Union negotiators have begun contract talks with Purolator Courier Ltd., the largest single employer in Teamsters Canada.
September 27, 2003 – “Earlier this month we completed a successful first round of negotiations, and we made it clear to management that we want our members rewarded for the wealth they create at Purolator,” said Val Neal, Director of Teamsters Canada Small Parcel and Small Package Division. “Our members work hard every day to make Purolator the most successful package-delivery company in Canada. They deserve to be compensated fairly.”
During the talks September 8 to 11, negotiators addressed issues such as reducing the number of split shifts, improved vacation time, enhanced safety measures and seniority protections. Economic issues, such as wages and pensions, will be discussed at a later date.
The current, four-year contract with Purolator expires December 31, 2003. Teamsters Canada represents about 8,500 members at Purolator from 14 local unions. Teamsters at Purolator work as couriers, mechanics, dockworkers, sorters, line-haul drivers, millwrights, cleaners, air division workers and owner operators. Teamsters Canada also represents about 1,200 clerical workers covered under a separate contract.
Teamster Canada’s 45-member National Negotiating Committee includes 30 stewards, all elected by their co-workers. Next to Neal at the negotiating table are Assistant Parcel and Small Package Division Directors Richard Charruau, who is President of Local 931 in Montreal, and Ross Peterson, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 31 in Vancouver.
