“They have demonstrated the dedication and leadership that
our Local requires. They have always provided sound counsel, support, and frank
discussion on matters involving the members, contract negotiations and our
Local.“
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The Teamsters Launch a Television Ad Campaign on Rail Safety
October 9, 2014
Teamsters Canada launched a television ad campaign on rail safety.
The Lac-Mégantic tragedy in July 2013 highlighted the importance of protecting the health and safety of the general public and of the 12,000 workers that the Teamsters represent in the industry.
“We want to send a clear message to the federal government: we need more inspectors on the track,” explains Robert Bouvier, president of Teamsters Canada. “The conclusions of the investigation conducted by the Transportation Safety Board [TSB] on the Lac-Mégantic train derailment are clear in this regard.”
We shall recall that TSB officials explained that the derailment was caused by 18 factors, namely the employer’s safety violations and Transport Canada’s inadequate control over the rail company’s activities.
This report—just as the one released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA)—clearly points the finger at self-regulation. By its very nature, this aberration—which is currently an industry standard—cannot protect the workers and the population’s safety.
“There remains a lot to be done to ensure an optimal level of safety,” adds the unionist. “The simplest and most effective solution would be to hire a greater number of inspectors to oversee the rail carriers’ activities.”
The campaign will air during hockey games on SportsNet, TSN, RDS and TVA Sports, over the coming weeks.
“We are going to continue putting pressure on the federal government. The utmost importance must once again by given to rail safety,” concludes the union leader.
To watch the advertisement click the link below:
News Archive
Testimonial
- Bruce Tillapaugh –Shop Steward. Island Farms, Victoria
A message from a retiring 464 member:
http://www.teamsters464.org/news/open-letter-my-fellow-union-members#
- Dave S
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