Mike Gallagher’s Christmas Message
This year has been extremely busy, but as Christmas quickly approaches and I have time to look back, 2025 has left me with a lot to be thankful for.
The construction of the Union’s new training centre and hub office in Oro-Medonte is ongoing and, I must say, looks fantastic. I really appreciate the hard work of all our members who have been on site. General contractor Bird now says construction is running ahead of schedule and that we could begin to move in late next summer – although work on extending the banquet hall to an appropriate size will continue after that.
The Union also negotiated several excellent collective agreements, at both provincial and area levels. The respective negotiating committees who worked on bringing forward these great settlements have proved again that being united and informed – and being able to count on a united membership and experienced reps – is a recipe for success and has made us the envy of all other trades.
As Business Manager, it is gratifying to see the membership being strengthened through these improved collective agreements and increased training opportunities.
This year has also seen our pension plan perform outstandingly, while continuing to be slanted towards low-risk investments.
It is amazing to think that when I first joined this Union in 1985 the assets of the pension fund totalled just $88 million. A decade later, when I took the reins as Business Manager at a time when the Union was flat broke, that figure stood at $600 million. As of November 2025, our pension fund has registered an estimated year-to-date return of 10% to reach an estimated total value of $4.77 billion!
By continuously growing the membership and carefully managing our finances the members of Local 793 can look forward to the day they pull off their boots for the last time – unlike too many of our fellow Canadians.
Beyond the Union, the world remains extremely unsettled, with violence continuing to affect many parts of the globe – from Ukraine to Gaza and Sudan to South America.
With our American friends continuing to look inward, 2025 has been a challenging year for the Canadian economy. Although the country has stood up to tariffs and threats, industries such as steel, copper, autos and lumber have been hit hard and workers in areas such as Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie have been hurt.
Politicians at both the federal and provincial level have reacted aggressively to these external threats by focusing on this country’s strengths and bringing forward plans to build ports and railroads and expand mining operations.
I strongly believe that Canada will emerge from this turmoil as a stronger country – although one less dependent on the historic relationship with the U.S.
With so many major projects being advanced in Ontario and across the country, it is incumbent on us to ensure that the jobs being created are good Union jobs and that workers feel the full benefit of these new opportunities.
Overall, our Union has had a good year and our country has risen to the challenge of a changing world.
For each of you I hope the holiday season allows you the time to enjoy the company of your family and friends and the space to reflect on the good things this year has delivered.
I wish you all good health, a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2026.
In fraternity,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, Local 793.