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Brothers and Sisters of Division 295:
I wish to personally thank Paul Bellis for his efforts in creating this forum for expression and education on the issues at hand in the current Rail Canada Traffic Controllers' (RCTC) strike. It is by way of such a forum, and other means of communication, that we will better understand the issues and what is at stake.
As some of you are aware, by way of personal appearances by striking RCTC members, there are issues that affect not only our membership but the membership of all other unions who are to follow in negotiations with Canadian Pacific Railway Company. We are grateful for the support, both moral and financial, that is being shown to our members. Who would have considered that 220 +/- members would have given such a strong mandate (93%) for a strike? Not company officers! But the fact is that we did strike and understand that our "front line" position is being eyed by those who are to follow. We are buoyed by the knowledge that the current train operations are not truly as reflected by CPR propaganda: to wit
' CPR has operated a normal train service since the labour
dispute began on June 18 and will continue to do so as long as
the strike continues. Management RTCs have taken over the duties
of striking workers and continue to run a safe and efficient railway
during a busy period. Safety remains the top priority and CPR
is in regular contact with Transport Canada to review safety procedures
and operations.
CPR is continuously reviewing and refining its contingency plans
to maintain normal operations through the duration of the strike.
' (excerpt from http://www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/News+and+Events/Media+Centre/Issues/default.htm
)
But then again, consider the source! We deal with "negotiators" who ask us to trust them to deal with issues (after an agreement is signed) only to go the duration of a contract with no effort on their part to fulfill such agreements. The company would rather deal in heavy handed manner ( ''...do it and grieve it...) than to follow and abide by collective agreements. This time we have indicated to them just how trusting we are... we trust them as far as we can throw them. Labour relations are not meant to be a source of constant conflict, rather, they should be based on mutual respect and understanding. They still "don't get it", they can't figure out why the flies aren't attracted to their vinegar!
Once again, thank you to all members of the BLE and other unions who have taken an active role in supporting our cause in tangible ways. Our victory will only serve to better the chances for more equitable contract settlements for the other unions. Thanks to all.
Patrick Campbell
Secretary - Treasurer
BLE - RCTC Division 950
Montreal, Quebec.
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Dear Brother and Sister RTCs,
I am truly sorry to hear negotiations are not going well for
you. I
sincerely hope an agreement can be reached soon. However, I applaud
you
all for hanging in there over some very contentious issues which
could
have a great impact for ALL of us.
In the meantime, if there is anything our Local can do to support
you in
this fight, please do not hesitate to write.
Fraternally Yours,
John Cowan,
President, Local 422,
United Transportation Union.
 |
Paul
this is Giovanni Rodi(GWR\RTC), I just found out about your Web
page and I would like to send you some picture of the strike to
show on your web page.
And here is our slogan for our strike fund
"A large coffee a day will make our pay"
to support us on the picket line, it will help us pay our rent,
bills and food.
to fight the battle for all
Giovanni Rodi\GWR RTC
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