Safety
and Security on CPRail
August 16, 2006
Brothers and Sisters,
As you are no doubt aware, the TCRC MWED held a press conference
last Friday to speak on safety and security at CP Rail. (For more
info, check NEWS at www.tcrcmwed.ca ) .
We feel that since the company seems to be putting profits over
our concerns, its time that the public hears that we believe that
the current manpower at CP Rail is insufficient to properly and
thoroughly inspect and maintain the track and structures across
the country.
These are troubled times that we now live in and with the rise
in derailments and train accidents in Canada, coupled with the
increasing terrorist activity reported by the media, we must strengthen
our resolve to insure the safety and security of CP Rail's infrastructure.
For the sake of our own safety and the safety of the general public
at large, this must be a priority.
Over a year ago the TCRC MWED sent CPRail a copy of the IBT Rail
Conference Report on railroad security (posted in its entirety
on our website in the NEWS section). Representatives of CP Rail
said that they had similar concerns and that they would get back
to me. They haven't. I have since brought up the issue a number
of times and the railway has not responded.
We believe that more patrols and track inspections are needed,
not only because of aging infrastructure now forced to carry twice
as many trains as a dozen years ago, but also to insure the security
of our right of way. And we believe that we must do everything
possible to insure that CPRail is the safest and most secure railroad
in North America, if not the world.
With or without the help of CP Rail, we have to strive towards
this.
We don't believe that assurances from some public relations guy
in an office will accomplish it. We understand that it will take
action. Out on the track, in the yards... in the real world. We
are the ones walking the rails, patrolling in the BTMF trucks and
answering the emergencies. We are the track experts and we know
when the track is safe and when it isn't. And we understand that
we can't make that call if we are not given the time or the manpower
to patrol and inspect.
The company is making record profits (along with record salaries
and bonuses for their top 5 officers) and we believe that they
have to invest more of these profits back into the track and the
structures.
-
New material and the manpower to install it.
- Sufficient
inspections and patrols to be pro active and correct the failures
before they occur and to catch any other dangers that are out
there.
- Better
training on detecting outside tampering with track, bridges
and / or equipment.
- Training
in proper response procedures to any terrorist attack or other
emergency.
I
realize that you are already overworked, understaffed and stretched
to the limit out there, but we have to go that extra mile and
stay constantly aware when at work. A disaster could be lurking
anywhere, and we have to try to catch it before it can strike.
Hopefully the company will increase the patrols and inspections,
hopefully they will recognize that they must invest more into
the infrastructure. However, until they do, we have to use every
resource that we can to keep the trains, especially those carrying
dangerous commodities, on the track and traveling safe.
The Teamsters are asking all of our members to KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
- For Safety * For Security.
Next week we will be launching an awareness campaign with posters
and stickers. Hang up the posters, wear the stickers but most importantly...
remember. Remember the dangers we face, remember the degree of
tragedy that can occur and remember to be safe, to be alert and
to be aware. Remember to protect the track and yourselves at all
times and to immediately report any and all questionable or suspicious
defects, occurrences or incidences.
This is not a time for fear... this is not a time for indecision...this
is a time for vigilance. Stay safe, stay strong, stay united. Your
families, your Brothers and Sisters and your Country is depending
on you.
Fraternally,
Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED
