The International Brotherood of Teamsters is celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year, and a celebration was held in Washington during the first week of September. Brother Roy Finley (Secretary-Treasurer), Brother Rick Eichel (President) and Brother Dave Kemp (Vice President) represented Local 362 at the festivities which saw Teamster leaders from across Canada and the US gather to recognize those who have worked so hard over the past 100 years to make the Teamsters the great Union we are, and to look ahead to those who will continue the work. Past President Bill Clinton, and his wife Governor Hillary Clinton were among the guest speakers, and were warmily received by those in attendance.
On August 27, 2003 the Local Union hosted a fundraiser -barbeque at the Calgary office, and Ann McLellan, Federal Minister of Health spoke to those gathered. We had the opportunity to take a few pictures of her in the meeting room, and later she stood on the steps of our tractor trailer for another photo.
The Alberta Building Trades Council held it's annual convention in Jasper the first week of October. Brothers Finley, Eichel, Bennett and Krawchenko attended on behalf of the Local Union. Several keynote speakers addressed the attendees and discussed the direction of the construction industry in the year ahead.
Officers and Business Agents of Joint Council No. 90 attended a one day conference in Canmore October 2nd. where they attended a seminar dealing with communication skills in dealing with not only members but employers as well. All reports seem to be positive.
Brother Finley attended the Teamsters Canada Executive Board meetings in Montreal November 12 - 14th. And will now be off to the International Construction Convention the last week of November.
Negotiations will begin shortly with Martin Brower of Canada for a new collective agreeemnt.
Brother Porter will be meeting with Monarch Transport in Edmonton on November 26 & 27 to resume negotiation on an agreement for employees of Monarch Transport / Dempsey Freight Systems.This has been a long drawn out processhowever we feel we are on the downhill side now, and should soon have an agreement in place for those members.
Brother Porter is also travelling to Vancouver this month to meet with representatives of Canadian Freightways to negotiate a new agreement for the employees of CFPX
Lafarge Construction Materials Mixer Drivers in Edmonton recently ratified their agreement and it is out of signature at this time.
Inland Grande Prairie has been signed and Inland Edmonton and Leduc are now ratified and out for signature.
Employees of Fort McKay Trucking have a new agreement in place, as do the members at Brinks Canada.
Movies have been steady over the past few months, but we are looking forward to a really hectic spring season, and hope to keep our Movie Dispatch Board busier this year than last. Currently there is a production shooting in Calgary called "Chicks With Sticks" which is about women's hockey.
Watch your TV guide for a mini series called "Dream Keeper" which was filmed in Alberta. The premiere for this show was held in Calgary in early November, and it was great!! The scenery and the special effects are great. It really showcased both our province and the talent that is available here.
The Local is working on a newsletter to be published twice yearly, and the first proofs are back from the printer. With just a minimum of fine-tuning, we should be able to get it out to you during the winter. Watch for it in your mail. If you have moved recently, please make sure the Local offices have your new address. Not only for the newsletter, but six month receipts will be in the mail as soon as your December dues arrive, and income tax receipts for construction, pipeline, movies and other self paying members will follow, early in the New Year.
Christmas Office Hours for both Calgary and Edmonton are as follows:
Closed December 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
Open December 29, 30, and 1/2 day on 31st
Closed 1/2 day on Dec 31, and all day Jan 1, 2, 3, 4
Back to regular hours on Monady January 5th
The officers and staff of Local 362 wish each of you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season, and all the best that the New Year can offer you.