Note of Support

May 20, 2007

Brothers and Sisters,

The following is a note of support I received today. I thought that I would share it with you.

In solidarity,

Bill Brehl


Hello Bill...Just a note to express my moral support for your strike against
CP Rail. I'm situated quite a distance from the CPR operating area so that's
about all I can offer. I do have a family member who is on strike with you
and I am very aware of the conditions that the maintenance of way employees
work in. That and the substandard wages CP Rail pays them makes this a more
than legitimate strike.

Most companies today have adopted progressive thinking and are preparing to
welcome the new generation into their workforce. Like the company I work for
(I'm a C.E.P.U. member) they realize that this generation is different from
their old employees. They're a no nonsense bunch, they want it all today and
they will generally be more educated than the old timers like myself. Labour
will be in short supply when baby boomers start retiring and most companies
realize that they have to adapt.

It seems that CP Rail is stuck in a time warp. The working conditions and
wages they offer may have been acceptable in the past but they will be in
for a rude awakening. It won't be long before competition will start to
attract new labour and they won't even be in the running.

I've been keeping an eye on your website and it seems that all is going
well. Keep up the good work. I know you're a busy person but I had to send
this note out of frustration. CP Rail could use some new progressive
thinking leadership.

I'm sending this as a private note but if it is used for anything else I
would appreciate it if my name is not used, not out of fear but I wouldn't
want this to cause any problems for my family member after you win this
strike.

Stay strong and united... and don't forget the family members who are as
much involved in this strike as the union members!