Windsor, Ontario’s Local 773 was chartered on July 25, 1918. By wiring Windsor’s homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools safely and by donating to important community causes, Local 773 has become a key part of the community.
With over 400 active members and almost 200 retirees in the Kent and Essex county areas, IBEW Local 773 is not the largest local in Ontario, but it is one of the oldest. It’s also Canada’s southernmost local.
Local 773 has provided electrical services for some important landmarks, like the Windsor Assembly Plant. The largest employer in the area, it’s where the Fiat-Chrysler Pacifica and the Dodge Grand Caravan are built. All the electrical work on the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway was done by Local 773 members as well. Members have already commenced the electrical work on the approach for the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
“Reaching this anniversary gives you a real sense of belonging and an appreciation for all the hard work that’s gone into building an organization like this,” says Local 773 Regional Organizer Joe Logan. “I’d like to wish all the past and present members of local 773 a Happy 100th!”
This video was created by Barry Heeney (a 40-year member of LU 773), Mark Heeney, with editing by Unique Video Productions.
Celebrating in Style
This past weekend, Local 773 celebrated one hundred years of excellence with a gala at the Windsor Ceasar casino and hotel, attended by members, their families, dignitaries, and IBEW guests from all across North America.
Dignitaries included Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson, and a host of MPs, MPPs, city councillors, and other honourable guests.
Special guests included undefeated Canadian heavyweight boxing champion Ali Mansour, and world TKO MMA (mixed martial arts) featherweight champion TJ Laramie. Local 773 sponsors multiple MMA fighters from MTC Gym in Windsor including Laramie.
“Reaching one hundred years is a big moment,” says Logan. “It was very moving to see all the faces at our banquet, especially the faces of retirees who will be receiving their 30, 40, and even 70-year service pins. Those guys paved the way.”
Training
Like all IBEW locals in Ontario, Local 773 considers safety and training a top priority.
Their multi-purpose union hall includes a library, meeting areas, and a permanent training centre. The training centre not only has three fully equipped classrooms for apprentices and journeypersons, but a Canadian Welding Bureau-approved welding shop, a conduit bending area, and motor control training area.
Supporting the Community and Working Families
Helmets to Hardhats program member Devon Cornwall joins IBEW Local 773. Here he is (on the left) with Business Manager Karl Lovett (right).
Being a positive influence in the community is a cornerstone of the IBEW. Local 773 are active supporters of the Helmets to Hardhats program, which helps veterans from the Canadian Armed Forces transition to civilian life through learning a skilled trade. There are currently two members of the local that are part of the H2H program.
Local 773 makes frequent donations to the Windsor Downtown Mission, and the North Wall Riders Association, which helps supports military veterans who work in the community.
IBEW 773 has also been very active in the labour world, supporting the striking casino workers from UNIFOR 444 in their recent labour dispute and participating in annual Labour Day parades and celebrations.
Here’s to another hundred years of making Windsor safer, stronger, and more successful!
More News About Local 773
- Local 773 Electrician Saves Life of Tradesperson in Dramatic Work Site Rescue – in this article electrician Jay Lebert recounts the story of the accident, and how the culture of safety promoted by the IBEW and ECAO contractor Tucker Electric gave him the tools he needed to do a successful rescue.