Mike
Sandhu recovering well
May
9, 2007
Brothers and Sisters,
I've received a lot of inquiries from members wanting to know
how Brother Sandhu is after hearing that he was scheduled for
major surgery.
I'm happy to report that, he is recovering well after open heart
surgery on Monday May 7th, 2007. He should be out of the hospital
in a few days, where he will finish convalescing at home.
Brother Mukthir (Mike) Sandhu has been the secretary treasurer
of lodge 167 for over a decade and helped negotiate the last contract.
Mike was instrumental on developing the harassment and discrimination
(respect in the workplace) training as well as serving for years
as a workplace health and safety committee member.
Those of us who know Mike, know him to be tireless in his efforts
not only for the betterment of his Union brothers but also within
his temple and in provincial and local politics. Though he retired
a couple of years ago, it hasn't slowed him down at all. And we
sincerely doubt that even this major surgery will.
I drove Mike to the hospital Monday morning and all he would talk
about was the contract and how negotiations were going. He knew
that I was worried about him and he wouldn't talk about the surgery,
only about what we needed to get set up if a strike was inevitable.
Brother Harman Dheol (Mike's brother in law) called me Monday
afternoon to let me know that Mike had pulled through fine and
that he could have visitors on Tuesday.
After my meetings with the mediator, strike captains and other
Union leaders in Vancouver, I got in to see Mike again as soon
as the hospital would allow me. I'll admit that it saddened me
to see him lying there in intensive care, but then he awoke and
he smiled. He told me he was fine, though a little tired. And
he again asked me if I had talked to the boys and thanked them
for all their support. He wanted to know what the mediator had
said and what the next steps were going to be.
Mike is a quiet man, with a fierce intelligence and devote sense
of right and wrong. He is deeply religious and patient and strong
and he has been my mentor, my confidant and my friend for many
years. Mike, as a Sikh has experienced prejudice, and the pain
it brings, first hand and has always handled it with grace and
dignity. He taught me, through example, more about tolerance than
anyone else ever could. I'll admit that I was praying over the
last few days and actually went and lit a candle. Now that I know
he will be alright, I believe that all of us owe a debt to God,
for leaving Mike here with his family.... and with us.
Stay safe, stay strong, stay united...
Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED
