Pacific Region Steel Crews

October 11th, 2006

Brothers and Sisters,

Last week, Director Helfenbein and I visited four (4) steel crews on the Taber sub in Alberta, as well as the Lethbridge sections replacing a major crossing.

I was able to speak to well over a hundred members during the course of a day and a half, and I have to say that it truly recharged my batteries.

We discussed collective agreement issues, grievances, labour board complaints against the company, health and safety, ongoing negotiations and human rights issues. The dialogue was positive though the topics weren’t always, and I have already begun to deal with some of the issues.

It was great to meet new members and to see quite a few old friends. But more importantly, it was essential to get their take on the bargaining table and the direction in which we are going. We are reactivating all the networks so that we can share information quickly as the talks progress.

We are also trying to get out to see as many of you as we can, while also maintaining the phone surveys. If you have a lodge meeting coming up in the near future, contact the Ottawa office and I will try to attend or to send one of the negotiating committee to discuss where we are at and answer questions.

In solidarity,

Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED

Pictures >>>