Gaining Ground March 2013

SPECIAL
ELECTION
EDITION
Gaining Ground
Together with Your Local Union
GROWTH • STABILITY • ENGAGEMENT • ACTION
The fight for BC and Canadian jobs in coal mines
Why Local 115 has gone to Federal Court
over Temporary Foreign Workers from
China in Tumbler Ridge
Brian Cochrane,
IUOE Local 115
Business Manager
Brothers and Sisters,
Why was a foreign-owned company
allowed to bring 201 Temporary Foreign
Workers to British Columbia from China
to develop coal mines when IUOE Local
115 members and other Canadian workers
with years of mining experience had their
job applications turned down?
That’s why your union, IUOE Local 115,
along with the BC Building Trades unions,
went to Federal Court last year: to seek an
independent judicial review of the federal
government’s Temporary Foreign Worker
(TFW) Program permits that allowed HD Mining to bring Chinese
coal miners to its mine development project in Tumbler Ridge.
We won a major victory in January when our lawyers won
access to 300 resumes that Canadian workers sent to HD Mining
applying for jobs – and every one of them was turned down
despite many having years of coal mining and mine management
experience.
HD Mining repeatedly told the federal government, the media
and the public that there were no qualified workers for coal
mine development jobs in BC – the information in these resumes
shows that to be blatantly untrue.
There were workers applying for HD Mining jobs who had 30
years mining experience, who had mineral engineering degrees,
who had managed major mines, who had every imaginable
qualification to do the work – but they were all rejected so HD
Mining could bring in Temporary Foreign Workers instead – it’s
outrageous and it’s offensive.
It’s no wonder HD Mining and the federal government forced
us to go to court repeatedly and fought us at every step in our
efforts to get access to these damning documents. They knew
this information definitively proves they could have hired many
highly qualified and experienced Canadian workers for this
project.”
It’s a totally unacceptable situation. We had qualified members
on Local 115’s dispatch lists and out of work members of our
sister locals throughout Canada and the USA ready to assist with
the exploration in Murray River.
Some of the jobs ads listed speaking Mandarin as one of the
requirements of the job. How is that allowed? And why didn’t
the federal or BC government object to such clearly unfair
conditions?
The real issue is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program — it’s
a broken system in urgent need of reform. Until the TFW program
is changed these kinds of abuses will continue.
We will continue to fight this campaign for our brothers and
sisters across Canada; it is not over! Stay tuned for future updates
on this national media spotlighted issue…
April 2013 will see the 38th Convention of the International
Union of Operating Engineers. This edition of the Gaining Ground
is a special election publication which contains important information
for you to review; what the convention is all about, the
election process and a review of the nominees up for election to
attend the International Convention as Local 115’s delegates.
I encourage all of you to mark your ballots later this month.
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011378
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS • GAINING GROUND • FEBRUARY 2013

THE 38th CONVENTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS
Conventions are key to
keeping democracy alive
As we prepare to elect delegates to represent Local 115 at
the 38th Convention of the International Union of Operating
Engineers, it is worthwhile to review what this important convention
is all about.
All democratic institutions are governed by a constitution
which provides the rules of government for the organization and
includes the ability of the individual members
participation in this process.
The IUOE was established and organized on
December 7, 1896 and we celebrated our 100th
Anniversary in 1996. Our original constitution
was compiled by the special constitutional convention
held September 30, 1938 and was adopted
by referendum votes of the entire membership on December
31, 1938. This formed the basis of our modern constitution that
has been amended by referendum or convention on some 17
occasions since that time. The most predominant way to amend
our constitution is by convention, however, referendum can be
used as an alternative.
Our constitution proves that General Conventions of the
IUOE are to be held in the month of April every five years which
includes the year 2013.
The composition of the Convention is to be made up of elected
General Officers, General Executive Board, Board of Trustees
and duly elected Delegates from Local Unions, who are the
overwhelming number of Delegates in attendance at General
Conventions.
The basis of representation is determined by a Local Union’s
membership and in the case of Local 115, we have approximately
11,000 members. Our Local Union will be electing 10 delegates.
Your Local Union By-Laws provide that the Business Manager
and President of the Local Union are delegated to attend all
Conventions, including the General Convention, by virtue of their
office.
The General Convention is the
sovereign power including the
legislative, executive, administrative
and judicial authority of
the IUOE.
The major agenda items to
be dealt with at the Convention will be proposed amendments
to the constitution, resolutions, appeals of members, issuing
of Local Union charters, fixing of per capita taxes paid by Local
Unions to our International and the election of the General
executive Board and Trustees. The theme of the 2013 Convention
is training, educating and organizing.
Participation is important in any democratic organization and
all members are encouraged to do their part by exercising their
right to vote in electing delegates to attend the International
Union of Operating Engineers’ General Convention.
Participation is important in
any democratic organization
and all members are
encouraged to do their part.
Delegates in 1944, at the 22nd
convention of the IUOE.

2013 GENERAL CONVENTION NOMINEES
Meet those nominated. Local 115 members will elect ten delegates
to attend the upcoming Convention of the International Union. To find out how
to cast your vote, see the back cover.
n Lynda Arland
I, Lynda Arland am asking
for your support
to attend the General
Convention of our
International Union.
I have been on staff
with the Local for
almost 2 years and currently
hold the position
of Manager Administration and Special
Projects.
For most of my adult life I have been a
strong advocate in the union and cooperative
movements and have brought that dedication,
commitment and pride to our Local.
The upcoming General Convention not
only focus’ on Training, Education and
Organizing, it is also the central event in
governance of the Operating Engineers.
I can bring a unique perspective as a delegate
for Local 115 as I will draw on my over
20 year’s strong administrative labour focus
including that of training, education, and
promoter.
I would like to give thanks to my nominators
and ask for your support in electing me
as a delegate to attend and represent the
interests of you and our Local Union at the
General Convention.
n Frank Carr
My name is Frank Carr
and I have been a member
in good standing
of Local 115 for over 19
years. I am 44 years of age
and currently reside in
Port Coquitlam with my
wife, son and daughter.
I joined Local 115 in
1993 by organizing the company I was working
at as a Heavy Equipment Operator. I have
since completed the Operating Engineers’
Training Plan Mobile Crane Apprenticeship
(1998) and worked as a Journeyman Crane
Operator in Heavy Construction, Pile Driving,
Steel Erection and Crane Rental Industries.
I have been in the employ of our Local
Union for over 12 years working as a
Members Representative serving our
members employed in the Construction
and Industrial sectors.
In 2003, I was appointed to our Local
Union Executive Board as the Guard and
currently hold the position of Treasurer. In
2009, I was appointed as a Trustee of both
our Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan and
Pension Plan.
I have appreciated your support in the
past and again ask for your support in
electing me as a delegate to attend the
2013 International Union of Operating
Engineers General Convention.
n Steve Carter
I would like to take
this opportunity to
wish all Brothers and
Sisters of Local 115 a
very happy and prosperous
New Year.
As a candidate
for the Election of
Delegates to the 2013
IUOE General Convention, I would like to
tell you a little about myself.
I have been in the Road Building
Industry in B.C. for nearly 30 years, a
member of Local 115 since 1998, and an
employee of the Training Association
since 2003, (full time since 2005). I have
met a good number of you over the years
and you know how passionate I am about
the paving industry and my position as an
Instructor for the Operating Engineers.
I am happily married with three children
and reside in North Surrey.
I would be very proud to represent
our Local as a Delegate at the upcoming
General Convention.
Thank You for your consideration.
Fraternally yours,
Steve Carter
n Brett Chapman
Hi my name is Brett
Chapman and I am asking
for your support to attend
the General Convention
of the International Union
of Operating Engineers.
I have been on
staff with the local for
two years. I was originally
hired by Brian Cochrane, our current
Business Manager. I currently hold the
position of a Members Representative and
hold a position on the Executive Board as a
Trustee.
Over the last few years, I have enjoyed
having the opportunity to work with many
of our members with regards to shop stewards
training and organizing the unorganized
throughout the province.
I strongly believe that working to educate
our members with organizing the unorganized
and helping with shop stewards
training, we will create a better future for
Operating Engineers, and my experience in
these areas will be a value to Local 115 at
the conference.
This Convention will provide an opportunity
to gain new ideas and greater knowledge
to pass along to our members.
I thank you and appreciate your support.
Brett Chapman
n Herb
Conat

2013 GENERAL CONVENTION NOMINEES
n William
(Grant)
Ferguson
1980-1982 Canada Safeway Union-
RWDSU
No Union Involvement
1982-1994 Dairy Producers/
Dairyland/Saputo
Union Involvement –
Teamster Local 395
Shop Steward
Chief Shop Steward
Recording Secretary
Negotiating Committee (4
Collective Agreements)
Organizing Drive Turning
UFCW Workers to Teamsters
when two different locations
were combined
1990-1994 University of Saskatchewan
College of Commerce/Law
1994 Department of Labour/
Level 1 OHS
1992 LSC-Human and Social
Environment of Labour
1991 LSC-13 Economic
Environment of Labour
1991 LSC-24 Business
Environment of Labour
1991 LSC-27 Current Issue
in Labour
1990 LSC-11 Labour History
1994-Present
BA Dawson Blacktop
Union IUOE 115
Operator Crushing
Foreman
Grade Foreman
Project Superintendent/
Q/C Road Building
CGA-Gold Seal Certificate
Program (Intern)
n Randy Grisewood
I, Randy Grisewood, am
a third generation member
of the International
Union of Operating
Engineers and have
been a member in good
standing since June
1989. My grandfather
Herb Grisewood joined
the Operating Engineers in the 1930’s and
worked in the marine industry for Mckenzie
Barge and Derrick for over 30 years, and my
father Dale joined the Operating Engineers
in August 1965 working for Mckenzie Barge
and Derrick and then Fraser River Pile and
Dredge until retirement in 1999.
I completed a Plant operator apprenticeship
beginning in 1989 and have worked
for various signatory aggregate and asphalt
companies, and became a Journeyman
while working at Columbia Bitulithic.
I have also completed the Mobile Crane
Apprenticeship and acquired my Certificate
of Qualification with Interprovincial Red
Seal Endorsement, and have worked in
the marine industry for Miller Contracting,
Mckenzie Barge & Marine Ways and Fraser
River Pile & Dredge. Then in 1997 I moved
over to the Crane Rental industry working
for Sterling Crane and then Kansen Crane.
In November 2009 I decided it was time
for something new and having completed
two Apprenticeships through Local 115
as well as the earthmoving course and 20
years in industry, I went to work for the
IUOE Local 115 Training Association as a
Training Coordinator. My role at the Training
Association is to help Apprentices and
Trainees get the training they need to be
successful and track them through their
Apprenticeship to completion.
I was appointed to the Board of Directors
for the British Columbia Association for
Crane Safety (BCACS) in 2009 and represent
the Operating Engineers in the construction
of and overseeing the Crane Operator
Certification process in BC and am currently
the Secretary/Treasurer.
It is with this background and family
history with The International Union of
Operating Engineers Local 115 that has
instilled dedication, pride and loyalty to
the members and the advancement of our
Organization.
I currently reside in Maple Ridge with my
wife and 3 children and would appreciate
your support in electing me as a delegate
to attend the 2013 International Union of
Operating Engineers General Convention.
n Garry Jabs
n Bob Higgs
I, Garry Jabs, have been a
member in good standing
of Local 115 for over
twenty-two years. I am
fifty-five years of age, and
reside in Vancouver with
my wife, daughter and
son.
Since 1965, I have
worked in the civil construction industry,
employed in the Greater Vancouver Area.
In 1990 I joined the International Union
of Operating Engineers Local 115. I was
employed with Jack Cewe Ltd. for over twenty-three
years. During the thirty-seven years
in the road building industry, I held various
positions including Instrument Person,
Operator, Foreman, and Supervisor.
Since November of 2011, I have been
employed by the Operating Engineers
Training Association as Site Supervisor in
Maple Ridge. This position has allowed me
to meet the next generation of operators,
and to pass along my experience to ensure
our members meet the needs of our local
and industry.
I appreciate your support to represent
our members as a delegate at the 2013
International Union of Operating Engineers
General Convention.
n Wayne
Kemp

2013 GENERAL CONVENTION NOMINEES
n Brian Lefebvre
My name is Brian Lefebvre,
and I have proudly been
a member of IUOE Local
115 for 20 years. I serve
the Local Union in different
roles as Recording
Corresponding Secretary,
as a Trustee of our Benefits
and Pension Plan, as the
District 6 Representative to the Executive
Board, and I serve the Membership as a
Members Representative.
With thanks to my nominator, I am seeking
election to represent the Membership
as a first-time Delegate to the 2013 IUOE
General Convention in Hollywood, Florida.
Learning what it meant to belong to a
Union came to me at an early age. I was
raised by parents who were both Members
of Unions. My Father, Paul Lefebvre, has
been a Member of IUOE Local 115 since
1965, and my Mother, Karen Lefebvre, is a
Member of the TWU since the mid 70’s.
I have been married to my Wife Raelene
since 1993. We have 2 Sons together:
Brandon (18) and Brock (15).
I started off my career as a ticketed
Commercial Transport Mechanic by trade.
I have been employed with the Local as
a Members Representative since January
6, 1999. I started out in the District 3
(Kamloops) Office, working there for just
over 6 years until the end of April 2005. An
opportunity arose in May of 2005 in the
District 6 (Cranbrook) office which I seized,
and my family and I moved to Cranbrook to
replace a Member Representative who was
retiring.
It has been a great honor representing the
Membership, and I have seen and dealt with
a lot of our Membership during my time
with the Local. Dealing with a wide spectrum
of issues that either our Membership
faces on the job to issues they may be going
through in their personal life. I believe I have
dealt with these issues as I would expect my
Members Representative should have while
keeping honesty and integrity as part of my
guiding principles.
With my role as a Trustee for the Benefits
and Pension Plan, it is my objective to
ensure financial viability of each plan along
with working to maximize the benefits to
the Membership while safeguarding the
plans future commitments.
I ask for your support in my bid to represent
the IUOE Local 115 Membership
as a Delegate to the 2013 IUOE General
Convention in Hollywood, Florida. Thank
you.
n Craig McIntosh
I have been a proud
member of Local 115 for
31 years. I operated various
makes and models
of concrete pumps for
20 years before coming
on staff with the Local in
2001.
I helped develop and
instructed the concrete pump upgrade
course. I am a member of the Canadian
Standards Association which developed the
CSA Standard Z151 for concrete pumps in
Canada. These Standards became part of
WorksafeBC regulations in 2012.
I have had the opportunity to organize,
represent and meet many of you in various
industries: construction, roadbuilding, crane
rental and pilots.
I am a member of your Local Union
Executive Board as one of your Auditors
and also a Director on the board with the
Operating Engineers Training Association.
I would like to thank you in advance for
your support to be a delegate at the 2013
IUOE General Convention.
n Brad Randall
I, Brad Randall, have
been a member in good
standing of Local 115
for over 35 years. I am
53 years of age and currently
reside in Burnaby.
Since joining the
Local Union in 1977,
I have worked as a
deckhand and deck engineer. In 1981, I
completed the Operating Engineers Training
Association’s Mobile Crane Apprenticeship
and worked as a Journeyman Crane
Operator in Heavy Construction, Pile Driving,
Dredging, Steel Erection, Crane Rental and
Road Building.
I have been in the employ of our Local
Union for over 25 years. For 14 years I
worked as a Business Representative covering
construction work in the Lowermainland
and for 2 of those years represented those
members working in the Industrial sector.
For the past 11 years I have been employed
as the Administrator of the Operating
Engineers’ Training Association.
In 1991, I was elected as Trustee of both
our Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan and
Pension Plan. In 2000 I was appointed to our
Local Union Executive Board as the District
1 Representative and in 2002 I was elected
Vice President of our Local Union.
I have appreciated your support in the
past and again ask for your support in electing
me as a delegate to attend the 2013
International Union of Operating Engineers
General Convention.
n Mike
Spiruda
n Don
Swerdan

The Election Process
Choosing the delegates that
your local will send to the
International Convention
Election ballots are mailed by an
independent chartered accountant and
will be mailed to eligible voters on February
20th, 2013.
Ballots must be returned by
March 13th, 2013.
The top 10 Candidates receiving the most
votes shall, by the Election Committee, be
declared elected.
Persons approved for membership by the
Local Union prior to July 1st shall have the
right to vote.
Every member who is not suspended as of
December 31st, 2012 shall have the right to
vote.
Ballots must be marked clearly as to your
choice of candidates.
TOM KINNEAR
Chair of Election Committee
IUOE Local 115
KEEP
DEMOCRACY
ALIVE.
It is your
right and
obligation
to vote.
Take the time to:
mark your ballot
mail it back by
March 13, 2013
Your mail-in ballot
Return by March 13
If you have any questions, comments or input, please contact us by calling 604-291-8831 or 1-888-486-3115,
or by e-mailing media@iuoe115.com, or visit our website at www.iuoe115.com
Please
Recycle
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS • FEBRUARY 2013
www.iuoe115.com
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011378