IUOE Magazine - International Union of Operating Engineers
IUOE Magazine - International Union of Operating Engineers
IUOE Magazine - International Union of Operating Engineers
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
i n t e r n at i o n a l<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> Engineer<br />
www.iuoe.org • WINTER 2013<br />
Wrath and<br />
Recovery<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong><br />
respond in wake <strong>of</strong><br />
Superstorm Sandy
2<br />
international operating engineer
i n t e r n at i o n a l<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> Engineer<br />
Winter 2013 • Volume 156, No. 1<br />
Brian E. Hickey, Editor<br />
Jay Lederer, Managing Editor<br />
08 Our Work: Energy<br />
Threading a gas pipeline under the Hudson River<br />
10 Member Spotlight<br />
Operation Walk Nicaragua: A Reflection <strong>of</strong> Gratitude<br />
14 Right-to-Work (for less)<br />
What’s at stake as states take aim at unions<br />
16 Wrath and Recovery<br />
Restoring communities in wake <strong>of</strong> Superstorm Sandy<br />
Departments<br />
05 From the General President<br />
06 Education & Training<br />
12 Politics & Legislation<br />
20 Canadian News<br />
22 HAZMAT<br />
23 Healthcare<br />
24 GEB Minutes<br />
28 In Memorium<br />
[cover] <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> throughout the Northeastern<br />
United States have been part <strong>of</strong> recovery efforts in the<br />
wake <strong>of</strong> Superstorm Sandy.<br />
[photo] Tim Larsen/ NJ Governor’s Office<br />
[left] Local 302 members work to complete the Eva Creek<br />
Wind Farm near Healy, Alaska.<br />
[photo] Joe Ebertsch, Michels Wind Energy<br />
WINTER 2013 3
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> Engineer<br />
(ISSN 0020-8159) is published by the:<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Union</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong>, AFL-CIO<br />
1125 17 th Street, NW<br />
Washington, DC 20036<br />
Subscription Terms - $5 per year<br />
Change <strong>of</strong> Address - Requests must<br />
be submitted in writing to the <strong>IUOE</strong><br />
Membership Department (address<br />
above). Include your new address,<br />
registration and local union number.<br />
POSTMASTERS – ATTENTION:<br />
Change <strong>of</strong> address on Form 3579<br />
should be sent to:<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> Engineer<br />
Mailing List Dept.<br />
1125 17th St., NW, 3rd Floor<br />
Washington, DC 20036<br />
Publications Mail Agreement No.<br />
40843045<br />
Return undeliverable Canadian<br />
addresses to:<br />
2835 Kew Drive<br />
Windsor, ON N8T3B7<br />
Printed in the U.S.A.<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Union</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong><br />
AFL-CIO<br />
general <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />
James T. Callahan, General President<br />
Brian E. Hickey, General Secretary-Treasurer<br />
William C. Waggoner, First Vice President<br />
Patrick L. Sink, Second Vice President<br />
Jerry Kalmar, Third Vice President<br />
Russell E. Burns, Fourth Vice President<br />
Rodger Kaminska, Fifth Vice President<br />
James M. Sweeney, Sixth Vice President<br />
Robert T. Heenan, Seventh Vice President<br />
Daniel J. McGraw, Eighth Vice President<br />
Daren Konopaski, Ninth Vice President<br />
Michael Gallagher, Tenth Vice President<br />
Greg Lalevee, Eleventh Vice President<br />
Terrance E. McGowan, Twelfth Vice President<br />
Louis G. Rasetta, Thirteenth Vice President<br />
Mark Maierle, Fourteenth Vice President<br />
trustees<br />
John T. Ahern, Chairman<br />
Kuba J. Brown, Trustee<br />
Bruce M<strong>of</strong>fatt, Trustee<br />
James T. Kunz, Jr., Trustee<br />
Joseph F. Shanahan, Trustee<br />
engineers action resPonse netWorK<br />
Because elections matter<br />
Make your voice heard • Register for EARN today<br />
www.iuoe.org<br />
4<br />
international operating engineer
From the General President<br />
A look back on the way forward<br />
A new year brings opportunities and challenges<br />
[James T. Callahan]<br />
At the beginning <strong>of</strong> each New<br />
Year, many <strong>of</strong> us resolve to make changes<br />
that will improve our lives, whether<br />
it is personally or pr<strong>of</strong>essionally. These<br />
decisions and the choices we make going<br />
forward benefit from experiences<br />
we have gained. This is also true <strong>of</strong> our<br />
union. So before looking ahead, let’s<br />
look at what we can take away from the<br />
past year.<br />
In the course <strong>of</strong> one week last fall,<br />
the <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> experienced<br />
both tragedy and triumph. On October<br />
29, Superstorm Sandy unleashed a fury<br />
<strong>of</strong> wind and water upon the Northeastern<br />
United States not seen in my lifetime.<br />
Homes were shattered and communities<br />
decimated. Over 500 fellow<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> sustained damage<br />
to homes and vehicles, and many<br />
lost everything.<br />
Despite the overwhelming devastation<br />
and personal loss, thousands <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> mobilized, bringing<br />
their skill and training, to assist<br />
rescue crews and utility workers gain<br />
access to homes and communities cut<br />
<strong>of</strong>f by flood waters and buried beneath<br />
sand and debris. Just as quickly, our<br />
locals reached out to members within<br />
the affected areas <strong>of</strong>fering aid, supplies<br />
and a helping hand.<br />
Last year, the <strong>IUOE</strong> National Charity<br />
Fund paid out over $1.7 million in<br />
claims resulting from the superstorm<br />
and other natural disasters in the Gulf<br />
Coast region. Our locals and many individual<br />
members stepped up to help,<br />
donating close to $500,000 to the Fund.<br />
Our unity is our strength and together<br />
we will rebuild our homes, our communities<br />
and our states.<br />
About a week later, we were buoyed<br />
by news <strong>of</strong> a completely different<br />
nature. After weeks and months <strong>of</strong><br />
hard work in the political campaign<br />
trenches, <strong>IUOE</strong> members turned out<br />
to vote in large numbers across the<br />
United States and reelected President<br />
Barack Obama. Member volunteers<br />
and union staff on the ground in key<br />
states were also instrumental in increasing<br />
the number <strong>of</strong> labor-friendly<br />
lawmakers, from both political parties,<br />
to the House and Senate. By doing so,<br />
we sent a message that we stand for a<br />
strong middle class, better wages, quality<br />
healthcare, safer working conditions<br />
and a stronger voice in the workplace<br />
for all Americans.<br />
Although the campaigns have ended,<br />
the real work is just beginning. We<br />
must remain engaged and hold politicians<br />
at every level accountable. Last<br />
year, labor faced some <strong>of</strong> its fiercest anti-union<br />
attacks from state legislatures.<br />
Most notably, Indiana and Michigan<br />
passed so called “right-to-work” laws.<br />
Let’s be clear, the term “right-to-work”<br />
is a lie. Under these laws workers lose<br />
rights and no work gets created – they<br />
are a cynical attempt to cripple unions<br />
and dismantle collective bargaining.<br />
These laws drive down wages, on average<br />
14%, which damages the overall<br />
economy.<br />
Backed by well funded, ultra-conservative<br />
groups, “right-to-work” bills<br />
and ballot petitions are being introduced<br />
this year in places like Ohio,<br />
Pennsylvania, Missouri, New Hampshire<br />
and even Ontario, Canada. These<br />
attacks provide a vivid reminder that<br />
our enemies will use every opportunity<br />
to roll back our rights and drive down<br />
wages. The <strong>IUOE</strong> and our locals are<br />
taking proactive steps and partnering<br />
with allies to engage these attacks head<br />
on. We must bring the fight to them<br />
and we will.<br />
A positive carry over from last year<br />
is the economy, which finally started<br />
to show signs <strong>of</strong> life as work increased.<br />
We appear to have weathered the worst<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Great Recession and <strong>Operating</strong><br />
<strong>Engineers</strong> are poised to seize the opportunities<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2013. Leading economic<br />
indicators point to steady and continued<br />
growth in the construction industry<br />
as many sectors <strong>of</strong> our economy<br />
– oil, gas, power generation, housing<br />
and manufacturing – anticipate growth<br />
over the coming decade.<br />
A major priority for <strong>IUOE</strong> will be in<br />
infrastructure investment. The nation’s<br />
highways, bridges and rail systems<br />
have been neglected and underfunded<br />
far too long. Working in a bipartisan<br />
way, we must make the case for a bold<br />
and sustained commitment. President<br />
Obama made multiple attempts in his<br />
first term and has signaled that he will<br />
continue to do so in his second, even<br />
making mention <strong>of</strong> it his inaugural address.<br />
We will work with the Administration<br />
to make the case that smart and<br />
strategic investments in infrastructure<br />
are needed right now, both to support<br />
jobs in the short term and to build a<br />
productive economy for the long haul.<br />
So it seems that this year’s to-do<br />
list isn’t any shorter or less meaningful<br />
than those in years past. We will continue<br />
to bring the energy, talent and<br />
resources necessary to create and seize<br />
opportunities for <strong>IUOE</strong> members and<br />
their families throughout the United<br />
States and Canada. We will stand with<br />
our signatory contractors and companies<br />
to increase market share and work<br />
to bring others on board. We will stand<br />
up to those who wish to roll back workers’<br />
rights and drive down wages. In all<br />
these endeavors, let no one question<br />
our resolve to see the job through.<br />
Best wishes for a safe, healthy and<br />
prosperous New Year.<br />
WINTER 2013 5
Education & Training<br />
Youth Helping Youth at<br />
Pittsburgh Job Corps Project<br />
The <strong>IUOE</strong> Job Corps National Training Fund<br />
has again partnered with a local community organization<br />
for a very positive outcome. Sponsored by <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 66,<br />
the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center successfully completed<br />
major renovations on a project for Hosanna House, a nonpr<strong>of</strong>it<br />
organization aimed to benefit at-risk families and<br />
individuals located in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. The<br />
partnership between the organizations created a positive<br />
Sherwood project could not have been completed. He went<br />
on to say that the assisted value <strong>of</strong> work that the Job Corps<br />
Program has completed in the past two years at Sherwood<br />
totals well over $300,000.00.<br />
Mr. Haynes pointed out that, clearly, the youth <strong>of</strong><br />
Wilkinsburg have benefited from the project, but equally<br />
important was that every Job Corps student who participated<br />
in the first year <strong>of</strong> the Sherwood project went on to become<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the Local 66 Apprenticeship Program. In<br />
appreciation <strong>of</strong> the work donated by the Job Corps students,<br />
Mr. Joseph Dixon, (then) lead instructor for the Job Corps<br />
program in Pittsburgh, was presented with the “Angel <strong>of</strong><br />
Hope” award for going above<br />
and beyond in making a<br />
difference in the lives <strong>of</strong><br />
young people.<br />
The work at Sherwood,<br />
as well as the positive<br />
cooperation between the<br />
Pittsburgh Job Corps Center<br />
and Hosanna House, will<br />
continue in coming years.<br />
Future plans include<br />
improvements to the storm<br />
water management system,<br />
installation <strong>of</strong> a deck<br />
hockey rink donated by the<br />
Pittsburgh Penguins, removal<br />
<strong>of</strong> existing tennis courts<br />
and the redesign <strong>of</strong> a large<br />
parking area.<br />
change for local youth, along with outstanding training for<br />
future operating engineers.<br />
Hosanna House joined with the Pittsburgh Job Corps<br />
Center’s program to create “Sherwood,” a facility open for<br />
youth <strong>of</strong> all ages, with a goal <strong>of</strong> helping them discover and<br />
develop their maximum potential in several aspects <strong>of</strong><br />
their lives. Job Corps students worked to demolish many<br />
old on-site structures, construct a large retaining wall to<br />
accommodate the building <strong>of</strong> a new swimming pool, excavate<br />
and grade the pool area and develop an all purpose activity<br />
field. What makes the Sherwood project quite unique is that<br />
youth looking for change through Job Corps helped create a<br />
facility for youth needing a change at Hosanna House.<br />
Mr. Leon Haynes, Director <strong>of</strong> Hosanna House, reported at<br />
the Ambassador <strong>of</strong> Hope Gala held in December 2012, that<br />
without the assistance <strong>of</strong> <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 66 and Job Corps, the<br />
[top] Pittsburgh Job Corps members construct a retaining wall at<br />
Hosanna House.<br />
[above, l to r] Hosanna House Director Leon Haynes presents<br />
Joseph Dixon with the “Angel <strong>of</strong> Hope” award. [photos: J. Dixon]<br />
6<br />
international operating engineer
Local 450’s new <strong>Union</strong> Hall and<br />
Training Center Dedicated<br />
<strong>IUOE</strong> Local 450 covers a large geographical portion<br />
<strong>of</strong> South-Central Texas including Houston, San Antonio,<br />
Austin, and Beaumont, and is heavily involved in the Petro-<br />
Chemical and pipeline industries. Early in 2009, Local 450<br />
began an internal re-structuring process under <strong>International</strong><br />
supervision. In August <strong>of</strong> 2010, the Local conducted an<br />
election which ushered in a new administration headed up<br />
by Business Manager Mark Maher.<br />
Part <strong>of</strong> the re-structuring process included a 300 acre land<br />
purchase for the site <strong>of</strong> a new union hall and training center.<br />
The new facilities were dedicated in October by General<br />
President Callahan as part <strong>of</strong> the festivities enjoyed by Local<br />
450 members and their families.<br />
The new administration, facilities and training program<br />
have proven to be a tremendous benefit to the members and<br />
employers and represent a successful transition <strong>of</strong> returning<br />
control <strong>of</strong> the Local 450 back to its membership.<br />
Al Bove Elected to OECP Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
Albert C. Bove has been elected to the OECP Board<br />
<strong>of</strong> Directors. Mr. Bove currently serves as Executive Vice<br />
President and Chief <strong>Operating</strong> Officer <strong>of</strong> AmQuip Crane<br />
Rental LLC headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania.<br />
AmQuip Crane Rental is a leading provider <strong>of</strong> crane rentals<br />
and related services in the United States. With eleven<br />
locations throughout the country, it is one <strong>of</strong> the nation’s<br />
largest employers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong>.<br />
Mr. Bove joined AmQuip in 2010 and has over 40 years <strong>of</strong><br />
experience in senior management <strong>of</strong> crane rental companies.<br />
As the former President and CEO <strong>of</strong> Maxim Crane Works, he<br />
also has extensive experience in managing large multi-depot<br />
crane facilities.<br />
The OECP is a joint labo¬r-management, non-pr<strong>of</strong>it<br />
testing entity that has been certifying crane operators<br />
since 2002. The program is managed by a Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors representing both the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Union</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> and signatory contractors from<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the nation’s largest crane rental companies.<br />
To date, the OECP has conducted over 17,000<br />
written examinations and over 12,000 practical<br />
(hands-on) tests for crane operators from all parts <strong>of</strong><br />
the United States. In addition, in 2008 the program was<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficially recognized by Federal OSHA as meeting OSHA and<br />
ASME (ANSI) requirements for crane operator competency.<br />
The program is only available to <strong>IUOE</strong> members in good<br />
standing, thereby ensuring that its efforts and resources are<br />
not contributing to the support <strong>of</strong> non-union operators or<br />
unsigned contractors.<br />
Any member in good standing meeting the program’s<br />
eligibility requirements can participate in OECP testing<br />
anywhere it is scheduled – even if not a member <strong>of</strong> the local<br />
where the testing is being conducted. There are no out-<strong>of</strong>pocket<br />
expenses for <strong>IUOE</strong> members to participate in OECP<br />
examinations.<br />
WINTER 2013 7
Our Work: Energy<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> Thread Mile-Plus-Long Pipeline<br />
Under Hudson River to Expand Natural Gas Supply<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> engineers joined in a dramatic<br />
maneuver to connect New Jersey and midtown Manhattan<br />
with a 5,400-foot natural gas pipeline 140-feet beneath the<br />
Hudson River.<br />
The connection was a critical piece <strong>of</strong> Spectra Energy’s<br />
15.5-mile natural gas pipeline extension between Linden, NJ,<br />
through Bayonne, Jersey City and part <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fshore Hoboken<br />
to its destination in Manhattan. Portions <strong>of</strong> the project are<br />
still under construction, which is scheduled for completion<br />
later this year. Spectra Energy (NYSE SE) <strong>of</strong> Houston, TX,<br />
is replacing and modifying existing facilities in New Jersey,<br />
New York and Connecticut.<br />
“Expanding pipeline capacity is intended to reduce<br />
bottlenecks and fill the demand for clean, reliable energy in<br />
the most densely populated areas <strong>of</strong> the country,” said John<br />
Rocco, Lead Engineer who works for contractor Henkels and<br />
McCoy.<br />
The Hudson River crossing followed months <strong>of</strong><br />
preparation. The length <strong>of</strong> pipe needed to span the width <strong>of</strong><br />
the river required approximately 135 forty-foot sections to<br />
be welded together, x-rayed to verify integrity <strong>of</strong> each joint,<br />
then doped. Each weld required a minimum <strong>of</strong> three hours,<br />
according to Rocco.<br />
Five thousand-foot lengths were assembled. A convoy <strong>of</strong><br />
15 side-booms transported each thousand-foot section along<br />
busy 18th Street in Jersey City, parallel to the Hudson County<br />
Light Rail line on the border with Hoboken. At the river’s<br />
edge, the pipe was handed <strong>of</strong>f to six lattice cranes positioned<br />
on barges in the river.<br />
Crane operators hoisted the pipe into an arch and<br />
guided it down to the water, where it was connected to the<br />
drillhead that had burrowed across from Manhattan. Once<br />
connected, it was slowly “pulled back” beneath the river. As<br />
each thousand-foot section was pulled in, a new section was<br />
[L to R] Fred Gear, Adam Snover, Billy<br />
Gebhardt, John Rocco, Greg Lalevee<br />
and Paul Izzo.<br />
8<br />
international operating engineer
It took 15 sidebooms, six cranes, a flotilla <strong>of</strong> tugboats and<br />
barges and an army <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> from 13 <strong>IUOE</strong> locals<br />
throughout the country. Together, they snaked a mile-plus-long<br />
Spectra Energy natural gas pipeline safely across the bottom <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Hudson River, from Jersey City to midtown Manhattan.<br />
welded to it at the river’s edge until the entire 5,400 feet was<br />
together. The pullback reached the Manhattan side over a<br />
two-day period and was connected there.<br />
“This achievement is a testament to the value <strong>of</strong> the<br />
extensive pipeline training we provide our members through<br />
our Local and through our <strong>International</strong>,” said Greg Lalevee,<br />
Business Manager <strong>of</strong> <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 825.<br />
“One day before the pullback was scheduled, we were<br />
asked to assemble an additional 36 engineers to take part,”<br />
said Lalevee. “Even on that short notice, we brought together<br />
an experienced team and integrated them seamlessly into<br />
the core group. In the busiest, most densely populated areas<br />
<strong>of</strong> the country, we executed this task flawlessly, safely and on<br />
schedule.”<br />
<strong>IUOE</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> from around the country<br />
participated, including Local 3 <strong>of</strong> Alameda, CA; Local 4 <strong>of</strong><br />
Medway, MA; Locals 14 and 15 <strong>of</strong> New York City; Local 49 <strong>of</strong><br />
Minneapolis, MN; Local 101 <strong>of</strong> Kansas City, MO; Local 137 <strong>of</strong><br />
Briarcliff Manor, NY; Local 139 <strong>of</strong> Pewaukee, WI; Local 147 <strong>of</strong><br />
Norfolk, VA; Local 178 <strong>of</strong> Fort Worth, TX; Local 624 <strong>of</strong> Jackson,<br />
MS; Local 627 <strong>of</strong> Tulsa, OK; and Local 965 <strong>of</strong> Springfield, IL.<br />
The project was approved by the Federal Energy<br />
Regulatory Commission (FERC) earlier in 2012 to transport<br />
new, critically needed natural gas supplies to high-demand<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> northern New Jersey, New York City and Connecticut.<br />
Local 825 has become known for its pipeline skills and<br />
experience during the Millennium pipeline in 2007, which<br />
connected Independence in Steuben County, NY, to Buena<br />
Vista in Rockland County, NY, to help meet the energy needs<br />
<strong>of</strong> Northeast markets.<br />
[story & photos] Local 825/Bill Carlos, Avow Communications<br />
WINTER 2013 9
Member Spotlight<br />
In October 2012, around 60 medical pr<strong>of</strong>essionals from Winnipeg and Los Angeles traveled to<br />
Nicaragua with Operation Walk, an organization that <strong>of</strong>fers knee and hip replacements free <strong>of</strong><br />
charge to people in North America and in developing nations. Clinical Engineering Technologist<br />
and <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 987 member Tabatha Roper was there. This is her personal account.<br />
Operation Walk Nicaragua<br />
A Reflection <strong>of</strong> Gratitude<br />
[above] Tabatha Roper (back row, fifth from right) stands with the Operation Walk Nicaragua team in front <strong>of</strong> Dr. Roberto Calderon hospital<br />
in Managua, Nicaragua. [right] A makeshift wheel chair. [far right] Roper gets instruction from a member <strong>of</strong> Operation Walk Los Angeles<br />
on how to operate a sterilizer. [story & photos] Tabatha Roper/<strong>IUOE</strong> Local 987<br />
10<br />
international operating engineer
As I stood in front <strong>of</strong> the Dr. Roberto Calderon Hospital<br />
in Managua, Nicaragua, I couldn’t help but compare it with<br />
the medical facilities in my home town <strong>of</strong> Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
The one-story, green plaster building was much smaller than<br />
any <strong>of</strong> the community hospitals we have. It had many <strong>of</strong> the<br />
same departments as a North American facility, only in a<br />
fraction <strong>of</strong> the space. A room that would normally house four<br />
patients housed eight. There were no linens or pillows on the<br />
beds unless the patients brought them from home. Many<br />
patients lay on bare mattresses, and visitors brought in their<br />
own lawn chairs labelled with their names. There was also<br />
no air conditioning on the wards and, with temperatures in<br />
the mid to high 30sC (90sF), it made for a very different work<br />
environment.<br />
Still, the ingenuity they demonstrate<br />
is impressive, especially the wheelchairs<br />
fashioned out <strong>of</strong> plastic lawn furniture.<br />
This was true back-to-basics medicine.<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> the people seeking treatment are in far worse<br />
shape than we’d ever see in Canada, because they’re<br />
conditions had gone untreated for so long. Some had to<br />
be helped in by family members, and some <strong>of</strong> them hadn’t<br />
walked in years. They were very polite and grateful for the<br />
treatment they were about to receive.<br />
A lot <strong>of</strong> the equipment is ancient. Some <strong>of</strong> the adjustable<br />
patient beds are rusted or seized into a permanent position. In<br />
most cases, the medical gear we discard or retire in Winnipeg<br />
is in better shape. Still, the ingenuity they demonstrate is<br />
impressive, especially the wheelchairs fashioned out <strong>of</strong><br />
plastic lawn furniture. This was true back-to-basics medicine.<br />
There was one patient who had been unable to walk for the<br />
last ten years. He was so excited to be mobile again that, two<br />
days after surgery, the physiotherapists had to remind him<br />
to slow down while walking down the hall during exercises.<br />
All in all it was hard work, but absolutely worth it. Over<br />
the course <strong>of</strong> five days in October, the team performed 49<br />
knee replacement surgeries on 38 patients. All the patients<br />
spoke about what we gave them, but in the end it was<br />
immeasurable what they gave to us. I feel so grateful to have<br />
been a part <strong>of</strong> this experience.<br />
Operation Walk Missions are 100% funded by the<br />
generosity <strong>of</strong> donors to the cause. On behalf <strong>of</strong> Operation<br />
Walk Winnipeg, Dr. Roberto Calderon Hospital and the<br />
patients, I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks.<br />
Your donations have done wonders. I would also like to<br />
thank <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 987 for their generous gift to this mission.<br />
Thanks to all who gave and participated!<br />
WINTER 2013 11
Politics & Legislation<br />
Election Season Comes to a Close, Now the Work Begins<br />
Barack Obama was sworn in<br />
for a second term as President <strong>of</strong> the<br />
United States on January 21, 2013, after<br />
winning the November election with<br />
over 51% <strong>of</strong> the popular vote. He is the<br />
only President to garner over 50% twice<br />
since Dwight D. Eisenhower. Obama’s<br />
opponent, Mitt Romney, received 47%<br />
<strong>of</strong> the popular vote.<br />
Despite persistent high<br />
unemployment and a sluggish<br />
economic recovery from the Great<br />
Recession, President Obama won<br />
a commanding Electoral College<br />
victory, 332-206. The Obama-Biden<br />
ticket surprised many observers<br />
by soundly defeating Mitt Romney<br />
and his Republican running mate,<br />
Representative Paul Ryan.<br />
The <strong>IUOE</strong> endorsed the Obama-<br />
Biden ticket for re-election. The<br />
President’s support for prevailing<br />
wages, collective bargaining and<br />
workers’ rights, as well as investing in<br />
all facets <strong>of</strong> America’s infrastructure,<br />
led to that support. Commenting on<br />
the union’s endorsement, General<br />
President Callahan said, “We have<br />
never doubted the President’s<br />
commitment to creating good jobs.”<br />
Mitt Romney also helped make it<br />
a clear choice. As Romney received<br />
the endorsement <strong>of</strong> the intensely<br />
anti-union Associated Builders and<br />
Contractors, he declared that on “day<br />
one” he would prohibit Project Labor<br />
Agreements, try to end Davis-Bacon<br />
prevailing wages, and lead the charge<br />
for a national “right to work” law. The<br />
contrast could not have been sharper<br />
on key bread-and-butter issues for<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong>. While the <strong>IUOE</strong><br />
has a number <strong>of</strong> solid Republican<br />
supporters in Congress, far too many<br />
Republicans think like Mitt Romney<br />
when it comes to core labor issues.<br />
In other federal elections,<br />
Democrats added seats in both<br />
chambers <strong>of</strong> Congress. Senate<br />
Democrats picked up two additional<br />
seats, creating a 55-45 majority. While<br />
Republicans maintained their majority<br />
in the House <strong>of</strong> Representatives,<br />
Democrats added eight seats, making<br />
it 234-201, after vacancies are filled.<br />
The challenge now becomes<br />
keeping our elected <strong>of</strong>ficials<br />
accountable, including the President<br />
<strong>of</strong> the United States. “Electing <strong>IUOE</strong>friendly<br />
politicians to <strong>of</strong>fice simply is<br />
not enough. We need to be vigilant<br />
throughout the year, developing<br />
relationships and making our voices<br />
heard from the halls <strong>of</strong> Congress to<br />
city halls,” stated General President<br />
Callahan.<br />
The Legislative Year Ahead<br />
The 113th Congress (2013-2014)<br />
will have a full agenda <strong>of</strong> <strong>IUOE</strong><br />
legislative priorities. After passage <strong>of</strong><br />
a 27-month highway bill in summer<br />
2012, Congress will again be faced with<br />
enactment <strong>of</strong> a long-term funding bill<br />
for transportation. The current law,<br />
called Moving Ahead for Progress in<br />
the 21st Century or MAP-21, expires at<br />
the end <strong>of</strong> September 2014.<br />
The Highway Trust Fund – the lock<br />
box for federal gas-tax revenue, which<br />
must be invested in the nation’s roads,<br />
bridges, and transit systems – is quickly<br />
running out <strong>of</strong> money due to increased<br />
fuel efficiency and the growth in<br />
alternative-fuel vehicles. Finding<br />
a long-term solution to the United<br />
States’ transportation infrastructure<br />
crisis is absolutely necessary. The<br />
Highway Trust Fund will begin the<br />
2014 fiscal year in a $14-billion hole.<br />
12<br />
international operating engineer
The competitiveness <strong>of</strong> the nation and<br />
the livelihoods <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong><br />
simply cannot sustain a cut to this<br />
program.<br />
Other legislation to rebuild<br />
America’s infrastructure will also be<br />
on the congressional agenda. The<br />
Water Resources Development Act<br />
– legislation that guides the nation’s<br />
investment in ports and waterways –<br />
also requires reauthorization. In fact,<br />
it is years overdue. Committee leaders<br />
in the Senate appear ready to advance<br />
legislation early in the first session <strong>of</strong><br />
Congress, though substantial obstacles<br />
remain. The law to renew the federal<br />
government’s program to assist local<br />
governments in financing water and<br />
sewer systems is 15 years overdue.<br />
The Clean Water Act-State Revolving<br />
Fund provides low-interest loans and<br />
other assistance to municipalities, but<br />
Congress has failed to renew the law<br />
since the late ‘80s, except on a stop-gap<br />
basis.<br />
2012 Political Program:<br />
Building Power for <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong><br />
Thousands <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong><br />
<strong>Engineers</strong> across the United States<br />
engaged in the hard work <strong>of</strong> electing<br />
<strong>IUOE</strong>-friendly politicians, whether<br />
they were Republicans or Democrats,<br />
to city councils, state legislatures,<br />
Congress, and the White House. <strong>IUOE</strong><br />
members turned out to vote in record<br />
numbers. In addition, thousands <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>IUOE</strong> members knocked on doors,<br />
made phone calls, passed out literature,<br />
and talked with their friends, family<br />
members, and co-workers about the<br />
issues that matter most to <strong>Operating</strong><br />
<strong>Engineers</strong> and the middle class.<br />
“I couldn’t be more proud <strong>of</strong><br />
the work that <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong><br />
did in 2012 to elect worker-friendly<br />
politicians,” said General President<br />
Callahan. “Winning elections is not<br />
all fun and games. It’s a lot <strong>of</strong> hard<br />
work, and the job <strong>of</strong> building power for<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> is never done.”<br />
Coordinating closely with local<br />
unions, the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Union</strong><br />
focused its field efforts on tough U.S.<br />
Senate races and other key electoral<br />
fights in four states. <strong>International</strong><br />
field staff joined local unions’<br />
political operations in Massachusetts,<br />
Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.<br />
The <strong>IUOE</strong>-endorsed Senate<br />
candidate won in three out <strong>of</strong> four races.<br />
The United States Senate welcomed<br />
Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin and<br />
Elizabeth Warren <strong>of</strong> Massachusetts.<br />
Senator Debbie Stabenow, <strong>of</strong> Michigan,<br />
also won reelection to her third<br />
term. Unfortunately, <strong>IUOE</strong> supporter<br />
Shelley Berkley lost her effort to unseat<br />
incumbent Senator Dean Heller in<br />
Nevada.<br />
[p. 14, top] President Obama, Vice President<br />
Biden and their families celebrate on<br />
election night. [photo] AP/Chris Carlson<br />
[p. 14, left] Local 4 Business Manager and<br />
<strong>International</strong> Vice President Louis Rasetta<br />
and newly elected Sen. Elizabeth Warren<br />
(D-MA). [photo] <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 4<br />
[top] Using his GPS, Local 3 retiree Joel<br />
Lanstra gets ready to drop fliers on<br />
doorsteps for Obama in Nevada.<br />
[photo] <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 3<br />
[above] Local 3 members demonstrate<br />
their opposition to California’s Proposition<br />
32. [photo] <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 3<br />
WINTER 2013 13
Politics & Legislation<br />
Michigan’s “Right-to-Work” Law Confers No Rights and Creates No Work<br />
Right-to-work laws confer no<br />
rights and create no work — they’re<br />
an attempt by employers and the<br />
politicians they bankroll to keep<br />
workers unorganized, unrepresented<br />
and underpaid.<br />
Nevertheless, the lame-duck<br />
Republican legislature in Michigan<br />
recently passed a so-called right-towork<br />
law, which was instantly signed<br />
by the governor. Here’s why that was<br />
a big mistake for Michigan’s<br />
workers and economy.<br />
Right-to-work proponents<br />
claim to be fighting “forced<br />
unionism.” But under current<br />
federal law, no worker is<br />
required to join a labor union.<br />
That same federal law,<br />
however, requires unions to<br />
represent everyone at a given<br />
workplace — member or not —<br />
in contract negotiations and in<br />
settling work-related problems<br />
with employers.<br />
Since it’s obviously not<br />
fair for dues-paying union<br />
members to pick up the tab for<br />
services provided to nonunion<br />
members, nonmembers are<br />
sometimes charged a service,<br />
or “agency,” fee. None <strong>of</strong> the<br />
money collected in agency fees<br />
can be used for political, social<br />
or any other activities besides<br />
employment representation.<br />
So in reality right-to-work<br />
is “right-to-freeload” — to get<br />
a very valuable service, union<br />
representation, without paying for it.<br />
As pro<strong>of</strong>, consider that as labor<br />
has declined in influence in the past<br />
few decades under fierce attack by<br />
big money interests, we’ve seen the<br />
progress <strong>of</strong> the middle class stalled and<br />
the nation’s wealth gap widen.<br />
But because unions still do a<br />
good enough job <strong>of</strong> making sure the<br />
economy works for their middle-class<br />
members, the economic elite would<br />
like them completely destroyed. Rightto-work<br />
is their favored tool.<br />
And it’s effective. After all, if workers<br />
can get free union services under rightto-work<br />
laws, why would anyone pay<br />
dues? As dues decline, so does the<br />
strength <strong>of</strong> the union, until it finally<br />
disappears.<br />
Believers in the free market should<br />
be <strong>of</strong>fended by right-to-work laws.<br />
They interpose the power <strong>of</strong> the state<br />
between the employer and the union<br />
by forbidding them to freely enter<br />
into an agreement on the kind <strong>of</strong><br />
“union security clause” that creates<br />
the nonmember agency fee. In other<br />
words, it makes it illegal for the<br />
agreement to require employees to pay<br />
their fair share <strong>of</strong> representation.<br />
Proponents <strong>of</strong> right-to-work laws<br />
argue that enactment will lead to<br />
economic growth through a more<br />
business-friendly environment. Study<br />
after study has found this claim to be<br />
untrue.<br />
For example, a 2011 study by Gordon<br />
Lafer <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong> Oregon and<br />
Sylvia Allegretto <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong><br />
California at Berkeley found<br />
that right-to-work laws have not<br />
positively impacted job growth.<br />
One part <strong>of</strong> the study<br />
examined the economic climate<br />
in Oklahoma after the 2001<br />
passage <strong>of</strong> right-to-work. The<br />
study found that unemployment<br />
had doubled in Oklahoma<br />
since enactment and that new<br />
business arrivals had actually<br />
declined.<br />
The study also found that<br />
the lower wages and economic<br />
insecurity <strong>of</strong> workers in right-towork<br />
states could make business<br />
less inclined to relocate because<br />
<strong>of</strong> declining tax revenues and<br />
consumer demand.<br />
Studies like this and a simple<br />
comparison <strong>of</strong> employment<br />
rates and wages between rightto-work<br />
states and non-rightto-work<br />
states makes it fairly<br />
certain that Michigan will not<br />
reap any economic rewards<br />
from the new law.<br />
Instead, it represents a step<br />
backward that the state cannot afford.<br />
Until we and our elected <strong>of</strong>ficials come<br />
to grips with the fact that a race-tothe-bottom<br />
has no winners, workers<br />
and the economy will continue to<br />
suffer from the short-sightedness <strong>of</strong> the<br />
misnamed “right-to-work” movement.<br />
[article] Don Kusler, Executive Director <strong>of</strong><br />
Americans for Democratic Action.<br />
Reprinted with permission.<br />
14<br />
international operating engineer
Local 18 Ramps Up the Fight Against Anti-Labor Legislation<br />
Last year, a Tea Party affiliated<br />
group filed a constitutional language<br />
amendment to make Ohio a so called<br />
“Right-to-Work” (RTW) state. The<br />
petition language was approved by the<br />
Attorney General and the amendment<br />
was named the “Workplace Freedom<br />
Act.” The amendment seeks to prohibit<br />
union security clauses in collective<br />
bargaining agreements in both public<br />
and private labor agreements.<br />
In light <strong>of</strong> these developments,<br />
Local 18 has taken action on several<br />
fronts. They have beefed up the RTW<br />
portion <strong>of</strong> the Labor History classes<br />
the local has sponsored since 1994.<br />
In addition, they have opened up the<br />
classes to non-members, bringing<br />
the message <strong>of</strong> RTW and its financial<br />
impact to workers across the United<br />
States to as many working people as<br />
possible.<br />
The local has also been working<br />
with other union allies and invested<br />
in polling and focus groups to gain a<br />
better understanding <strong>of</strong> the public’s<br />
view on labor unions and RTW. The<br />
results were eye opening and the<br />
local promptly began a statewide<br />
educational campaign on the issue.<br />
The most visible aspect <strong>of</strong> the<br />
campaign are billboard messages<br />
across the state which brand the<br />
Workplace Freedom Act as dangerous<br />
for Ohio workers. Deemed somewhat<br />
controversial, they garnered attention<br />
in newspapers and on local broadcast<br />
news stations when the billboards<br />
first went up. But that exposure has<br />
been another way to “spread the word<br />
on the dangers <strong>of</strong> right-to-work to a<br />
broader audience,” according to Local<br />
18 Business Manager and <strong>International</strong><br />
Vice President Patrick Sink.<br />
“ B i g<br />
business has<br />
stripped this<br />
country <strong>of</strong><br />
good jobs by<br />
outsourcing<br />
to cheap labor<br />
nations. Now<br />
they want to<br />
strip American<br />
workers <strong>of</strong><br />
their ability to<br />
have strong<br />
unions, which<br />
will weaken<br />
collective<br />
bargaining.<br />
The attitudes and expectations <strong>of</strong> big<br />
business are taken from the business<br />
blueprints <strong>of</strong> the late 1800’s,” Sink said.<br />
The local has also launched a<br />
website and is using social media and<br />
internet ads to get the word out. (see<br />
www.protectohiosmiddleclass.org)<br />
Financial support for these<br />
initiatives is coming from several<br />
sources. “After consulting with<br />
General President Callahan, we have<br />
garnered his support and assistance<br />
to “educate the voters.” In addition,<br />
our membership overwhelmingly<br />
approved a dues increase to begin<br />
January 1 <strong>of</strong> this year and which is<br />
earmarked specifically to fund this<br />
effort,” Sink reported. “We are also<br />
working closely with the AFL-CIO and<br />
“We Are Ohio” groups for statewide<br />
education.”<br />
The goal is to continue educating<br />
union members, their families and the<br />
general public so that if the “Workplace<br />
Freedom Act” appears on the ballot in<br />
Ohio, it will be soundly defeated.<br />
WINTER 2013 15
16<br />
international operating engineer
Feature<br />
Wrath and Recovery<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> Lead Efforts to Restore Communities Hit by Superstorm<br />
Three months after Superstorm Sandy slammed<br />
into the Northeastern United States, many coastal<br />
communities in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut are<br />
still without power, water or natural gas. The magnitude <strong>of</strong><br />
the storm is stunning – over 150 lives lost, over $60 billion in<br />
damage, and thousands still unable to return to their homes.<br />
The National Hurricane Center now says tropical force<br />
winds extended 820 miles at their widest. Sandy’s pure kinetic<br />
energy for storm surge and wave “destruction potential”<br />
reached a 5.8 on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric<br />
Administration’s 0 to 6 scale, the highest ever measured.<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> have also been picking up the pieces,<br />
both personally and pr<strong>of</strong>essionally. “While all <strong>of</strong> us were<br />
touched in some way by the storm and its aftermath, about<br />
50 <strong>of</strong> our members suffered devastating damage to their<br />
homes as a result <strong>of</strong> flooding, wind and fallen trees. Many<br />
<strong>of</strong> these brothers and sisters are still assessing the impact<br />
and deciding whether to rebuild or move on,” says Local 825<br />
Business Manager and <strong>International</strong> Vice President Greg<br />
Lalevee.<br />
Despite their personal hardship, <strong>IUOE</strong> members from<br />
hard hit areas and beyond answered the call. Within hours<br />
<strong>of</strong> the storm’s passing, heavy equipment operators took<br />
the lead, digging through deep sand and debris, so that<br />
rescue workers and utility crews could reach residents and<br />
communities stricken by the storm.<br />
The work has transitioned now, from emergency response<br />
to recovery, but the need for skilled <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> has<br />
only grown. Millions <strong>of</strong> tons <strong>of</strong> debris must still be cleared<br />
and crews are busy fortifying sand dunes and replenishing<br />
beaches to protect coastal communities from future weather<br />
events.<br />
Members Helping Members<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> were also quick to respond to their<br />
brothers and sisters in need. The <strong>IUOE</strong> National Charity<br />
Fund received close to $500,000 in donations from locals<br />
and individual members in the weeks immediately after the<br />
storm. To date, the Fund has paid out more than $1.5 million<br />
to more than 500 <strong>IUOE</strong> members who suffered storm related<br />
damages.<br />
“It was heartening to see Local 30’s tradition <strong>of</strong> members<br />
helping members continue, and as always, our great<br />
<strong>International</strong> was there immediately to help,” said Local 30<br />
Business Manager and <strong>International</strong> Trustee Jack Ahern.<br />
The first <strong>of</strong> the National Charity Fund checks for Local 30<br />
members were handed out by Mr. Ahern in early November,<br />
and since then Local 30 members have received 67 checks<br />
from the Fund. Mr. Ahern expressed his heartfelt thanks to<br />
General President Callahan and the <strong>IUOE</strong> General Executive<br />
Board for their quick response and unwavering support in<br />
the face <strong>of</strong> this natural disaster.<br />
Federal Relief Package Finally Approved<br />
On January 28, a staggering 91 days after Superstorm<br />
Sandy struck, the Senate passed, on a vote <strong>of</strong> 62-36, federal<br />
[left] A familiar scene throughout the storm ravaged region.<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> engineers have been working steadily to remove storm<br />
debris since late October. [photo] AP/Kathy Willens<br />
[right] Flood waters surged through lower Manhattan, inundating<br />
the World Trade Center construction site. [photo] AP/John<br />
Minchillo<br />
WINTER 2013 17
18<br />
international operating engineer
legislation authorizing badly needed funding for recovery<br />
efforts. All 36 votes against the measure were Republicans.<br />
The House <strong>of</strong> Representatives had already passed the<br />
measure, H.R. 152, two weeks earlier by a margin <strong>of</strong> 241-180.<br />
Unfortunately, 179 Republicans saw fit to vote against the<br />
legislation to rebuild major sections <strong>of</strong> New Jersey, New York,<br />
and Connecticut, home to one in every six Americans. The<br />
Senate passage <strong>of</strong> the bill sent the long-awaited measure to<br />
President Obama’s desk, where he quickly signed it into law.<br />
Calling on Congress to pass the legislation, General<br />
President Callahan said, “No region in the country is immune<br />
to disaster…What is clear now is that the nation must come<br />
together to assist the region. There is no time for delay.”<br />
The package included over $50 billion in resources to aid<br />
people whose homes were damaged or destroyed, as well as<br />
to business owners who had heavy losses. It will also pay for<br />
replenishing shorelines, repairing subway and commuter<br />
rail systems, fixing bridges and tunnels, and reimbursing<br />
local governments for other emergency spending. These<br />
resources are in addition to $9.7 billion Congress had already<br />
approved for FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program.<br />
[left] High storm surge and heavy wave action washed away homes<br />
and carved a channel from the ocean to the bay, cutting the town<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mantoloking, NJ in half. A week later, <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> from<br />
Local 825 had reconnected the island and opened access to rescue<br />
workers and utility crews. [photo] AP/Doug Mills; AP, Mel Evans<br />
[above] With NJ Governor Chris Christie looking on, Local 825<br />
member Warren Kuhlthau operates the piledriver kicking <strong>of</strong>f<br />
reconstruction <strong>of</strong> the boardwalk in Belmar, NJ. [photo] Tim Larsen/<br />
NJ Governor’s Office<br />
[right] Local 30 Business Manager and <strong>International</strong> Trustee Jack<br />
Ahern (center) hands out some <strong>of</strong> the first checks to members from<br />
the <strong>IUOE</strong> National Charity Fund. [photo] <strong>IUOE</strong> Local 30<br />
fall 2012<br />
19
Canadian News<br />
Local 904, Province Invest $700,000 in crane Operator Training<br />
The Newfoundland and<br />
Labrador department <strong>of</strong> Advanced<br />
Education and Skills announced it will<br />
invest more than $490,000 towards a<br />
tower crane operator training program<br />
at the <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> College<br />
in Holyrood, 45 kilometres west <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
John’s, intended to train workers for<br />
<strong>of</strong>fshore oil projects.<br />
“A total investment <strong>of</strong> over $700,000<br />
is being allocated<br />
for this program,<br />
provided through<br />
the Provincial<br />
Government, the<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong><br />
College and the<br />
<strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Union</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong><br />
<strong>Engineers</strong>, Local 904,”<br />
the province stated in<br />
a press release.<br />
“There’s a<br />
shortage mobile<br />
crane operators<br />
and a shortage<br />
<strong>of</strong> tower crane<br />
persons, not only in<br />
Newfoundland but<br />
across Canada. Now<br />
we’re bringing them<br />
in from across the United States,” said<br />
president and business manager <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong>, Local 904, Roy<br />
Hawco.<br />
Touted by the province as a<br />
program that will help workers gain<br />
qualifications to work on ExxonMobil<br />
Canada’s Hebron <strong>of</strong>fshore oil project,<br />
the program will include three 12-week<br />
training sessions. Students will be able<br />
to use a computerized simulator and<br />
a 16-tonne tower crane, the province<br />
stated.<br />
Enrolled operators can get the<br />
Red Seal certification required by<br />
contractors for work on the Hebron<br />
construction project. “The Tower<br />
Crane Operator Training Program<br />
will assist individuals in acquiring the<br />
qualifications needed to work on the<br />
Hebron construction site or any other<br />
project within Newfoundland and<br />
Labrador.”<br />
‘We have apprentices but they aren’t<br />
Red Seal certified yet,” said Hawco.<br />
The tower crane training program<br />
at the <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> College will<br />
be the only one in the province tailored<br />
towards training Red Seal tower crane<br />
operators.<br />
The <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> College<br />
trained 48 tower crane operators for the<br />
Hibernia project in the 1980s, which<br />
has been producing oil since 1997.<br />
<strong>IUOE</strong> Local 904 represents about 1,800<br />
workers in the province.<br />
The Hebron gravity-based structure<br />
project will build an <strong>of</strong>fshore oil<br />
platform <strong>of</strong>f the coast <strong>of</strong> St Johns, on the<br />
island <strong>of</strong> Newfoundland, by 2017.<br />
Local 793 Supports<br />
Medical Research<br />
Local 793 recently donated<br />
$102,000 to the Toronto General &<br />
Western Hospital Foundation. The<br />
money will be used for research into<br />
esophageal cancer. (L to R) Dr. Gail<br />
Darling, director <strong>of</strong> thoracic surgery<br />
clinical research at University Health<br />
Network, accepted the cheque from<br />
Local 793 business manager Mike<br />
Gallagher and president Joe Redshaw.<br />
The money was raised at the Gary<br />
O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament<br />
held in summer 2011. The tournament<br />
is named in honour <strong>of</strong> Gary O’Neill, late<br />
president <strong>of</strong> Local 793.<br />
20<br />
international operating engineer
Protecting Canadian Workers’ Rights, Local 115 Challenges<br />
Federal Government<br />
<strong>IUOE</strong> Local 115, in partnership<br />
with the Building Trades <strong>of</strong> British<br />
Columbia, has been in the media<br />
spotlight nationally since early<br />
November 2012 due to the high-pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
challenge <strong>of</strong> the Canadian Federal<br />
Government’s Temporary Foreign<br />
Worker (TFW) Program.<br />
Local 115 was prompted to<br />
commence legal action when a company<br />
called HD Mining (HD) was granted<br />
TFW permits allowing it to conduct a<br />
100,000-tonne coal sampling, using 201<br />
workers brought in from China. “It was<br />
an unacceptable situation,” explained<br />
Business Manager Brian Cochrane.<br />
“We had qualified members on Local<br />
115’s dispatch lists and out <strong>of</strong> work<br />
members <strong>of</strong> our sister locals throughout<br />
Canada and the USA ready to assist<br />
with the exploration in Murray River.<br />
It was clear that HD hadn’t made a<br />
legitimate attempt to recruit Canadian<br />
workers first which is a requirement <strong>of</strong><br />
the Federal Governments Temporary<br />
Foreign Worker program.”<br />
The Canadian Federal Government<br />
and HD Mining fought every step <strong>of</strong><br />
the way in court, resulting in numerous<br />
pieces <strong>of</strong> litigation, from not only<br />
the Federal Government, but from<br />
HD and its shareholders as well. HD<br />
threatened at one point to close down<br />
other resource extraction projects in the<br />
Murray River region, which they quickly<br />
retracted.<br />
Local 115’s campaign has not been<br />
an easy one. After first winning the right<br />
to apply for a judicial review based on<br />
considerations <strong>of</strong> public interest, Local<br />
115 went on to win again in court to<br />
obtain access to hundreds <strong>of</strong> documents<br />
related to the approval <strong>of</strong> the Murray<br />
River permits. In early January, when<br />
key information was withheld by HD,<br />
and the government argued that it was<br />
unable to compel the firm to produce<br />
the missing data, the local forced full<br />
disclosure by filing a contempt <strong>of</strong> court<br />
application against Canadian Human<br />
Resources Minister Diane Finley. Again<br />
Federal Court ruled in favor <strong>of</strong> Local 115,<br />
stating the government must continue<br />
to obtain the documents from HD.<br />
In mid-January, HD finally complied<br />
with the Court order and turned over<br />
the 315 resumes <strong>of</strong> Canadians who<br />
responded to their job ads. Although<br />
HD Mining claimed there were no<br />
Canadian applicants qualified to do this<br />
work, the evidence from the resumes<br />
clearly shows that was not factual.<br />
Within days after releasing the<br />
resumes as a part <strong>of</strong> the court order,<br />
HD Mining announced it was going<br />
to send the Chinese workers that had<br />
already arrived in Canada back home<br />
to China. Local 115 has now filed an<br />
additional submission to the courts<br />
after reviewing the resumes <strong>of</strong> the<br />
people who had applied for these jobs.<br />
“There were people who applied that<br />
had over 30 years’ experience and why<br />
they were deemed unqualified by HD<br />
Mining is completely absurd,” said<br />
Business Manager Cochrane in several<br />
interviews with the media.<br />
The real issue is the Temporary<br />
Foreign Worker Program: it’s a broken<br />
system in urgent need <strong>of</strong> reform. Until<br />
the TFW program is changed to be both<br />
more effective and more transparent,<br />
these kinds <strong>of</strong> abuses will continue. The<br />
good news is that this story has garnered<br />
national attention and overwhelming<br />
positive support, and that puts pressure<br />
on the federal government to set up<br />
an independent review. The Local<br />
wants to try and find a better solution<br />
to protect Canadian jobs and provide<br />
opportunities for <strong>IUOE</strong> members from<br />
the United States when they become<br />
available.<br />
This campaign is not over, and there<br />
are more legal battles on the forefront,<br />
but taking on this challenge successfully<br />
has brought the importance <strong>of</strong> unions<br />
back into the national spotlight.<br />
WINTER 2013 21
HAZMAT<br />
Revised HAZARD COMMUNICATION Standard<br />
OSHA published the final rule for the revised Hazard<br />
Communication Standard on March 26, 2012. The changes<br />
to the Hazard Communication standard include the long<br />
anticipated move toward the Globally Harmonized System<br />
(GHS) <strong>of</strong> Classification and Labeling <strong>of</strong> Chemicals. There<br />
are three major changes to the Hazard Communication<br />
Standard:<br />
1. Hazard Classification: The definitions <strong>of</strong> hazards<br />
have been changed to provide specific criteria for<br />
classification <strong>of</strong> health and physical hazards, as well as<br />
classification <strong>of</strong> mixtures. These specific criteria will<br />
help to ensure that evaluations <strong>of</strong> hazardous effects are<br />
consistent across manufacturers, making labels and<br />
safety data sheets more accurate as a result.<br />
2. Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will<br />
be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized<br />
signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each<br />
hazard class and category. Precautionary statements<br />
must also be provided.<br />
3. Safety Data Sheets: The Safety Data Sheet will<br />
replace the familiar Material Safety Data Sheet and will<br />
now have a consistent 16-section format.<br />
The new rule will have a phase-in period given that it is<br />
such a widespread change. The table below summarizes<br />
the phase-in dates required by the revised Hazard<br />
Communication Standard:<br />
The Hazard Communication standard <strong>of</strong> 1993 was referred<br />
to as your right to know. The Hazard Communication standard<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2012 is being referred to as your right to understand. The<br />
system <strong>of</strong> hazard classifications communicated through the<br />
revised labels, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements<br />
and safety data sheets will provide workers with the tools<br />
necessary to protect themselves on their jobsites.<br />
The <strong>IUOE</strong> NTF National HAZMAT Program will provide<br />
material and assistance to local unions and local union<br />
instructors to meet the training requirements in the revised<br />
Hazard Communication standard. <strong>IUOE</strong> trainers and<br />
personnel are encouraged to order and review the new<br />
material. If you have questions please contact us at (304)<br />
253-8674 or hazmat@iuoehazmat.org.<br />
Effective Completion Date Requirement(s) Who is Responsible<br />
December 1, 2013<br />
Train employees on the new label elements Employers<br />
and safety data sheet (SDS) format.<br />
June 1, 2015*<br />
December 1, 2015<br />
June 1, 2016<br />
Transition Period to the effective<br />
completion dates noted<br />
above<br />
Compliance with all modified provisions <strong>of</strong><br />
this final rule, except:<br />
The Distributor shall not ship containers<br />
labeled by the chemical manufacturer or<br />
importer unless it is a GHS label.<br />
Update alternative workplace labeling and<br />
hazard communication program as necessary,<br />
and provide additional employee training<br />
for newly identified physical or health<br />
hazards.<br />
May comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200<br />
(the final standard), or the current standard,<br />
or both<br />
Chemical manufacturers, importers,<br />
distributors and employers<br />
Employers<br />
Chemical manufacturers, importers,<br />
distributors, and employers<br />
*This date coincides with the European <strong>Union</strong> (EU) implementation date for classification <strong>of</strong> mixtures.<br />
22<br />
international operating engineer
Healthcare<br />
Good Nutrition and Weight Loss:<br />
Key to Longevity on the Job and Beyond<br />
As <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> we work a<br />
lifetime <strong>of</strong> long, physically demanding hours<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten in remote locations away from home. With<br />
this lifestyle we work up a strong appetite that is<br />
too <strong>of</strong>ten satisfied by supersizing our burgers,<br />
fries, sodas or adult beverages at the nearest<br />
fast food joint or watering hole. We don’t eat<br />
properly, we don’t have the energy or time to<br />
exercise properly and getting a decent night <strong>of</strong><br />
sleep can be a challenge. In other words, we<br />
work hard, we play hard and we eat and drink<br />
too much.<br />
Early in our careers we can seemingly get<br />
away with theses routines, but as we age and<br />
our systems start their inevitable slowdown<br />
our once buff, hard bodies start to s<strong>of</strong>ten. The<br />
calories we are accustomed to consuming and<br />
burning <strong>of</strong>f are now expanding our waistlines<br />
and adding extra pounds to our frames.<br />
Unfortunately, this added weight not only makes it increasingly difficult to fit into that old varsity jacket, it also results<br />
in the development <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> chronic conditions, too numerous to list here, that will impact your life financially and<br />
qualitatively as well as the lives <strong>of</strong> those loved ones in your family.<br />
For many <strong>of</strong> us these habits are very hard to change, but if you want to be around for the long haul and enjoy that well deserved<br />
pension, make the effort. A comprehensive set <strong>of</strong> resources that will aid you in making these difficult lifestyle decisions can be<br />
found online at www.nutrition.gov under the Nutrition and Health Issues section. So what do you say, give it a try!<br />
HAZMAT continued<br />
National HAZMAT Program 2013 Trainer Course Schedule<br />
The 2013 Trainer<br />
Courses are designed to<br />
meet instructors’ needs,<br />
maintain instructor credentials,<br />
and expand the<br />
instructors’ skills and<br />
knowledge to meet the<br />
changing requirements<br />
<strong>of</strong> the local unions’ membership.<br />
A<br />
four-hour<br />
(HAZCOM) Globally Harmonized<br />
System (GHS)<br />
course has been added<br />
to all trainer courses this<br />
year, with the exception <strong>of</strong><br />
the OSHA 510 course.<br />
2013 Dates* Trainer CouRSE # <strong>of</strong> Days<br />
Apr 8-12 rigging and Signaling Safety Trainer; GHS 4.5 days<br />
May 14-17 OSHA 3110 Fall Arrest Systems; GHS 3.5 days<br />
Jun 3-13 HAZWOPER Train-the-Trainer; GHS 10 days w/ 1 day break<br />
Aug 14-17 OSHA 510 Construction Industry Standards 3.5 days<br />
Aug 19-22 OSHA 500 Construction Industry Trainer; GHS 4 days<br />
Sep 10-12 OSHA 502 Construction Industry Update; GHS 3 days<br />
Sep 16-19 OSHA 2264 Confined Space Trainer; GHS 4 days<br />
Sep 17-19 MSHA Train-the-Trainer; GHS 3 days<br />
Oct 7-8 oSHA 5602 Disaster Site Worker Update; GHS 1.5 days<br />
Oct 7-10 oSHA 5600 Disaster Site Worker Trainer; GHS 4 days<br />
Oct 21-24 OSHA 521 Industrial Hygiene/Monitoring; GHS 4 days<br />
*Dates and courses are subject to change.<br />
WINTER 2013 23
ENJOY •<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Union</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong><br />
1125 17 th Street, NW<br />
Washington, DC 20036<br />
NON PROFIT ORG<br />
US POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
KELLY PRESS, INC.<br />
Printed in the U.S.A.<br />
•<br />
SAVINGS<br />
SERVICE<br />
ONE OF<br />
IT<br />
SOLIDARIT Y<br />
•<br />
40<br />
PLUS<br />
BENEFITS<br />
FROM UNION PLUS<br />
UNION<br />
RSAVINGS • SERVICE • SOLIDA<br />
SAVE<br />
15%<br />
on AT&T<br />
Wireless Services<br />
We know you work hard for your money. That’s why we’ve<br />
created 40 programs to help you get more out <strong>of</strong> life. Your<br />
AT&T benefits include:<br />
● 15% <strong>of</strong>f monthly service charges for most cell phone and<br />
data plans<br />
● $100 new smartphone rebate when you use your <strong>Union</strong> Plus Credit Card<br />
and up to $100 more towards the cost <strong>of</strong> moving your service from another<br />
carrier to AT&T<br />
● SPECIAL OFFERS on AT&T cell phones and accessories<br />
● AT&T the only wireless company that is “Proud to Be <strong>Union</strong>!”<br />
If you visit your local AT&T<br />
store use discount FAN #<br />
3508840<br />
<strong>Union</strong>Plus.org/ATT<br />
*All program plans for new and existing customers require a new two-year contract. This <strong>of</strong>fer cannot be combined with any other<br />
discounts. The 15% <strong>Union</strong> Plus AT&T wireless discount is not available on the non-3G iPhone, additional lines for family plans,<br />
unlimited plans and Unity plans. Data services on secondary lines are not discounted.<br />
**<strong>Union</strong> members can purchase the 3G and 3Gs iPhone at regular price and receive the 15% AT&T Wireless <strong>Union</strong> Plus discount <strong>of</strong>f<br />
the AT&T wireless service plan. NOTE: There will be no discount for service using the original iPhone.<br />
01/13<br />
24 international operating engineer