News

updated June 30, 2017

TSSA SAFETY EXCHANGE VIDEO BLOG

The TSSA’s Director of Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers Mike Adams delivers discussions about new developments and current issues in the BPV/OE sector. 

In this episode of Safety Matters, TSSA’s Director of Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers Mike Adams joins host Greg Kerr to talk about new developments and current issues in the BPV/OE sector. Watch the video here: http://www.tssablog.org/archives/5022

DRAFT BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS REGULATION announcement

The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is seeking your input on proposed amendments to the Boilers and Pressure Vessels (BPV) regulation (O. Reg. 220/01) under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. Information about the regulatory proposals is now posted on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry  for public feedback. The comment period will close on July 17, 2017.
The Registry allows members of the public to participate in developing regulations by providing comments on regulatory proposals. The ministry will be taking the feedback it receives into consideration when bringing forward the final regulation for approval.
We encourage you to provide feedback on the regulatory proposals available at the following link:
http://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?language=en&postingId=24227

Who will be impacted? 

1. Building Owners and Managers
2. Dry Cleaners
3. Hospitals
4. Insurers and Third-Party Inspectors
5. Manufacturers and Processors
6. Municipalities
7. Operating Plants, including power plants, heating and cooling plants
8. Schools
9. Universities and Colleges

What are the changes?
In February 2016, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, in collaboration with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), established a 14-member expert panel of BPV industry stakeholders with representation from insurance companies, third-party inspectors, and BPV owners and manufacturers. The purpose of the consultation was for the panel to make recommendations to government that would assist in addressing long-standing challenges associated with the operationalization of the BPV regulation.
The ministry has developed proposed regulatory amendments to support the implementation of the BPV panel’s recommendations as well as other changes to improve the effectiveness of TSSA’s BPV Safety Program. They include: 

1. Upon insurer’s periodic inspection of a boiler or pressure vessel, the owner or operator of the device would be required to apply for authorization from TSSA to operate their device (Certificate of Inspection) with the payment of a fee and a copy of the Record of Inspection. 
2. Insurers to submit device inspection information and attest to the accuracy of this information in the form and frequency specified by TSSA.
3. Insurers to file information and to attest to the accuracy of that information. Insurers could be subject to an audit by TSSA to verify information provided by insurers as well as determine compliance with regulatory requirements.
4. Provide flexibility for TSSA to differentiate between high-risk and low-risk piping and fittings based on research and analysis conducted through a standards development organization.
5. Additional draft regulation proposals to improve the effectiveness of TSSA’s BPV Safety Program (please refer to regulatory registry posting for more information). 

Background
The regulatory oversight of boilers and pressure vessels is addressed through the BPV regulation (O. Reg. 220/01) and the Operating Engineers regulation (O. Reg. 219/01), both of which are made under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. The Operating Engineers regulation is not the focus of this consultation.
The BPV regulation governs device safety including design, manufacturing, installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. TSSA is an arms-length, not-for-profit, self-financed administrative authority that is responsible for administering the act and regulations. The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is responsible for bringing forward any changes to the act or regulations and for overseeing the performance of TSSA.
BPVs are equipment that produce and distribute hot water, steam, compressed air, liquids, and gases, as well as refrigerants. They are used in a wide-variety of industries in Ontario, including power generation, manufacturing, agri-food, forestry, and dry cleaning. They also provide refrigeration and heating services for a variety of buildings and institutions. TSSA enforces the regulation through its BPV Safety Program. BPVs in Ontario have a strong safety record and incidents related to this type of equipment are rare.

Submitting your feedback
The ministry appreciates hearing from affected stakeholders while considering regulatory changes. We also ask that you please share this email with any other organization or individual that you believe would be interested in providing feedback on the proposed amendments.

Should you have any questions regarding these proposals, please email publicsafetybranch@ontario.ca and a staff member will contact you.

LOCAL 772 NEWSLETTER

Catch up on all of the latest news and events!

Spring 2017 (English)

Spring 2017 (French) 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The next General Membership Meeting will be taking place Saturday May 6, 2017 at 4:30 PM at the Local's head office located at 1030 Upper James Street, Unit 401, Hamilton, ON. The meeting is open to all IUOE Local 772 members and is an opportunity to learn about the Local’s initiatives and business strategy for the next six months.

BURSARY & SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

There is financial assistance available to the dependents of IUOE 772 members who are or will be entering post-secondary education. For more information, please read the applications found at the following links:

Local 772 Education Bursary Application

Canadian Conference Bursary Application

Hamilton and District Labour Council Scholarship Application - Please call 905-547-2944 or email hdlc@cogeco.net.

LOCAL 772 CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON TRAINING

Local 772 provides an all-encompassing training session for Shop Stewards that includes the grievance process, arbitrations and human rights with guest speakers. 

Any Stewards interested in attending an upcoming session that have not attended a previous session are asked to contact us at 905-527-5250 (Hamilton) or 613-748-0546 (Ottawa).

UNION SAVINGS CONTEST

From March 1 – October 31 Union Savings is running an exclusive contest where they will be giving away $17,000 in cash ($10,000 for the grand prize) as well as other great prizes to union members across the country. In order to participate, all you need to do is register on the contest website at http://www.winwithunionsavings.ca/. There is no cost and no requirement to participate in the programs and participants may be eligible for multiple prizes. Members can also receive additional entries in the contest by referring fellow union members to register and interacting on social media. Find a poster here and a flyer here featuring details on prizes available.

TSSA SAFETY EXCHANGE

The TSSA’s Director of Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers Mike Adams delivers discussions about new developments and current issues in the BPV/OE sector. Find links to the video blogs here: http://www.tssablog.org/archives/category/boilers-and-pressure-vessels

A CAREER BUILT FOR A GOOD FUTURE

Meet Justin Wedderburn, a graduate of the Hammerheads program and a proud member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793. Justin is a young father who credits the changes in his life and his new-found passion for the trades to the mentorship and support he received through the Hammerheads program of the Central Ontario Building Trades. It is an employment-based training program offering apprenticeship career opportunities to the youth of under-resourced neighbourhoods in our communities. Justin’s early life was rocked by turbulent events. He lost his mother at the age of 14 and after finishing school was living day by day, paying the bills by taking on unsteady and precarious work with no benefits. Justin changed his attitude after realizing he was going to be a father. He wanted a different future for his son and family. Through the Hammerheads program, his personal and professional skills were developed and he was exposed to the diversity of trades. He made plenty of friends during the program. His group motivated each other and supported each other to be successful. After graduation, he still kept in contact with other graduates. Justin decided to pursue a career as a crane operator. It required in-school training at the Operating Engineers training centre as well as on the job experience. He had to work hard to qualify for graduation from the training centre and be certified as an operator. Justin credits his success to the mentorship and support he received from his brothers and sisters at IUOE Local 793 who accepted and supported him as he transitioned from precarious agency employment to a unionized good paying job. Justin was introduced to the labour movement and was inspired by its collective accomplishments. “When you join a Union, you join a community. I feel like I am part of a real brotherhood – people see my 793 hat and come over to introduce themselves. I have access to benefits and opportunities that I could only dream of. It’s nice to know I can take my son for an eye exam, as well as get great wages”. Justin wants other young people to consider the trades because he is confident that they will succeed if they gave it a chance. He recalls how he never considered construction because it seemed to have a bad reputation, but that is far from the truth. He was pleasantly surprised by the level of wages and the benefits union members enjoy. Through the Hammerheads program, he received professional support for two years that changed his outlook of life. He now loves construction and is hungry to learn and develop more skills. “I am happy, because I am doing something that I love, I have a job and a career. I see a lot of guys who are good with their hands but are wasting their talent. Now I am helping people and contributing to society. It’s definitely been a blessing. I know my mom would be proud of me”. Finally, Justin has become an ambassador for the Hammerheads program in his community because of the opportunities that he was exposed to in the trades. It is important for society for diversity in the workplace, it opens doors to conversations and relationships that can challenge closed minds in society. He is grateful that he found many friends in his Union family at International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 who are invested in his success. He is grateful for his family who have supported him unconditionally and whom he loves very much. A veteran union member once told him that the reward for hard work and the construction schedule was being able to spend quality time with his family. That’s why he wants those in precarious employment to seriously consider a career in the trades. His has been a wonderful journey exploring a career in the construction trades, an opportunity that he hopes others would not take for granted. - story provided by Labour Action magazine, Fall 2016 www.labourcouncil.ca

Justin Wedderburn

CLC and Council for Canadians Stop TPP Tour

The CLC in partnership with the Council for Canadians will be hosting several Town Hall meetings to provide information on the negative impact of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and what people can do to express their opposition to the agreement. Town Halls will be held at the following locations.

November 2 – Windsor – 6:30 – 8:30 pm   Ciociaro Club - Download the poster here.

November 8 – Toronto – 7:00 – 9:00 pm   Chelsea Hotel - Download the poster here. 

November 10 – Halifax – 7:00 – 9:00 pm      Holiday Inn Harbour View  Dartmouth - Download the poster here.

November 22 – Vancouver – 7:00 – 10:00 pm Hilton Vancouver Metrotown - Download the poster here. 

November 23 – Winnipeg – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm University of Winnipeg - Download the poster here. 

 

LOCAL 772 Executive Board Meeting

We were honoured to have Canadian Director Lionel Railton swear in the newly elected executive board of Local 772. "This was a first for the local", said Business Manager Greg Hoath. The latest meeting was held Sunday Oct 2, 2016 and featured swearing in of new members Richard, Edward, Curtis and Zoran. 

Left to right: Curtis Dinsmore-Trustee, Edward Chung-Guard, Richard Chung-Treasurer, Nick Pantaleo-Recording Secretary, Greg Black-President, Greg Hoath-Business Manager, Zoran Milovanovic-Financial Secretary, Lionel Railton-Canadian Director, Lynda Cloutier-Business Agent, Philip Maillard-East Area Rep, Reg Sauve-Conductor.

Absent: Wilson Bridgeman-West/Central Area Rep, Samik Doshi-Auditor, Jason Fox-Auditor, Ian Murray-Trustee, Jamie Patenaude-Vice-President and Auditor.  

 

LOCAL 772 NEWSLETTER

Catch up on all of the latest news and events!

Autumn 2016 (English)

Autumn 2016 (French)

  

A Stationary Engineer - The Beginning of a Lifelong Passion and Career by Jody Piette

It all began in 1993. I wasn’t sure after leaving school in 1991, just what I wanted to do for money or a career. I worked at a variety of seasonal positions which left me ice fishing all winter but knew I needed to start a career in something. A person can only ice fish for so long! So I decided to contact the local college in Ottawa to explore different career options. To my luck, I was directed to the Coordinator for Trades, Tim Breton, who took the time to answer questions, provide guidance and explore the options available. My future was clear. I enrolled in the Power Engineering program. With an aptitude in math, physics and mechanics, my quest for a career was over. As a Power Engineer, l was on my way to a career that provided daily challenges that I enjoy to this day with a superior wage, pension and benefits. 

During the summer holidays and weekdays, I completed the “on-the-job training” at Queensway-Carleton Hospital and I graduated with honours in June 1996. With a break in my career for personal reasons, then working two jobs and applications for full time employment in August 1998, I was hired on  as a Fourth-Class Engineer and I continue to this day my career as a Stationary Engineer at the Hospital. I was set for life. The best of all was that I had already worked at the Hospital through college and had the opportunity to blueprint the entire HVAC system while doing my on the job training as well as become a permanent team member of the guys at the plant. 

My first year I was the preventative maintenance guy servicing all of the equipment. This was great hands-on experience. The second year entailed working on the Y2K project in anticipating a major catastrophe of computer shutdowns (and now it's funny 15 years later). 

Next, there were hospital expansions and equipment changes. After the emergency building expansion, the main boiler room retrofit included the installation of a co-generating plant and the operation of a V20 engine, and learning how to get the most of a co-generation system. A new chiller system was added in 2009. From 1994 with a building size of 680,000 square feet, the plant is responsible for over 1,200,000 square feet, doubling in size and a state of the art facility with full computer control for all facilities.

With the growth of the hospital, equipment and plant, so has my career, personal and professional growth. A 4th Class Engineer in 1998, Lead Hand in 2006 and now the Building and Systems Chief Operator. I am fortunate in that I can look back from the beginning on my career decision, growth and the satisfaction of making a difference, being part of the Union, enjoying the daily challenges and leading a team. 

 

The Queensway-Carleton Hospital Operations department.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS TO CPP

Recently, after years of lobbying, the federal government announced an expansion of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The proposed expansion of the CPP is welcome, despite falling short of union's goal to double CPP benefits. This CPP increase will help our hard working IUOE members and all Canadians in providing more income security when they retire. The Finance Minister recently agreed to raise CPP benefits to replace the 33% of pre-retirement earnings up to a maximum of $82,700. Currently, CPP benefits replace 25% of pre-retirement earnings and only to a maximum of $54,900. This announcement also will save our members thousands of dollars in unnecessary payments that were proposed under an Ontario Pension Plan - a plan that would have very limited benefit to you but we would have all been required to pay into. With this announcement, most IUOE members will enjoy hundreds of additional monthly benefits upon retirement! We will continue our lobbying efforts in an attempt to reach the goal of doubling the CPP for future retirees—just another example of what your union, the IUOE, and the labour movement in general fights for daily and accomplishes with little fanfare!   

IUOE MEMBERSHIP SURVEY

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the pipeline survey and in building public – and ultimately political – support for important pipeline projects, like TransCanada Energy East, Kinder Morgan TransMountain Expansion and Enbridge Line 3 Replacement. Pipelines are vital to the strength and economic future of our country, and provide the jobs that support our communities. We want to do our part to support projects like these across the country, and educate Canadians about our commitment to operating in a safe, environmentally safe manner as well as how pipelines contribute to the Canadian economy. We should have the results of the survey soon. If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

IUOE MEMBERS WIN UNITED WAY AWARD

Members at the City of Hamilton Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, Macassa Lodge and Wentworth Lodge have been awarded the United Way Bronze award for 2015 for outstanding service to the people of the Hamilton-area community.

 

 

 

UNION SAVINGS Mid-Year report

Union Savings has provided us with their mid-year report summarizing the work that they have done during the first six months of 2016. Download the report here.

 

TSSA approved operating (power) engineer training providers

The TSSA has compiled a list of Ontario providers offering training, examination and certification. Find details here.

 

 

 

 

Fort McMurray disaster relief

IUOE Local 772 has made a significant donation to assist IUOE Local 955 Edmonton. Funds have been provided directly to IUOE members in the aftermath of the Fort McMurray wildfire and evacuation. Thank you very much to our members, the Executive Board members and one of our an employers, Global Spectrum Facility Management for their generosity in this difficult time.

 

TSSA HEAD OFFICE RELOCATION

The TSSA is moving its head office to 345 Carlingview Drive (north of Hwy. 401/east of Hwy. 427) effective June 27, 2016.

 

 

 

 

IUOE Engineer RaiseS Awareness and Funds for Cancer RESEARCH

Allan Hager, Maintenance Engineer at the University of Ottawa does his part in raising money for cancer research. Besides giving all his hair, a pizza lunch with the Engineers also raised money in support of Allan shaving it all off. In total, over $30,000 was raised at the University!

 

 

 

 

 

LOCAL 772 NEWSLETTER

Winter 2015 (English)

Winter 2015 (French)

 

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS AT Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Our members in the HVAC department at CNL in Chalk River, Ontario have raised $500 for United Way initiatives from purchases at their snack bar!

 

 

scholarship AWARDED TO CHILD OF LOCAL 772 MEMBER

Congratulations to Joshua Diluca for being awarded a Hamilton and District Labour Council scholarship! Joshua is the son of IUOE 772 member Rob Diluca and is currently taking the Cyber Security University program at Sheridan College. To qualify, Joshua wrote an essay on the topic of how belonging to a union household has improved his life. He stated that the Unions his parents work for help give a better quality of life for him and his sister. He sees first-hand how Unions fight not only for the unionized workers but they also bring awareness of a lack of funding and cuts to government programs that most citizens would not normally hear about. The scholarship is open to students whose parent or recognized guardian is a member of a union affiliated to the Hamilton and District Labour Council. Applications for the scholarship can be found here.

 

 IUOE LOCAL 772 WINS ON... 

- Scotia Plaza contractor removed after abuse of members

- Maple Leaf Foods market adjustments, wages increased by 20%

- Global Spectrum Facility Management LP and Hospitality Centre Corporation settle grievances and Labour Board case with monetary award to members and Local

 

 

 

CANADIANS UNITED FOR CHANGE

A not-for-profit entity called Canadians United for Change (CUC) was formed as a result of a resolution that was passed unanimously at the 57^th Canadian Conference of the International Union of Operating Engineers held in 2015 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The organization ran a political campaign during the 2015 federal election and will also run campaigns during future elections. Click here to visit the Canadians United for Change website or click here for their Facebook page.

 

UNION SAVINGS

Union Savings is Canada’s only not-for-profit, union-run members’ benefit program. They offer a variety of services for union members, including discounted home and auto insurance, post employment employee benefits, credit cards, life and accident insurance and mortgage brokerage services. A full list of the benefits new in 2015 can be found on their website unionsavings.ca

 

IN MEMORIAM

Local 772 wishes to extend its condolences to the families of Local 772 members who have passed away recently:

- Claudette Landry

 

 

 

 

MCMASTER UNIVERSITY LABOUR STUDIES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

 Education Designed for Workers! This program gives working people the opportunity to understand and change the problems they  face as workers. Discussion includes how work is changing, how government policies effect workers, and the role of the labour  movement today. Classes are small and based on a positive and comfortable learning environment. McMaster will schedule around  shift work, overtime and family obligations. Most courses are in the evening or on weekends. For more info, visit http://labourstudies.mcmaster.ca/labour-studies-dev/certificate-programs/hdlc-mac-certificate.

 

YORK U ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

IUOE Local 772 members employed as Operating Engineers at York University participate in a huge, $40 million energy savings initiative that has already cut energy costs by 25%. This was a bold undertaking given scarce resources and aging infrastructure. The engineers persevered and the new, steam driven chiller is paying dividends. The IUOE , management and contractors working together for a better tomorrow! Read more here: energymanagement.info.yorku.ca/httpyoutu-bemjv1cpsnh3wenergy-initiative/

 

Two Shop Stewards Take their hair for cancer fundraiser

Two of Kemptville District Hospital nurses, Shop Steward Erin Devereaux and Cathy Coville started a Relay For Life team to support Erin's cousin and Cathy’s best friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Erin's fellow Shop Stewards, Anita Baker and Harold Westendorp volunteered to shave their heads if $1500 was raised. The challenge was posted around the Hospital and a total of $2031 was raised for the Relay For Life! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

PROMOTION AVAILABLE TO LOCAL 772 MEMBERS 

Special rates are now available for Ottawa Redblacks and Ottawa Fury games! Find details here andhere.

 

LOCAL 772 OPERATING ENGINEER WINS IN UNION SAVINGS GIVEAWAY

IUOE would like to congratulate David Ogden for winning $500 cash in the Union Savings $25k Giveaway contest!  By partnering  with Union Savings, IUOE is working to save our members money. Visit www.unionsavings.ca for more information.

 

York UNIVERSITY stays warm thanks to settlement with LOCAL 772

In the face of an imminent strike lockout deadline, members demonstrated their committment by rejecting unsatisfactory  proposals. Read the full story here: 

http://www.excal.on.ca/york-stays-warm-thanks-to-settlement-with-engineering

 

 

GREAT NEWS!

IUOE supports co-op students and apprentices in training the new generation of Operating Engineers!

 

 

 

LOCAL 772 NEWSLETTER

Autumn 2014 (English)

Autumn 2014 (French)

Autumn 2013 (English)

Autumn 2013 (French)

 

REPORT ON WEALTH INEQUALITY IN CANADA

The Broadbent Institute has released Haves and Have-Nots, a new report that shows the extent of wealth inequality in  Canada. The  top 10% own nearly half of all wealth in the country -- but the bottom 30% of Canadians account for less than 1%,  and  the bottom  half  accounts for less than 6% of all wealth.

 

 

 

IUOE CANADIAN Member Survey

A survey of Canadian Members produced by Hart Research Associates’ that was presented at the August 2014 Canadian    Conference in Toronto.

 IUOE-Canada-Member-Survey-1.pdf

 

 

POWER ENGINEERING RECRUITMENT VIDEO

The TSSA had a real concern – a critical shortage of power engineers which meant shutting down vital components of our society. So a recruitment video was produced that would be shown to high school students across the province to show our young audience what a power engineer really does in an informative, dynamic, and relevant way. View the video here.

 

   

GREAT NEWS!

The Ministry of Colleges, Training and Universities (MCTU) has approved the advancement of an Operating Engineers "Apprenticeship-like" training program for Ontario after a 12 year struggle!

Legislation - Bill C-377 Union Financial Public Disclosure Act - against all odds with a heavily weighted conservative senate the act has been amended to exclude unions with less than 50,000 membership meaning we will not have extra burdens of costly financial reporting !

Temporary Foreign Workers - The IUOE has worked tirelessly to expose the exploitation of legislation to protect Canadian workers from employers opting to utilize foreign workers. The good news - the efforts have paid dividends with further tightening of our laws restricting mining corporations and RBC from eliminating good paying Canadian jobs !

  

SUPREME COURT OF CANADA RECOGNIZES RIGHT TO BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY

Why is this important?

In a major step forward for trade unions today, the Supreme Court of Canada has clearly recognized that freedom of association guaranteed in s. 2(d) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the rights of unions to bargain collectively. The very restrictive interpretation that had been given by the Supreme Court in the initial trilogy of cases on freedom of association under the Charter has been overruled.

 

IUOE LOCAL 772 WINS ON... 

- OLRB alcohol abuse case

- payment for denied sick leave

- non-bargaining unit personnel performing bargaining unit work

- attendance management

- medical information privacy challenge on employer Attendance Management Program

- $800,000 settlement for improper wage implementation

- several WSIB appeals

- arbitral award on a substantial contracting out of bargaining unit work

 

Together We Can Save More Lives: The IUOE Joins Life-Saving Program

The International Union of Operating Engineers is proud to announce that we have partnered with Canadian Blood Services and joined Partners for Life - a national program for organizations that are committed to giving blood and saving lives! Since one blood donation can help save three patients in need, just imagine the lifesaving impact that the IUOE will make annually! Call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to find a blood donor clinic near you.

 

THE SECOND GENERATION…following in my dad’s footsteps by Marcel Lamoureux, IUOE Local 772 Member, Natrel - A Division of Agropur

In 1970, my father, Paul Lamoureux, started his career with Sealtest Dairy in Ottawa as a proud Operating Engineer. In 1971, with only a year in the Company, my Father was elected as the new IUOE Shop Steward which lasted up until 1982. In 1985, he was promoted as Chief Engineer of the Plant.

When I was younger, I had the pleasure of visiting my father at work. I was so inspired by all of the machinery and the complexity of the Plant. To my Father’s delight, because I was so intrigued with his work and the Plant, he suggested I go into the same field as he, which I did. I finished school in 1983 with an Engineer Certificate and with a Refrigeration course.

From 1985 to 1990 I worked with my Father in the same Dairy Plant in Montreal. The Plant was enormous, producing all kinds of dairy products including milk, yogurt, ice cream and more. When I started out in my on the job training, as a little joke, they gave me an ice cream bar at -20C. Of course at -20C, the bar stuck to my mouth and I had to use hot water to get it unstuck.

In 1990 I was transferred to downtown to the Ottawa Sealtest Plant which was located on Cooper Street, at that time.

Looking back, I think of how fortunate I was to work with my Father. I learned all the tricks of the trade, as a Mechanical Operator, from pumping down systems, overhauling ammonia compressors and taking everything apart from A to Z. Great hands on experience, that has stayed with me throughout my career.

I was truly blessed to have the opportunity to work closely with my Father, bringing us close with a bond between Father and Son…sometimes too close as he would say. My Father was old school, “If you aren’t fast enough to do the job, then I’ll do it”. He was a very hard worker, dedicated and you could count on one hand the days he took off sick while working for the Company.

In 1993, the Plant in Ottawa, was transferred to Orleans on Dairy Drive, now called Agropur Division of Natrel. Another chapter in our careers. A new challenge for both of us, my Father and I. The Plant was a state of the art facility. No more mechanical control and manual operation. Everything was computerized and PLC programmed which made it easier to make changes and fine-tune the Plant.

In 2004, my Father decided to retire and enjoy his pension after 35 years of service. He loved his work and every summer for a couple of months he comes back to replace us while we are on vacation. Every time I see him he wants to know the news from work and he really likes to hear the current gossip and give his comments.

In 2007, I became the alternate Shop Steward, in the good hands of the International Union of Operating Engineer. In 2007, promoted as Chief Engineer, with the help of the Union, I’m still going strong after 25 years service for the same Dairy.