A message from a retiring 464 member:
http://www.teamsters464.org/news/open-letter-my-fellow-union-members#
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Francois Laporte Becomes President of Teamsters Canada
March 27, 2015
Based on the results received, François Laporte of Local Union 106 has been elected President of Teamsters Canada, replacing Robert Bouvier, who held the position for the last 15 years.
François Laporte joined the Teamsters in 1985, first with Local 1999 and Joint Council 91, and went on to hold different positions including Communication Specialist, Organizer, Director of Government Affairs, and Union Representative.
At the regional level, he gained comprehensive Union experience while sitting on the Executive Board of Teamsters Local Unions 931, 1998 and 106, and while serving as Union Representative for Peerless Clothing employees.
He was also actively involved in the recruitment of workers from Arcon Canada, Purolator and UPS. He also led the unionization of 2,500 employees at Peerless Clothing and was instrumental in seeing 10,000 rail workers swell the ranks of the Teamsters.
Since 2000, Mr. Laporte has served as the Assistant to the President of Teamsters Canada.
“I look forward to taking up this new and exciting challenge,” said François Laporte. “The Teamsters Union is a powerful organization that will continue to have a positive impact on its members and all Canadian workers.”
“Democracy has spoken,” said outgoing President Robert Bouvier. “I’m confident that brother Laporte will take our organization to new heights.”
The Union leader will step down in May after a long and successful labour career spanning four decades.
Robert Bouvier worked for Labatt Brewery in Montreal before joining Local Union 1999 as a business agent. He later became its Secretary-Treasurer and was elected President of Teamsters Canada by acclamation in 2000.
Original notice posted at:
For a breakdown of the results click the link below:
http://www.teamsters31.ca/news_bulletins/SKMBT_C55215032708321.pdf
Testimonial
- Dave S
"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. "
- 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