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GENERAL TEAMSTERS, LOCAL UNION NO. 362
affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

"The Alberta Advantage!" - Not one Teamster Driver in the ditch.

NOVEMBER 2009

We are pleased to advise you the incumbent Executive Board Officers of General Teamsters, Local Union No. 362 were re-elected by acclamation for the term January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014 to the following positions:

The 2009 IBT Women's Conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada September 10th to the 12th. Sisters Aimee St. Laurent (Edmonton Office), Nancy Southgate (Calgary Office), Eileen Saubak (Garda Edmonton), Sandy Donald (Construction Fort McMurray), Michelle Glubrecht (Business Agent) and Brother Keith Norris (Vice President) were in attendance on behalf of General Teamsters, Local Union No. 362.

The theme of the conference was “Teamster Women: Raising the Stakes”, which focused on the current condition of the economy, and what we can do to help in relation to organizing, strengthening labor laws and building stronger union workplaces.   With over 981 participants and several great guest speakers spirits were running high and all who attended are “Fired Up” and ready to make a difference!

Next year's Conference is set to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

WORLD SKILLS 2009

Young professionals came from all over the world to attend the World Skills Competition to show off their abilities and talents in programs such as trades, service and technical.

With over 120 exhibits, attended by as many industry leaders, it was a great opportunity for students and anyone else who is considering a new career path.

Our Local Union participated with the Building Trades handing out information and answering questions regarding the different trades and opportunities.  The response was phenomenal.

CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE

On Sunday October 4, 2009,  17 Members of our National Team, “Teamsters Hi-Beams” participated in the 18th Annual CIBC Run/Walk for the Cure in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. In our second year of participating, our 2009 National Team included participants in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary. Brother Rick Bergman (Calgary CFL) was not only our fastest finisher (37 minutes) in the 5 km run, but he also was our top donation earner bringing in over $600 in donations. In total the team raised almost $4000.00 in donations. Great job Team!!

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

One of our Members was recently featured in Pacific Western Group of Companies' INTOUCH CORPORATE EDITION for receiving a President's Award in the Transit Division:

Jane Braconnier (Handi Bus Operator - St. Albert Transit)
Jane began a professional driving career in 1997 with a local school bus company and came to St. Albert Transit in 2000 in the capacity of a Handi-Bus operator. She joined us in 2004 as our main Handi-Bus operator when we acquired the Operations Contract. Jane brings with her a history of handling the challenged of all ages and backgrounds.
Jane's customer service skills in dealing day to day with her patrons is remarkable. Her understanding of their challenged abilities and rapport with them is outstanding. The City of St. Albert commented that her patrons are extremely loyal to her service. They will inquire if she is at work before they make a booking.
Her job is hands on and physically challenging that is made even greater in winter with snow conditions and handling wheel chairs and yet she moves through her day with a smile for all!
Great job Jane!

CONSTRUCTION

The Annual Construction Dispatch Rules Meeting was held on Saturday September 26th, 2009. The Members present voted to increase the Construction membership by 18 people this year. Those 18 will be the permits who had the most reported hours worked from October 1, 2004 - September 30, 2009. Interested permits will have until November 24, 2009 to make their written application. Decisions were also made regarding training, RSAP and the Code of Conduct. To view further information regarding this meeting check our Construction page.

BURNCO STRIKE

Our Members of Burnco Rock Prouducts in Red Deer have been on strike since October 19, 2009. This is a first agreement with the company and there has been much resistance during negotiations. A mediator has been appointed and a meeting has been set for November 18, 2009. If you would like to show your suppport please join them at 4305 - 77 street, Red Deer, Alberta.

To view an article recently posted in the Red Deer Advocat please go to: http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Mediation_planned_70366392.html

The Teamsters Canada 10th Convention was held in Ottawa this June. Attending on behalf of the Local was the Executive Board and two Business Agents: Michelle Glubrecht and Wayne Garner.  The theme of the Convention was Values, Vision and Action.  The four day event opened with a report on the Rules, Credentials and Bylaws Committees.

One of the speakers, Ken Georgetti, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (C.L.C.) spoke of Canada being ranked the top place in the world to live and credits this to the large middle class in Canada. He remarked that 38.5 percent of Canadians have defined benefit pensions and of that, 92 percent are Union Members. He noted the C.L.C. is working on EI reform, child care programs, maintaining health care programs, increasing the CPP amount, fair trade agreements and protecting pension plans.

Teamsters Canada President Robert Bouvier reported on the highlights of the last year. He spoke on how the implementation of our Canadian Strike Fund impacted our ability to negotiate strong Collective Agreements. The vision to move forward is the vision of the entire Teamsters Canada Executive Board. We need to grow through aggressive organizing and to realize and harness our power. President Bouvier also commented on the need for Canadian Teamsters to play a role in the social fabric of our country.

Please go to the Teamsters Canada website, click into the archived news June 2009 to view the videos or to read the speeches by guest speakers, General President James R. Hoffa, General Secretary Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel, Robert Bouvier President Teamsters Canada and other guests.