Revelstoke Strike Update

May 26, 2007

Brothers and Sisters,

The following is from Brother Shayne Brighton in Revelstoke. I want to remind all of you that if you picket at or near a railway crossing, you must not stay on the track as a train approaches regardless of the speed at which it is approaching. As Shayne states, picketing must be done safely and within the law. If you are picketing a crossing and a train is approaching, you must clear the track and stand off to the side. If the train stops (and many do), then you may talk to the engineer and conductor and explain our situation. You may not physically block the train from moving.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay united,


Bill Brehl
President, TCRC MWED


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Brothers and Sisters,

On May 25th, at 0600, our picketers met trains at Public crossings in Golden, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Canoe and Chase, BC., up to two and half hours, including the Rocky Mountain passenger, causing approximately 10 train crews to tie down and take rest before reaching their designated change off points. Without hesitation the Revelstoke CP Police and the RCMP were called by service area manager Dan Stewel to defuse our legal right to picket public crossings, we maintained our position and it has now been determined by the lawyers that we may continue to picket public crossing, within the safety guidelines of the Railway Safety Act. We saw a lift in spirits from our members and comrades, with the success of this picket action. I wish to applaud all my Teamsters Brothers and Sisters across our Country for their loyal efforts to get our message across to these insatiable corporate bullies, who fail to see clearly through the smog of greed and personal conflict, that, all we want, is what we deserve. Keep the faith and right shall prevail!

Your Loyal Brother,

Shayne Brighton
Head Picket Captain
Revelstoke, BC.