Calgary, November 22, 2018 – A train conductor employed by Canadian Pacific (CP) died as the result of a workplace accident on Monday afternoon. The accident occurred on the CP rail tracks adjacent to 9th avenue in downtown Calgary. His union, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), has been advised that a Transport Canada investigation is ongoing.
“As we prepare to enter the holiday season, I am sad to report that one of our Teamster families will be in mourning,” said François Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada, the largest transportation union in the country. “On behalf of our over 125,000 members, I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the victim’s loved ones and co-workers.”
Teamsters will cooperate fully with Transport Canada and monitor the investigation’s progress closely. Once the facts have been determined, the union will sit down with CP and Transport Canada to address the issue more broadly.
“While the loss of a fellow railroader is always tragic, it seems even more so at this time of year,” said Doug Finnson, President of the TCRC. “Over the holidays, I hope we will all keep a place in our hearts to remember our deceased co-worker.”
“Once again, we remind everyone to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times while at work,” added Finnson.
Out of respect for the victim’s loved ones, and because of the ongoing investigation, the Teamsters will make no further comment at this time.
Teamsters represent close to 125,000 workers across Canada, including over 12,000 workers in the rail industry. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America.
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Media requests:
Christopher Monette
Director of Public Affairs
Teamsters Canada
Cell: 514-226-6002
[email protected]
