Fred
Green's Bear Sterns Transportation conference speech - May 8th,
2007
May
8, 2007
Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday, CPRail CEO & President, Fred Green addressed the
Bear Sterns Transportation Conference in New York. Mr. Green's
speech can be accessed at this Website.
Aside from talking about the company's profits, operating ratio
and such, Mr. Green made some comments about our bargaining in
the Q&A (right around the 15:50 minute mark). First off I
want it understood that I have been at every bargaining session
so far and have never met Mr. Green, so this may explain why his
version of our negotiations is somewhat different than the reality.
But this does not concern me as much as the President of CPRail
stating that;
"Quite candidly, we can run the railway without this group
(maintenance of way)."
He also stated that the labour dispute between the company and
the TCRC MWED, "...is not a big concern to them."
Fred Green, by the way, took in a total compensation package from
CPR of $4,738,302.00 in 2006. An increase of 22.2% on his paltry
2005 package of $3,874,563.00.
Brothers and Sisters, I have been in discussions with the mediator
the last few days and today the Company sent me a letter stating
that they will not table a final offer. They wish their March
23rd document to stand.
We do want a negotiated settlement, however the possibility of
that is rapidly slipping away. For a negotiated settlement, both
sides have to be willing and Fred Green has obviously shown what
upper management at CPR thinks of us.
The mediator has asked for me to call him Thursday afternoon again
and if I can, not to serve strike notice during that time. I will
be discussing with the bargaining committee and the executive
board, all courses of action and will let you know what is decided,
as soon as possible.
On another note, I have received many positive responses to Brother
Vianni's post yesterday and thought that I would share one with
you:
" Lou has definitely hit the nail on the head !!!
The Morale around Revelstoke is basically the same . We are tired
, Very Tired of the way our brotherhood is and always has been
treated . Focusing on our jobs is becoming more and more difficult
, especially when after everything each and every one of us has
done for this Company in the last year , 5 yrs , 15, 30 yrs plus
, means absolutely NOTHING !
This point is proven with no doubt , when they are willing to
pay REPLACEMENT workers more than what we've ever made . There
is no bigger insult to us TRADESMEN than that !!
Now is our time to make our stand !! Let our union fight for us
and back them up .
If we stick together , watch out for each other and stay strong
, we WILL prevail .
Jody Grant , Revelstoke BC "
Brothers and Sisters, we do not ask for much. Our demands are
reasonable. We want a decent wage, respect, dignity and a safe
workplace. I have expressed this and argued this, I have done
my best and I have talked myself hoarse. Yet they have not heard.
It will soon be time for you to let them hear your voice. Let
them hear it loud and clear. Make us all proud.
Stay safe, stay strong, stay united,
Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED
