IUOE News December 2014

They told the crowd how they wanted to build a soccer
field complex and had spoken with our Training Association
and agreed to send 8 people for training plus 2 that would
become instructors/mentors. Upon their completion, they
started working on the soccer field and within a few days
dispatch called and sent one of the people to work on the
KMP project. And a few days later, dispatch called and sent
another, and again and again.
Within the month, all of those that had gone through the
training were out working for a signatory contractor, and even
though their soccer field is still sitting, waiting to be completed,
they were very pleased with the outcome of the training.
I got up and spoke to the group about that situation and
said I couldn’t really apologize because that is what the Operating
Engineers Training Association does—we train to
supply our over 250 contractors to fill their needs for safe
skilled workers in the industry. I said that we do not train for
the sake of training, nor do we make a profit on our training.
Our training is at a standard that is higher than what other
groups call for because we train to supply our contractors with
safe skilled people.
In closing, and without sounding like that broken record,
we believe that the projects in the north are promising and it
should be great in the next few years with the growth and
work because of the resource industry.
Growing our membership
I will say it again now, more than ever, that we need to increase
both our membership base (with qualified operators, trainees
and tradesmen), and increase the market share for Union
contractors.
There are a few ways to do this but the key is involvement
of our current membership, which means you. If you are
working for a non-contributing contractor, organize them.
This increases the unionized market share and builds strength
in your agreement and your benefits.
If you know of someone that is a qualified, skilled operator
and has the skills needed to work for our contractors, talk to
them, get them into the hall and get them signed up. We will
continue to grow and prosper.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
I want to say Merry Christmas to you, your family and friends,
and have a happy, safe holiday season. Good health and prosperity
for 2015. Also remember to take time for those less
fortunate than ourselves, by maybe extending a helping hand.
Thank you for the work put in by our Stewards, Safety Reps
and Committee members on behalf of the Union and the
members you work with. As always, may the best things that
happened to you in 2014 be the worst of your problems in
2015 and safe travels.
As another year comes to a close, many of the questions we
asked at the beginning of the year regarding which major
project will be given the green light to start construction still
have not been answered. Opposition to all major construction
projects in B.C. remains strong, dividing people, organizations
and politicians with the economy versus environment
debate or “I just don’t want it in my back yard.”
As Operating Engineers, construction projects are our livelihood.
We must support them, because we have lost support
from traditionally labour-friendly politicians and other
unions.
The Site C dam project in Fort St. John did pass the federal
and provincial environmental assessment review process and
now awaits provincial government approval to go ahead,
along with resolving
native land claims. This
may be the first of the
major projects to start
construction.
One of the keys for
construction of a major
project will be its labour
force, which will include
training and apprentices.
We need to speak
up in support of
construction projects
Craig McIntosh,
Business Representative
District One
Opposition to all major
construction projects in
B.C. remains strong,
dividing people,
organizations and
politicians
One component of learning the trade is mentorship.
Mentorship comes from on—the—job training from experienced
journeypersons. As a mentor you are a teacher who
coaches and motivates an apprentice at the same time. The
mentor should identify the point of the lesson, demonstrate
the skill, provide the opportunity for progress, give feedback
and assess progress.
Not all journeypersons make good mentors. I was fortunate
and did have experienced operators who stepped up and
showed me the tricks of the trade. As an apprentice it is important
to listen, interact positively with mentors, understand
and respond to instructions.
In closing—wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas
and a healthy prosperous New Year.
News December 2014 3