Letters from the president

Labour Day is more than just a day off. It is, first and foremost, a time to reflect on the big union battles waged before our time… and those that we are still fighting today.

Christmas is upon us. It’s a favourite time of year for many, filled with celebration and cheer. I would like to salute our members and all transportation workers, many of whom had to work long hours over past few weeks to meet the demands of their employers during this busy season…

As 2019 draws to a close, I would like to wish all Canadian Teamsters happy holidays!

Last August, we all witnessed a significant affront to democratic rights in the way the Liberal government interfered with the rail freight transportation industry...

This week is Rail Safety Week. It’s an important time to educate the public about the basics of rail safety by, for instance, reminding everyone never to approach tracks except at designated grade crossings. Additionally, it’s important to always remain alert near tracks: trains can pass at any time, are quieter than ever, and can take kilometers to come to a full stop. 

Sister Mariam Abou-Dib has been appointed Teamsters Canada director of government affairs effective September 1, 2020. She will be responsible for working with elected officials and public servants to advance the interests of Teamster members. Our current lobbyist, Brother Phil Benson, will be retiring after a distinguished 18-year career in service to our union.

My message to you during this 2021 federal election campaign is first and foremost to exercise your right to vote on September 20, 2021. I will not tell you who to vote for as Teamsters Canada is a non-partisan organization. I will, however, tell you what we have been advocating for on your behalf as Teamster members so we can all make informed decisions before we cast our votes.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour both residential school survivors and those who never made it home.

I was saddened to learn this week that Sister Aline Lachapelle, former president of Teamsters Local Union 1998, passed away. She was the first woman to become president of a Teamster local union in Canada.