A new era has dawned for Canadian ATU members as 126 delegates from Canadian Locals met in Toronto, ON for the founding convention of the newly formed ATU Canada. The new body will have a strong voice, representing all ATU Locals and almost 30,000 members across the country.
The impetus of this historical reorganization comes as Canadian locals have been facing significant attacks on their collective bargaining rights, workers’ wages, pensions, and job security, as well as threats of privatization. Recognizing these challenges and the importance of all ATU Locals standing in solidarity, last June Canadian Council delegates met and voted to dissolve the Canadian Council and create ATU Canada. A Restructuring Committee was appointed and met in recent months to develop a proposed structure, bylaws, and vision for ATU Canada.
The convention began with ATU International President Larry Hanley pledging the International’s strong support for ATU Canada and declaring the International will work with the new organization to advance the goals of Canadian Locals and to protect members’ vital interests.
Delegates held lively and productive discussion on the bylaws and structure of the new ATU Canada. This resulted in a united and clear vision for all Locals in Canada to have a more representative and proactive organization to leverage the strength of all members against the anti-labour forces that now confront ATU members all over Canada, from from Newfoundland to British Columbia to Ontario to Alberta..
Delegates also elected the top three officers and the Executive Board for ATU Canada. The new officers and board are:
President: Paul Thorp, Local 1573, Brampton
Executive Vice-Chair: Steve Bradshaw, Local 569 – Edmonton, AB
Secretary to the Board: Travis Oberg, Local 987 – Lethbridge, AB
Executive Board Member for Eastern Canada: Paul Doucette, Local 107 – Hamilton, ON
Executive Board Member for Eastern Canada: Clint Crabtree Local 279 – Ottawa, ON
Executive Board Member for Eastern Canada: Vacant
Executive Board Member for Western Canada: John Callahan Local 1505 – Winnipeg, MB
Executive Board Member for Western Canada: Eric Carr, Local 1374 – Calgary, AB
With critical federal elections in October, Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff addressed the convention about the importance of labour uniting to mobilize members and the public to elect the New Democratic Party to power. A number of ATU Locals are in key districts that could determine the balance of power.