Where is the time going? Only about 6 weeks to Christmas again. Seems the days just fly by.
We have had some interesting changes in the Administration of the Local offices, and more on the way.
During the last week of September, we received confirmation of three staff who are retiring, or cutting back, at the end of the year. Brother Lloyd Wood, Training Officer, working out of the Edmonton office, announced his retirement effective October 31/07. Brother Wood has been a member of the Local since 1970 and worked for many years in the Construction Division. For the past several years he has worked as the Training Officer based out of the Edmonton office. We trust you will join us in wishing Lloyd all the best in this new phase of his life. Sister Aimee St Laurent has been appointed to replace Brother Wood as Training Officer. Aimee has been working closely with Lloyd over the past few years, and is very familiar with the courses offered to members. We are confident that she will do a great job in this new position.
I will be retiring at the end of December after 18 years in the Calgary office. I have been a member since 1981 when I started working for Motorways in Calgary, and came to the Local in 1990. Now I am looking forward to increasing my volunteer hours, chasing my grandsons around the country while they play hockey and basketball, and enjoying the "fruits of my labour" as they say.
An last but far from least, Brother Roy Finley, Secretary-Treasurer and principle officer of the Local, announced that effective December 31/07 he will be resigning as principle officer. He will continue to serve as Director of Construction for Teamsters Canada, and as International Representative for the IBT, and will perform such duties as requested by the Local Union. He will maintain an office at the Calgary location. As I am sure many of you are aware, Brother Finley was born into a strong Teamster family, and has spent his adult life promoting and building a stong Teamsters Union, not only in Alberta but across the country as well. He has served on the executive of Joint Council No. 90, Western Canada Council of Teamsters, Teamsters Canada National Executive Board, as an International Representative, as well as participating in many outside activities which support and enhance better life styles for our membership and the general population. His knowledge and experience will be missed greatly. He has an ability to see the "whole picture' and works tirelessly to do what is best for all concerned. A letter was mailed to all Shop Stewards of the Local Union, and they were asked to post it at their worksite. Please join us in wishing Brother Finley all the best in his new ventures.
TheLocal Union Executive Board has appointed Brother Rick Eichel, currently President of the Local Union, to the position of Secretary-Treasurer effective January 1, 2008. Brother Eichel worked in the concrete industry prior to becoming a business Agent in the late 80's and then President in the early 90's. He is well versed in the day to day operation of the Local Union and has extensive knowledge in the negotiation of the Collective Agreements in place at the Local Union. I am sure you will join us in congratulating Rick on his appointment, and offer him your support in his new position.
I wanted to take a moment to talk about the IBT Women's Conference held in Houston Texas in early September. Sisters Michelle Glubrecht, Wanda Brown, Sandra Huva and myself attended the conference, and WOW. What an experience. Some 750 Teamster Women from Canada, US and Peurto Rico gathered to share stories and experiences, take part in workshops designed to assist in understanding the workings of the Union, the history of the IBT, some self-help courses designed to help women deal with stress both at work and in trying to juggle home and family and work. The Texas Locals held a real Texas BBQ for us one night - chicken, suasage and brisket - YUM YUM, and Teamsters Canada hosted a "real" Canadian Breakfast the next morning. Temperatures were 78 degrees at 6:30 in the morning and just kept climbing from there. The humidity was 90% or more all the time. But we Teamsters are tough stock, and we persevered, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The most recent retirement awards are as follows:
The new General and Area meeting dates have been updated, except for the Fort McMurray meetings. I will post them as soon as they are confirmed. Please check them out, and make every effort to attend the meetings in your area. It is a good way to find out what is happening on a daily basis within the Local Union, and what problems or triumphs your fellow members at other companies are experiencing.
Christmas Office Hours in Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray will be as follows:
Closed December 24, 25 and 26 - Open December 27 & 28. Closed December 31 and January 1, and open for business as usual on January 2/08
The Officers and Staff of the Local Union wish you and yours a joyous holiday season, and all the best in the coming year.