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District 6
Consider retraining or upgrading your skills at the OE Training Plan Coal mines are going full bore (March 2008)  Providing training is better than idle equipmentBy Brian Lefevre, Member Representative While 2007 was a very busy year in District 6, our contractors tell us that 2008 will be even busier. The residential markets will lead the way with new subdivisions throughout the district. Castlegar, Nelson, Rossland, Cranbrook, Fernie, Invermere and the Elk Valley have big plans for residential expansion as well as golf courses and resort-type properties. Last year, we experienced a shortage of qualified operators. This is consistent with the rest of the province and the rest of Canada. The only way to combat this problem is to recruit qualified people from the competition or train our own members. The Operating Engineers Training Plan is the best facility in B.C. for you to learn the skills to become an operator or to hone your skills to become a better operator. Safety has to be the priority Last year, several Operating Engineers lost their lives while on the job. We must be aware of our surroundings, and even though we’ve been doing our job the same way for years with no incidents or close calls, we must not get complacent about safety. It has to be in the forefront of our minds every work day. Several agreements coming up for renewal Bargaining will be the focus this spring. Collective agreements for Brandt Tractor, Columbia River Reload and Trimac company drivers, maintenance employees and owner operators are up for renewal.  Coal mines are going full boreBy Gordon Chaisson, Member Representative Hello from the Elk Valley. We are in the proverbial clutches of winter. The coal mining sector and its related contractors are going full bore, but it was slow during the last two weeks of December due to shutdowns. I have not heard of any big projects slated for the Elk Valley. I’ll report back if something develops. The Greenhills Mining Operation is still non-union. It would be an asset to the workers and unions in the area if it was certified. It’s always better for workers to have a recognized system that allows them an official say in how their place of work conducts itself. Naturally, certification with the Operating Engineers Local 115 would be my recommendation to them. The Line Creek Children’s Christmas Party was very successful. Approximately 200 people showed up. I want to thank all the volunteers. Without you, this party would not have been the success that it was. A special thanks to all those people who stayed behind for the clean-up. |
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