News
- Track Collision near Kamloops BC
Saturday morning
(August 21st) there was an on track collision near Kamloops BC.
I spoke with Brian Black, the H&S rep, Pacific
region Director Henry Helfenbein and TP& E Manager Gord Pozzobon
shortly after the accident and have a few details that I can share
share with you.
Around seven am, the surfacing component of the BC Tie crew was
setting up for work. The Production Tamper was stopped and the
operator was setting up his buggies. The Chase Tamper was stopped
behind him, when the stabilizer collided with it and sent it into
the production tamper. Three of our members were injured, with
one spending the night at the hospital.
I spoke with the Stabilizer operator today by phone and have now
arrived in Kamloops and spoken again with Brian Black. Everyone
is a little worse for wear, with some stitches, cracked ribs and
bruises but I understand that they will all be at work tomorrow.
I am going to the job briefing at 0330 am tomorrow and will be
able to talk with everyone involved (they are asleep right now
as they have to get up around 0230 and I'll be nodding out pretty
quick myself).
Brothers
and Sisters, all I can say right now is thank God that no one
was seriously injured or killed. Though the cause
of the
collision is not known at this time, the damage is. And the chase
tamper is pretty much toast.
Please keep your head in the game and stay safe out there. Watch
your back and your brother's and I'll get more info out to you
on this as it becomes known.
On another note, the TCRC MWED negotiated and ratified a contract
for our members at VIA RAIL a few months ago. Prior to this ratification,
the United Steelworkers of America had signed cards and applied
to the Board for certification. The Board held a vote between
TCRC MWED and the USWA on Friday and the members voted a resounding "NO" to
the Steelworkers and remain proudly TEAMSTER CANADA RAIL CONFERENCE
MWED members.
Thank you Vice President Tirrelli and Director Delongchamp for
your work on negotiating the deal and insuring that these members
recieve the service and representation that they deserve.
Fraternally,
Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED
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30 -
For
more information: Bill Brehl - (613) 733-4456
