From Construction to Cranes
Sheldon McKenna has been working in the construction industry since 1985, in various capacities beginning his career in New Brunswick. In 2001, after working at the Irving Oil Upgrader, Sheldon relocated with his family to Alberta to pursue his Red Seal endorsement as a mobile crane operator.
At Syncrude UE1, while working for Sterling Crane, Sheldon became a Job Steward for the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.) Local 955. He then transitioned into the role of Business Agent for Local 955 after working on several projects in Fort McMurray with Mammoet Crane. Sheldon joined the I.U.O.E. International staff in 2012 and became the delegate for the I.U.O.E. for the GPMC/NMA maintenance committee.
The Benefits of Unionized Labour & GPMC | NMC
As a maintenance committee member, Sheldon has an inside track on turnarounds, shutdowns, and long-term maintenance in most provinces across Canada. He feels that jurisdictional lines can sometimes become blurred, and being on the GPMC provides him with the opportunity to maintain rightful jurisdiction in the workplace for union workers.
Sheldon is committed to working hard each day to make both members and contractors successful, so that his union remains strong.
Quiet Reflection in Nature with Family
In his free time, Sheldon enjoys camping in the family’s seasonal lot, boating and fishing with his seven grandkids, and traveling with his wife and close friends.