All those who are concerned about the rights of labor union members should contact CP Rail in Canada and protest

June 1, 2007

Washington, D.C. – The Teamsters Union has filed criminal charges against Canadian Pacific Rail’s private police force, who this week assaulted Teamster members who were peacefully striking.

Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees were picketing on public property in front of a Vancouver rail terminal on May 29 when CP Rail security officers began arresting them.

“I am outraged that our members were kicked and dragged away from a peaceful strike line,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “CP Rail is not above the law.”

The maintenance of way workers at CP Rail, 3,200 hardworking men and women, have been on strike in Canada since May 15 as a result of CP Rail’s reluctance to bargain fairly.

“We will not take this sort of treatment from any employer,” Hoffa said. “In this case, we have filed criminal charges for false arrest, battery and assault to our members. This sort of despicable treatment of our members on a picket line will not be tolerated.

“Our members have worked hard over the years to keep CP Rail a thriving enterprise,” Hoffa said. “It’s a profitable company that can well afford to increase benefits and wages for our members.”

Teamster representatives in Canada have been bargaining for months in order to come to a fair agreement. They have sought to bargain amicably with CP Rail officials in order to win improved wages and benefits for Teamster members.

“I ask all those who are concerned about the rights of labor union members to contact CP Rail in Canada and protest this unfair treatment,” Hoffa said. “We deserve respect and dignity on the job and on the picket line.”

Contact: David White
(202) 439-1904