785 Tranquille Road
Kamloops, B.C. V2B 3J3
Phone: 250-554-2278 Fax: 250-554-1766
District 4
Central Interior-Yellowhead:
Herb Conat & Wayne Kemp, Business Representatives
Unit B, 3339 8th Avenue
Prince George, B.C. V2M 1N1
Phone: 250-563-3669 Fax: 250-563-3603
District 5
Peace River and Yukon Territory:
Mike Spiruda, Business Representative & Organizer
Site 20, Comp 19 SS2
Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 4M7
Phone: 250-787-9594 Fax: 250-787-9491
Tumbler Ridge Mining Office:
220 Main Street, Tumbler Ridge, B.C. V0C 2W0
Phone: 250-242-3888 Fax: 250-242-3881
District 6
East and West Kootenays:
Rob Foskett, Business Representative
103 Centennial Square, Sparwood, B.C V0B 2G0
Mailing Address: PO Box 1567, Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0
Phone: 250-425-2161 Toll Free: 1-888-605-9955 Fax: 250-425-2166
Meeting Notices
District 1
BURNABY: 1st Thursday of every month
7:30p.m. at 4333 Ledger Ave., Burnaby
Except March & September (due to General Membership Meeting)
District 2
Monthly meeting locations alternate:
NANAIMO: 2nd Monday of odd months
6:00p.m at the Coast Bastion Inn, 11 Bastion St.
VICTORIA: 2nd Wednesday of even months
6:00p.m. at the Pro Pat Legion Branch 31, #292 - 411 Gorge Rd. E.
CAMPBELL RIVER/COURTENAY:
Members will be advised of meeting date, time and place.
District 3
Monthly meeting locations alternate:
KAMLOOPS: 2nd Thursday of even months
7:30p.m. at the Union Hall, 785 Tranquille Rd.
KELOWNA: 2nd Tuesday of odd months
7:00p.m. at the Teamsters Hall, 185 Froelich Rd.
District 4
PRINCE GEORGE: 2nd Wednesday of each month
8:00p.m. at Coast Inn of the North, 770 Brunswick St.
PRINCE RUPERT, TERRACE, KITIMAT, SMITHERS:
Members will be advised of meeting dates and times.
District 5
Monthly meeting locations alternate:
FORT ST. JOHN: 2nd Tuesday of odd months
7:30p.m. at the Masonic Hall, 10441 100th Ave.
DAWSON CREEK: 2nd Tuesday of even months
7:30p.m. at the George Dawson Inn, 11705 8th St.
TUMBLER RIDGE/PEACE RIVER COAL:
Members will be advised of meeting date, time and place.
WHITEHORSE:
Teamsters Hall, 407 Black St.
Members will be advised of meeting dates and times.
District 6
Monthly meeting locations alternate:
CASTLEGAR—1st Wednesday of odd months
7:00p.m. at the Super 8 Inn, 651 18th St.
CRANBROOK—1st Tuesday of even months
7:00p.m. at the Labour Centre (Boardroom), 105 9th Ave. South
ELK VALLEY COAL CORP:
Line Creek Mine
Members will be advised of meeting dates and times.
News March 2015 37

A completed pipeline
in British Columbia.
Many people do not understand the care and expertise spent building a major pipeline.
Operating Engineers work to the strictest environmental standards, so that often the surrounding habitat
is in a better state than it was beforehand. Our families live and work here too,
so we want the safest, cleanest pipeline project in the world.
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 115
With over 11,500 members and 80 years of experience
in pipeline and resource projects
Brian Cochrane, Business Manager.
1-888-486-3115
iuoe115.com