Strike
update - May 18, 2007
May
18, 2007
Brothers
and Sisters,
President
Brehl is currently on the picket line in Vancouver so he asked
me to provide you with this update.
Pickets
continue across the country and so far the strike can only be
described as an unqualified success. No major incidents have been
reported. While the conduct of picketers has everywhere been firm
and unshakable, it has also been professional and legal.
CP
representatives continue to tell the press that their operations
have been unaffected by the strike. However, anyone walking a
picket line knows better. The truth is that virtually every yard
in the country is experiencing delays, while some are experiencing
very significant delays. For example, at the time of writing,
the giant Vancouver Intermodal Facility is plugged solid and has
been since the strike began. Much the same is true in Toronto,
Calgary, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Montreal and elsewhere.
In
spite of the fact that the Company says it is unaffected by the
strike, it has nevertheless applied for injunctions in several
provinces to limit picketing activity. One can only wonder why
the Company would do that if, as Company representatives say,
the strike is having minimal effect on operations.
The
truth is that the strike is hitting the Company hard and is virtually
crippling its operations. Indeed, the Company has admitted as
much in documents it filed with the court in support of one of
its applications for injunction. The following is taken from one
of those documents. The Company says:
As
a result of delays and disruption caused by the TCRC/MWED, CP
will become unable to meet its customers’ transport and
delivery needs.
The
actions of the picketers has had ripple effects on a broad array
of transportation providers, including rail, highway transport
and marine carriers, and have impacted on the plaintiffs integrated
rail network. The TCRC/MWED’s actions have also impacted
on a broad array of manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Perishable
items, such as meat and vegetables, transported to and from various
destinations across North America and the world, are being jeopardized.
Clearly,
the Company is singing a different tune when it isn’t talking
to the press.
The
bottom-line is that the strike is working. The Company is learning
the hard way that our resolve and unity will not be shaken and
that we will do everything that can legally be done to ensure
that we are treated with the fairness and respect we deserve.
Ken
Deptuck
National Advisor
Teamsters Canada
