Sisters, Brothers, Friends,
I was saddened to learn that Brother Hervé Trudel passed away earlier today. He was 85 years old.
Brother Trudel spent more than 40 years of his life as a member of the Teamsters. He made important contributions to our union.
He took his first steps as a trade unionist by becoming a shop steward at a Pepsi bottling plant. He then helped found Teamsters Local Union 1999, which went on to become the largest local union in the country.
He climbed the ranks of our union locally, provincially, and nationally. After becoming secretary-treasurer of his local, he then served on the executive committees of Joint Council 91 and Teamsters Canada.
A skilled negotiator and a fierce activist, thousands of workers enjoyed better conditions because of Brother Trudel’s work.
He was, for me, a much-appreciated colleague.
On behalf of the 125,000 Canadian members of the Teamsters Union, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Brother Trudel’s family and loved ones.
Thank you for everything, Hervé.
In solidarity,
François Laporte
President, Teamsters Canada
