IUOE wage settlement highest so far in the ICI construction sector

crane stock photo

Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction News staff writer

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) voted on Friday to ratify a new three-year provincial agreement.

They will be returning to jobsites on Tuesday, May 24, ending a three-week strike. Union members voted strongly in favour of the agreement at ratification meetings held across the province on May 20, 2022.

The agreement affects operators who work on cranes and heavy equipment at construction sites across the province and who are involved in activities such as steel erection and mechanical installations, foundation piling, caisson boring and excavation, general construction and surveying.

It provides for a total monetary package increase of $9 an hour over three years. Wages rise by $3 an hour each year of the agreement. The agreement also contains many  improvements and increases to travel, room and board and meal allowances. The travel, room and board allowance will increase 19 per cent over three years and room and board allowances will now be paid daily for all schedules.

“Our members have spoken on the provincial strike and have accepted the employers’ last offer,” said Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher. “Members across the province in every area voted to accept the settlement and go back to work.”

Notably, the agreement adds a new provision to ensure that employers will provide parking or a refund to employees working within the downtown area of Toronto for up to $15 per day beginning May 1, 2024.

“We appreciate all the hard work of our legal staff and business representatives, the organizers and every member who supported the strike, stood together, and held the line,” Gallagher said, adding the union made no concessions on any of its proposals.

“We look forward to getting back to building our province’s much-needed schools, hospitals and highways, and other vital infrastructure.”

IUOE Local 793 represents more than 17,900 crane and heavy equipment operators.

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