"I was there when we brought the Union in. The first-time contract they won for us was unbelievable. It changed the quality of my life. I am now a Shop Steward and enjoy working with my Union and looking after my fellow workers. "
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Dairy Industry 1827-1900
The first recorded dairy farm in British Columbiawas the Hudson’s Bay Farm near the presenttown of Fort Langley.
In the 1820’s the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)needed to end the company posts’ reliance onexpensive imported goods to compensate forthe waning of the fur trade.
HBC Governor George Simpson directed that“living was to become much plainer and theposts made more self-sufficient”.
Fort Langley was established in 1827 and immediately land clearing foragriculture began. The first cattle arrived in 1829. The main farmingoperation was moved from the Fort to two thousand acres of land onLangley Prairie, between the Salmon and Nicomekl rivers.
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Testimonial
- Paul Landrecht - Shop Steward. Island Farms Dairy.
For
35 years I have been a Teamster and a Dairyworker, I was a young kid needing a
job in tough economic times. I found a place to work and make a living, I
learned to work together with others having varying and different backgrounds
than my own.
Much has changed for me personally and professionally, I got married to my
beautiful wife of almost 25 years and we have raised two amazing children, both
of whom are presently studying abroad. Both of my children were recipients of
Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Funding.
So much of my success I can credit to having a well paying union job. The
Teamsters have been a great union for me, negotiating strong collective
agreements that held good wage and benefit packages as well as the cornerstone
beliefs of seniority and workers’ rights. The Teamsters gave me a good wage and
a voice.
I have always been an active Teamster, and now I sit on Local 464's Executive
Board.
There can be a great degree of personal feelings when the word union is
mentioned, but so often I look at professional associations and realize the
name may be different, but the thought is the same...strength in numbers.
As I get toward the end of my career, I look forward to the thought of
receiving the Teamsters Canada Pension Plan, and I am so grateful for the
belief others had before me that Teamsters deserved a good and decent
retirement...thank you.
Drew
- Drew Speirs
"I was a Shop Steward and was also on the contract negotiation team. The Union took the time and trouble to learn all about our industry and what we do. This means they are better able to fight for us whether it is on the job or at the bargaining table. We have the best contract in our industry. Thanks guys!"
- Gerald Price - Agrifoods