Prairie Region Update

April 6, 2007

Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to start off by thanking the TP&E Crews in Moose Jaw and the section forces from Regina to Swift Current for all the support and assistance given to myself and Secretary Treasurer Louis Wilson as we traveled throughout Saskatchewan last week.

The support started in Regina, as we were able to meet with the section crews after their shift was completed on Monday. The members in Regina had many questions and we were able to answer all the concerns brought forth. The impression left at the end of the meeting was

‘…it is time to send the company a message, and a fair deal is what is needed. We work hard day in and day out, as this is not a hobby, it’s the way we make a living. It is time the company did the right thing, and show their appreciation by way of a fair contract.’

On Tuesday, we met with the Sask Steel Crew. Of course the meeting started off on safety concerns and quickly turned to the contract. I will say the 60 members in attendance have the fullest confidence in the negotiating team and were in total agreement that the company’s offer of March 23 did little to meet the needs of the gas prices, cost of meals and a fair wage, as well as ignoring our concerns with safety and quality of life.

Later in the day, at the end of shift, we met with the east end section crews in Moose Jaw. Once again the members were more than willing to say, ‘Keep up the good work and get us a fair deal!’

Then Louis and I were off to see the west end section. The members stayed for a full hour after their shift ended, to listen and show their support. Once again, I heard the members say, ‘when will this company show its appreciation for the hard work day in and day out that we provide. The company claims CP has the safest track in North America, and who do they think gave them the ability to make this claim. I’ll tell you, it’s the maintenance guys.’

After that stop, it was on to the B&S shop to meet with more member. They too stayed one hour after their shift, and expressed that ‘..a deal has to be fair and at this point the offer of the 23rd is not going to cut it…’

Wednesday morning we had the opportunity to meet with Sask Thermite, Sask Utility and the Distribution Crew. There was a brief conversation on health and safety issues and then right on to the contract. Once again, it was felt that ‘…the company must accept the fact that gas prices are only going to go up and we spend a great deal of time driving to work across this province to perform work for them. A two cent increase on the travel allowance is not going to cut it over 3 years.’

After that Louis and I were off to Swift Current to catch the section at that location as they got off work. Again the guys stayed an hour after shift and the very same themes were expressed, ‘…when will the company give the employees who keep the trains on the tracks, a fair deal.’

Thursday morning the Manitoba Steel Crew had the very some thoughts on the company’s offer of the 23rd.

‘It’s just amazing that the company is unwilling to address the cost of fuel, the price of a good meal and show it’s employees a little appreciation with a fair wage package for the work they perform during the record profits the company has been racking in over the last few years.’, as one member put it.

I, and the rest of that crew, could only agree.

Brothers and Sisters, before I took this position, I always heard what a thankless job it is. I’ll admit that there are days when it seems overwhelming, but getting out to see all of you again, reinforces my commitment and recharges my batteries.

You guys have made me proud with your support, your strength and your unity. It is a pleasure to work for you and you have my thanks for allowing me to do what I do best… represent members of the bravest, toughest and most honourable bargaining unit on the property. Thanks again. together we are unbeatable.

As our President Bill Brehl likes to say,

“Stay safe, stay strong, stay united and we will fight to get what is fair.”

Respectfully and in solidarity,

Gary Doherty