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Celebrating 70+ years of local 191
Lodge 191 - 70 Years of Members Standing Together
Lodge 191 dates back to 1898, but the most recent history of this lodge goes back to 1951 when the lodge was reinstated with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers. For 70 years this elite union of qualified tradespeople has been involved in all types of projects in the shipyards from new construction, renovations and repair that has made their employers successful. Local 191 members have seen the up and downs of the shipyard industry and have supplied highly skilled tradespeople to our sister lodges in the heavy construction industry. This Union is founded on the principle of democracy where all workers are united to secure the working conditions you have today. Local 191 has been able to increase wages along with other benefits, union recognition & representation, hours of work, lunch & coffee breaks, probation, seniority, recall, vacations, bereavement pay, dirty money and welders gloves to name some of these benefits that the Union has achieved since Victoria Shipyard reopened in 1994 and becoming the sole bargaining agent for Victoria Shipyards. Read your collective agreement from cover to cover if you have not, it will explain what your employment package is. This collective agreement has been developed over the years due to the democratic values each of us agree to live under by joining the Union. Understand your rights and benefits, if you do not then employers will take those away from you. The members of Lodge 191 are the Union, the members elect an Executive Board and Business Manager from your ranks to represent you and take care of the affairs of the Union. You have work site leadership with your Stewards that can advise you on the collective agreement and be your witness when you need one. If you have a questions or concerns regarding the union or your place of work talk to your Executive Board members, your Steward or your Business Manager. Attend union meetings to express your viewpoint at the same time listen to other members. If you disagree with something within your Union, the union hall is the place to do that. Lodge 191 was reinstated by the members before you because they knew workers need to stand together to achieve the progress this lodge has achieved in 70 years it has been in operation. To Lodge 191, I wish you a Happy 70th Anniversary. I request that all members of this great lodge to take a moment and thank those member who came before us and left this legacy, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Lodge 191.
Work Picture. If you have not registered your account on www.boilermaker.ca please do. The work picture for travel card work across the country will be busy in 2025, and 2026 . If you are looking for work, 359, 128, and 555 will be posting in for Job Calls. You will find that in the members section of the national web site. Lodge 146 has their own travel card online system; www.boilermakers.ca
Please note: All communication between the elected leadership of the union and members is private and not to be shared with people who are not members of the Union. It is none of their business. Work safe and be safe.
Richard MacIntosh
International Representative
Learn More
The history of your trade and Lodge 191 runs deep on Vancouver Island and two people who lived and took the time to record that story are below and posted on www.boilermaker.ca
Click the links below to read their stories.
A Boilermaker’s Story: Percy W. Wilson
Percy tells his story of working the shipyards on the west coast of North America from 1900-1954.
Career of Bonnie Mar with Boilermakers 191 – 1968-2016
Bonnie tells the recent history of Local 191
union dues & e-transfers
Union Dues
As of 2025, out of work dues are $54.85 a month, and can be paid either by e-transfer, or at the Boilermakers 191 hall with cash or cheque.
Going over two months into arrears will result in suspension from local 191.
If you are working in the trade outside of the jurisdiction of local 191 or the IBB, you are required to pay full working dues. As of 2025, this is $146.61 per month.
e-Transfers
Boilermakers 191 now accepts e-transfers for dues.
email: lodge191intl@shaw.ca
Do not send your e-Transfer passwords with your transfer, notify us through a phone call or separate email.
Work with boilermakers 191
Boilermakers 191 is currently taking names of Red Seal fabricators, boilermakers, and welders for ongoing projects.
Please contact Robert Taylor or Kara Underdown with your trade qualifications and contact information.
Recognition
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations
Local 191 would like to congratulate our recently completed apprentices:
Braden Gilson
Riley Gains
Delton Kruell
Nathan Wood
Morgan Heuckroth
Myles Harper
In Memoriam
Congratulations
Congratulations
Local 191 regrets to inform you of the loss of our brother Gary Madden.
Gary "Mad Dog" Madden passed peacefully on April 9, 2025. A loving dad, proud grandfather, beloved partner and loyal friend.
He will be fondly remembered for his love of music, cars and sense of humor.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 1, 2025, 1-4pm at the Langford Legion-Branch 91. All who knew and loved Gary are welcome.
Dear Boilermakers Local 191,
I’m writing to let you know that my father, Alan McGregor—a proud and longtime member of the union—passed away peacefully on April 1st, 2025 at 4:30 PM, with me by his side. He spent his final days at Aitken Hospice in Courtenay, a place that truly personifies compassion and love.
Being a Boilermaker meant a great deal to my dad. He was incredibly proud of his trade and the work he contributed to across the province—especially the ferries and ships that still hold strong thanks to his steady hand and precise welds. He often spoke about the camaraderie, the laughs, and the lifelong friendships he built over the years on the job and at the hall.
One of my favourite memories from the last few days was him trying to sing a few words of “Loch Lomond” by Runrig, with a smile and joy in his eyes. That love of music, art, and storytelling never left him. I’ll be bringing his paintings to a central place in Victoria at some point if any friends would like to keep one—a small piece of him to carry forward. Anyone can contact me on the above email address
His humour, sharp wit, and adventurous spirit stayed with him right to the end. He often spoke of an “important tee-off time” waiting for him with the pals who went before. And in true Alan fashion, I’m sure he’s already cracked open a cold one on the other side.
If you feel moved to do so, I know he’d appreciate you raising a glass in his honour. One of his favourite sayings was: “If it’s not fun, don’t do it.” I’ve carried that with me my whole life.
Thank you for all the years of friendship, solidarity, and support. If you feel it’s appropriate, I’d be honoured if information of his passing could be shared on the Boilermakers Local 191 website.
With gratitude,
Laura McGregor
Retirement
Congratulations
Retirement
For their contributions to Local 191, we would like to thank:
Joe Alexander
Victor Weeks
Robert (Bob) Gillespie
Steve Nezezon
Kenneth Crooks
Wai Leung
Charles Gordon White
Jose Pereira
Dave McCormick
Steve Sullivan
Terry Miller
Larry Underhill
Gino Maruca
John Hautaluoma
Norm Wickett
Wilson Wong
We wish them all the best in their retirement.