Some members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955 trade union in Fort MacMurray are being asked to take a pay cut of around 6%. The pay cuts are being requested by the leaders, and this local is the largest trade union which represents mobile equipment operators. The idea will be put to a vote later on in the month, and union members will be able to vote on whether the changes go into effect or not. Trade union leadership sent out a letter on January 25, and union manager and CEO Bruce Moffatt wrote “Your Union leadership has recognized that this is a real crisis in our industry, and that the requests to our contractors for cost cutting are valid, real and immediate. The situation is beyond the control of the oil companies because it is a global crisis of supply and demand. I deeply regret having to ask you to support this letter of recommendation because I know it will have a significant impact on all of you. Based on my experience with this and other commodity-based industries, I know that taking a step back can preserve current and future work opportunities for you and many of your brothers and sisters.” The pay cut proposal for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955 will be voted on February 22, although it is too early to tell how most members feel about the request. Falling oil prices had had an impact on almost every type of business and company in Alberta and the Fort MacMurray area.