Reality Check: Tom Miller’s Role in LiUNA 1611’s Training Program Failures

Local 1611 members, how did we get here? Our training program is struggling, plagued by inefficiencies, questionable spending, and decisions that don’t seem to prioritize members.

Under Tom Miller, the Training Plan Administrator and an Executive Board Member, many members have raised serious concerns about the program’s direction, financial decisions, and whether it truly serves our needs.

Questionable Spending & Outsourcing

• Over $100,000 allocated to outsourcing Fall Arrest and Ground Disturbance training to Skills Trade BC—an organization some members feel lacks real-world expertise.

• Exams Outsourced at Additional Cost, with concerns over transparency in sharing members' personal data.

• In-House Expertise Overlooked, while external providers benefit instead of experienced union members leading the training.

  
  

A Training System That Fails Workers

• One Attempt Per Test Policy — Fail once, and you must take another unpaid day off to retest and pay again.

• No Review, No Support — Members deserve a system designed to help them succeed, not one that penalizes them.

  
  

Financial Concerns About the Training Facility

• $1.8 million paid to Panther Construction for a training facility that remains incomplete.

• Teamsters Were Expected to Cover Half of the Cost—but has that commitment been met?

• A $10 Million facility with Uncertain Capabilities — Can we even train excavation on-site? Who really controls this facility, and what role do the Teamsters play?

• Flying Members to the Lower Mainland under the BC Trip Program remains an expensive and unsustainable model. Why not invest in regional training solutions?

  
  

Training Decisions That Hurt Members

• Confined Space Entry and Monitor Split into two Tickets — increasing costs and adding unnecessary hurdles for members.

• 1,800 Members on the Out-of-Work List — yet job postings on our website continue to seek pipe layers and concrete workers. Why aren’t we using training to fill these roles?

  
  

A Legacy of Missed Opportunities

• In 2014, $44,000 in grants was received to establish an Apprenticeship Program — yet no action was taken.

• Red Seal Recognition for Labourers was never pursued, despite the opportunities it could have created for members.

  
  

Where Is the Accountability?

• Why hasn’t Tom Miller ensured our training program aligns with industry needs?

• Why are we outsourcing when qualified union members could be leading training?

• Why are members’ personal details shared with third parties without full transparency?

• Why have leadership decisions left our training program struggling to meet worker needs?

  
  

Local 1611 members deserve a training program that secures high-paying, in-demand jobs—not a system that raises costs, limits opportunities, and leaves workers under-prepared. 

A clear consensus has emerged from many of you who have reached out to us. - you feel our current leadership has failed to deliver the strong training foundation we need.

This is why we need a change in leadership. This spring, Your Voice is Your Power.

Take charge.  Make a difference.  Vote for Change. Vote for Your Future!

In Solidarity,

The Voice of the Members