News for 2013

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December 18, 2013 - New Training Centre Holds First Class
The new training centre at the Lodge 146 Edmonton office held their first class, the Field Supervisor Leadership Training program on December 4th & 5th.
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December 3, 2013 - Petition to Expand the CPP/QPP
Since 2009, finance ministers have been talking about improving the Canada Pension Plan, but every time they get close to an agreement, the federal government gets in the way. At the same time, the labour movement has been advocating a modest, responsible plan that would double future CPP benefits on a fully-funded basis.
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November 25, 2013 - Boilermakers Get the Job Done
Lodge 555 was recently recognized by Edmonton Exchanger for a job well done.
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November 22, 2013 - A Boxing Boilermaker
A Boilermaker and one-time Canadian Middleweight Champion, Brother Lawrence Hafey of Lodge 73, was recently inducted into the Nova Scotia Boxing Hall of Fame.
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November 21, 2013 - The Treatment of Veterans
Rick Mercer recently ranted about the treatment of Veterans by the federal government on his television show "Rick Mercer Report" on the CBC.
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November 20, 2013 - Project Management Training Continues
Nineteen construction Boilermakers from the various construction local lodges attended the third annual project management course to be held in Canada with all-Canadian participants. The training took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, November 3-7, 2013.
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November 12, 2013 - IVP's Letter to Prime Minister Harper
IVPs Maloney and Power have sent a letter to Prime Minister Harper in regards to the Speech from the Throne on October 16, 2013. Discussed are measures to support apprentices, enabling the movement of skilled workers from province to province, and reforms to the Temporary Foreign Workers program. Click here to read the entire letter.
November 12, 2013 - Kirsty White - Boilermaker Barrel Racing Blacksmith
Kirsty White (a certified Blacksmith and Farrier from Big Valley, Alberta) is a professional Barrel Racer and lead trainer of Professional Barrel Racing Horses in Western Canada.
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November 7, 2013 - What is Bill C-201?
Bill C-201 is a Private Members Act to amend the Income Tax Act (travel and accommodation deduction for tradespersons). Chris Charlton, MP for Hamilton Mountain, introduced Bill C-201 to the House of Commons.
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November 5, 2013 - Don Cherry Support Helmets to Hardhats Program
Click to watch a short video and see why Don Cherry supports the Helmets to Hardhats Program and wants you to get involved!
November 5, 2013 - November 11, Lest We Forget
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November 1, 2013 - Local 133 Member says "Thank you for the Opportunity"
We recently received a response from a new member of local 133. This new member is absolutely thrilled and honoured to become a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.
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October 28, 2013 - Workers' lives at risk - YOUR HELP NEEDED NOW!
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's new budget implementation bill puts workers' lives at risk and we need your help now to stop it.
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October 22, 2013 - The labour movement is not just about decent jobs. It's about a better life, for everyone.
Did you catch the CLC's ad on tv the last two weeks? Many did and they've been tweeting, emailing, and posting their reactions on Facebook ever since.
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October 11, 2013 - Bursaries for Higher Education
The Robert J. Bursary is offered annually through the General Presidents' Maintenance Committee/National Maintenance Council, an alliance of the International Building Trades Unions that negotiates and administers labour agreements tailored for maintenance work at industrial plants in Canada.
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October 8, 2013 - Merit Canada's low-wage, low-skills plan for the Canadian Construction Industry
Merit Canada is a group that represents non-union employers in the construction industry whose proposed low-wage policy is not in the best interest of the construction worker. Ed Broadbent has written a blog post that explains what the proposed plan entails and it's consequences if implemented. To read the Broadbent Institute's views, click here.
October 8, 2013 - Lodge 128 Keeps on Marching
Lodge 128 has a long, proud tradition of marching at the Labour Day parades in Ontario. The 2013 parade had over 200 members attending the Labour Day parade in Sarnia, ON.
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October 8, 2013 - Boilermaker Leadership Conference - September 23-26, 2013
Over 60 attendees from Boilermaker locals in the construction and industrial sectors recently attended a 3 day Leadership Conference in Ottawa, ON. The focus of the conference was “Planning For The Future”. Daily sessions featured keynote speakers and instructional workshops. Members can log into Members Only to learn more.
October 7, 2013 - The labour movement is not just about decent jobs. It's about a better life, for everyone.
This is the message that millions of Canadians across the country will see on their television sets from October 7 through November 17. It's part of a national advertising campaign sponsored by the Canadian Labour Congress to remind people about the good things we all enjoy because unions bring fairness to the workplace - and to our lives.
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October 1, 2013 - Boilermakers Recognized for Role in H2H
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced on September 26th that the government will conduct a comprehensive review of the New Veterans Charter, including all enhancements, with a special focus placed on the most seriously injured, support for families and the delivery of programs by Veterans Affairs Canada. Minister Fantino made the announcement in an address to the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, an organization that has been a key partner in supporting the transition of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to civilian life through the Helmets to Hardhats program. Learn more by clicking here.
October 1, 2013 - Rebuttal to Phillip Hochstein's Article of September 30, 2013
Click the link below to read the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers' rebuttal to Phillip Hochstein's Article: Opinion: Craft unions should clean house before offering advice published in the Vancouver Sun on September 30, 2013: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers' Rebuttal to Phillip Hochstein's Article (PDF)
Update: The Vancouver Sun has printed Joe Maloney's rebuttal on October 7th - click here to read. (scroll down to 3rd article on page entitled "Boilermakers union proud of their record")
September 27, 2013 - Lodge 133 Membership Requirements
At this time there are no changes to the membership requirements for Local 133. Local 133 will continue to accept applications for membership from tradespeople who possess Red Seal Boilermaker, Red Seal Welder and/or Red Seal Fabricator certifications. Welders with provincial certificates of qualification may also apply.
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September 24, 2013 - World Day for Decent Work - October 7th
The World Day for Decent Work is a day when working people, their unions and their supporters across the world mobilise for decent jobs for all with respect for workers' rights. The aim is to exceed last year's total of 424 events in 74 different countries and press home the demands of working people and their families to governments, employers and the international institutions.

World Day for Decent Work Website

September 3, 2013 - CLC Releases Union Advantage 2013 Report
Unions do make a difference in the workplace and in the community where union members live. The difference is called the Union Advantage. That advantage is worth $785.8 million in wages and benefits each week in this country, money that gets spent supporting the economy, benefiting local business. The Union Advantage report breaks down the percentage of union membership in each province, the financial differences between union and non-union wages and the amount of money that union members contribute to the economy. To review the report click here.
August 29, 2013 - Lodge 271, Providing 75 Years of Service
This Labour Day weekend, Lodge 271 celebrates its 75th anniversary of continuous service to its members. This Lodge has the distinction for being the first construction lodge chartered by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Canada.
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August 28, 2013 - Labour Day 2013
This Labour Day weekend celebrates two milestone anniversaries for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. See the attached communication from IVP Maloney and IVP Power: Labour Day 2013
August 21, 2013 - New Brunswick recognizes L-73 for 'world class benchmark' in nuclear welding
Click here to read a letter addressed to Kevin Chaisson, Lodge 73 Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer, "in recognition of the level of excellence in workmanship and productivity" that Lodge 73 members achieved during an installation and welding of the lower feeder tubes at Point Lepreau.
July 31, 2013 - National Boycott
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has initiated a labour movement wide boycott due to a request by the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). Members of NUPGE has been on strike since April 10, 2013 against Labatt Brewing Company in St. John's, Newfoundland. This plant is owned by multinational corporation, Anheuser-Busch InBev.
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July 30, 2013 - 2013 ISO Conference
From Across North America, 250 Boilermaker delegates met in Las Vegas on July 23-25, 2013, for the Industrial Sector Operations (ISO) Conference to discuss issues that affect members of this Union.
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July 12, 2013 - Improving our communications: How can we do better?
International Vice Presidents Maloney and Power are asking Boilermakers how your union can better communicate with you. We've designed a survey that will take about 10 minutes of your time to complete. If you're interested in helping to shape your union's communications policies, please login to "Members Only" and view the July 12th announcement to get started.
June 26, 2013 - Important Update on Bill C-377
Bill C-377 will be sent back to the house of commons by the senate with amends. Review CLC President Ken Georgetti's letter by clicking here. Thank you to all members who took the time to contact the Canadian Senates regarding the Bill.
June 20, 2013 - Update on Bill C-377
From Ken Georgetti, Canadian Labour Congress President, regarding Bill C-377.
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June 18, 2013 - More on Bill C-377
Starting on Monday June 17th, the Canadian Senate will be debating Bill C-377. This Bill has been created by the Harper Government to amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations) which requires that all unions publish senior officers' salaries and benefits, lists of assets and liabilities, loans receivable, time and money spent on organizing activities, members' pension payments over $5,000 and other data, under threat of $1,000-a day fines. All this information will used by special interest groups that want to rid Canada of Unions.
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June 13, 2013 - Investment firms alarmed about Bill C-377
Insurance companies have made a presentation regarding the lack of privacy that Bill C-377 will have on union members and their families. Learn more by clicking here.
June 12, 2013 - Global report criticizes Harper government's attacks on worker & trade union rights
A report released this week in Switzerland by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) says the Harper Government is deeply entrenched in patterns to attack worker rights and that provinces and territories are following suit.
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June 11, 2013 - Boilermakers National Pension, Health & Welfare Plan Update
The June 2013 Boilermakers National Pension Plan (Canada) and Boilermakers National Health and Welfare Plan (Canada) update is available to Members by logging in to Members Only. Members are reminded that if you have not registered on the benefits plan website please visit www.boilermakersbenefits.ca.
June 5, 2013 - A Telling Agenda for the Conservative Party Convention
The federal Conservative party will be holding a convention in Calgary in the upcoming weeks. Some of the resolutions the party will be debating is the future of union rights in Canada, something all union members should be concerned about. Learn more by clicking here.
June 3, 2013 - The 2014 Boilermaker Calendar Photo Call - Give us your best shot!
Planning for the 2014 Boilermaker National Calendar is underway and this year, as we have in the past, we will feature photos of Boilermakers at work from across Canada on each calendar page.
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May 17, 2013 - CIMS Limited Partnership Acquires Assets of Kamtech's Western Canadian Operations
Boilermaker owned company, CIMS Limited Partnership, has expanded its operations by purchasing Kamtech's Western Canadian operations.
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May 17, 2013 - Temporary Foreign Workers
International Vice-President, Joseph Maloney, has written an informative article for the National Post regarding the Temporary Foreign Worker program. The article tells the Boilermaker side of the issue in how we conduct business professionally and with respect to the TFW individuals who work in our industry through us. To read the article click here.
May 9, 2013 - Lodge 146 in Spotlight for Government-Sponsored Employment Drive
Sister J'Amey Holroyd, Director of Apprenticeship and Education for Local 146, was recently involved in a recruitment drive for apprentices. See the Edmonton Journal article by clicking here.
May 8, 2013 - Lodge 128 Update
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers (IBB) are pleased to announce that the members of Lodge 128 have stood their ground and turned back an attempted raid by the Bricklayers on this proud local lodge led by former Business Manager Jim Watson, Larry Ste. Croix, Ken Kilday, Dean McNeil and David Morris.
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May 7, 2013 - General Presidents' Management Committee for Canada & National Maintenance Council for Canada
Boilermakers have 770,359 man hours with the GPMC & NMC between January 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013 across Canada. Learn more about who the organization is by checking out the following.
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April 24, 2013 - National Day of Mourning - April 28
Decades ago, each province and territory in Canada passed their respective OH&S Acts - promising every worker the right to a safe job. Boilermakers and their allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality - winning protections that have made jobs safer, saved countless lives and prevented countless injuries and illnesses.
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April 10, 2013 - Unions in Canada under siege from government, business and media: McQuaig
Unions are really the only organized line of defence against the broad right-wing assault on social programs and government regulations.
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April 10, 2013 - "Right to Work" Better Known as "Right to Work for Less"
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths and Forgers are opposed to any "Right to Work" legislation in Canada.
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April 10, 2013 - Applying for work in Alberta gets easier for U.S. members
Provincial regulators approve BNAP certification for welders.
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April 10, 2013 - Canadian, U.S. members Complete Oil Sands Outage
Boilermakers from 15 lodges work together on major Syncrude job.
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April 8, 2013 - 2013 International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Scholarship Winners Announced
International President Newton Jones is pleased to announce the 2013 International Brotherhood of Boilermakers' Scholarship winners.
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March 27, 2013 - Boilermakers Among the Top Jobs in Skilled Trades
Click here to view the CTV news clip on skilled trades shortages and the 12 most "in demand" skilled trades.
March 22, 2013 - No Free Ride: A message to OPSEU members from Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President
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March 19, 2013 - Labour Speaks Out
The IUOE Local 115 - one of unions in Federal Court challenging the Temporary Foreign Workers' permit granting HD Mining to bring in coal miners from China - has launched a website entitled "Labour Speaks Out" to draw attention to the issues and to poll the public.
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March 11, 2013 - New to the Boilermaker Virtual Campus! Fossil Fuel Power Boiler Circuit Flows Video
This comprehensive video gives a guided virtual tour of the design, components, and equipment involved in the production and circulation of steam in a coal-fired boiler. Members can view this video by visiting the Boilermaker Virtual Campus in the Members Only section of the website.
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March 4, 2013 - Steward Training Continues
More members are stepping up to serve their union in the important leadership role of Steward. May it be as the Steward or to back up the Steward on the job these members want to safeguard the interest of the members of the International Brotherhood. Click to see photos of the classes that have taken place.
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February 19, 2013 - Field Supervisor Leadership Training Course
National Training has been conducting Field Supervisor training courses. Click to see photos of the classes that have taken place.
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February 18, 2013 - Alstom Sundance Incentives
As per the reports on boilermaker.ca regarding the pending Labour Shortage, Alstom has provided a letter to clarify the incentives being offered to attract both local and out of province Labour to the Sundance site. To review the letter please click here.
February 13, 2013 - One Minute Union Messages
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is running a "One Minute Message" video contest about Unions. Click here for more information. There are some really good videos - check them out and vote!
January 30, 2013 - ATTENTION: Red Seal Certified Boilermakers, Welders and Metal Fabricators
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is pleased to announce membership availability for skilled Boilermakers, Welders and Metal Fabricators that are interested in a long and rewarding career. As the labour provider of qualified skilled labour to the heavy industrial construction and maintenance sectors in Canada, we are in need of Red Seal Certified individuals for work throughout Canada.
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January 18, 2013 - Lodge 128 Members Express their Views
Recently on the Lower Mattagami job in Northern Ontario, members of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Lodge 128 clearly expressed their views as to who they are.
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January 15, 2013 - Important Information on Lodge 128!
Click here to read more.
January 10, 2013 - Rigging School Development
Lodge 146 has been developing a new training centre for rigging at their Edmonton union hall. Check out the construction project by clicking here.
January 3, 2013 - Boilermakers Supporting the Local Community Where They Work
Brother J'onn Giese of Lodge 359 is happy to report on a recent fundraising program at the Mica Dam upgrading project. The Boilermakers at the project decided they wanted to do something for the community they are working near. The crews at the project collected $2,575 - enough money to buy 103 $25 gift certificates that were then donated to the Revelstoke Christmas Hamper Program, in the city of Revelstoke, British Columbia.
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