The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) was founded in 1896 as a trade union representing primarily construction workers working as heavy equipment operators, mechanics, surveyors, and stationary engineers.These skilled artisans later became known as operating engineers or power engineers, maintaining heating and other systems in buildings and industrial complexes in the United States and Canada. The IUOE currently represents over 400,000 workers in approximately 170 local unions and operates nearly 100 apprenticeship programs.Local 115 of the IUOE was founded in 1931 to represent the growing number of operating engineers of B.C. who were crucial in the massive industrial expansion taking place across the province.For over 80 years, IUOE Local 115 has grown in numbers, strength and representation as the representing body of over 11,000 operating engineers across B.C. and the Yukon. Not only has Local 115 ensured and promoted the fair wages, well being and equitable treatment of members and the provincial workforce, they have implemented and secured major benefits packages for operating engineers who previously had none more... See more text