We realize that the COVID-19 situation has been extremely difficult for our Members and this pandemic has hit our Members in the Motion Picture Division especially hard. The careers you have chosen are in the least stable and predictable sector represented by our Union.
Our Union and the partners we work alongside in the entertainment industry must do our best to help draw attention to the precariousness of your work and to how vital supports for you are at this time, as well as during any crisis which may impinge on your ability to support your families. We know that governments look to trim budgets through the arts first. It is imperative that we show the government how important this sector is to Albertans and why investment in the film industry is a smart choice when looking to diversify our struggling economy.
The corona virus has forever changed the way we go about our lives, including how companies operate. The film and television industry will have to make substantial changes to how production proceeds. Currently, discussions are being had at the major studios as to whether on-location production can even occur within this new environment. We believe with the changes come some new opportunities which may actually help the Teamsters' jurisdiction by requiring more workers and equipment to perform our duties in a socially distant world. There will also be a greater need for higher standards of cleaning at a much greater frequency.
The only way forward is to work in partnership with other Teamsters' Motion Picture Locals to coordinate our actions for the benefit of the Membership. This is a primer example of how we can work in tandem with other Locals to make Alberta the premier destination for the film industry. We have the team that can work tightly with other Teamsters to ensure that we are all competitive and fairly compensated.
Fraternally Yours,
362 Members First Team
Now that we have an election in progress, we have received many questions and comments from the hard-working dedicated Members in our Pipeline Division.
We, the 362 Members First slate, recognize the hard work put in by the Pipeline Division Members and some of the comments we have heard are as follows:
Our commitment to you, Pipeline Division Members, is we will employ a business agent that has worked in the Division, with their first responsibility being the Teamster Member, not the contractor, and in all dealings the Teamster Member shall be dealt with in a professional respectful manner.
We are committed to fight for the Pipeline Division for a better tomorrow.
Byron Gero
Many of you may not be aware of this but our Union actually represents a number of clerical staff within different companies. They may not make up a large portion of our Membership but their voices are important to our team. Clerical work comes with many challenges and exposes employees to the scrutiny of their employer more often than our Brothers and Sisters in other industries may experience. It is well documented that sitting at a computer all day puts a strain on people physically and mentally. Our Members need to have people on their side who will fight for the best health plans available, such as our own Teamsters health plan. We have assembled a great team with people who are acutely aware of the struggles faced by our Members in offices. Your voices will be heard and you will finally see what it is like to have someone on your side who understands what you are going through. No more bargaining with Business Agents who only have experience in one industry to draw on.
Sincerely,
362 Members First Team
If you are a Member who is not a truck driver then you may feel like the Union doesn’t quite understand your line of work or what you need in your CBA. We hear loud and clear that truck driving seems to be a prerequisite for Business Agents.
While 362 Members First is made up of some truck drivers, we have people on our team from other fields as well. We have people coming from the warehousing sector who will understand your needs in your workplace from first hand experience. The job expectations within a warehouse are much different than those of a truck driver. We understand that employers think they can pressure you endlessly to cut corners on safety to make your quota or that they may parade new hires in there on a regular basis to try to remind you that you could be replaced.
We have people who have been through it all. We will help you push back and maintain your rights, safety, and dignity in the workplace. The Teamsters have long been known to represent the truck drivers who make life as we know it possible. Now let’s expand that net of support and include the rest of the supply chain. Times like these really show us how vital our Members are.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
362 Members First Team
Trucking and transportation and its many strategic business units has been the backbone of the Union.
Alberta and the Northwest Territories, which together comprise a very large far reaching area, have always relied on the transportation industry to grow and prosper as they have developed. With the large and far reaching transportation industry, the people (the Members) have relied upon our Union to look after us.
Our slate is made up of people like yourselves. Members, including me, have a background in the transportation industry. For example, the company I started working at 35 years ago and am still employed at today (albeit with a different name) pioneered the ice roads to the north and was also there when we opened Fort McMurray. Trucking is important to our team and we have the experience and knowledge to look after the Members and further their interests at work and at home as we head forward in the challenging times ahead.
Byron Gero
Fighting today for a better tomorrow
Byron Gero 1986