Good afternoon all,
ATU member Sister Margaret Gilbert President of local 1582 Niagara Falls, ON is under siege by her Employer and City Council. She and the local representatives have been subjected to unspeakable treatment during multiple meetings over the past two (2) years and have now filed an Unfair Labour Practice against the Employer. Margaret has most recently been issued a five (5) day suspension and most recently been told that she cannot enter transit property. These actions are a clear attempt to undermine her as the local`s president and a clear violation of their Collective Agreement.
In addition to this she has been denied the ability to address City Council on two (2) different occasions. On these dates Margret has tried to speak to council with regard to the cutting of service that directly impacts the citizens of Niagara Falls. She is not only representing her local she is attempting to address Council as a taxpaying citizen of the city. Council has taking the position that they may deny the very people that elected them to their positions the right to speak. This in itself is a travesty to the office to which they were elected and should be ashamed of themselves.
ATU Canada is calling for all the Ontario Locals to lend their support at a Rally to be held at Niagara Falls City Hall on Tuesday June14, 2016 at 03:00pm. We will be demanding that the Employer practice Anti-workplace bullying and that City Council promote the freedom to speak at council meetings for all residents. Niagara Council will be hold its City Council meeting at 05:00pm on June 14th.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact myself or Margaret Gilbert at atulocal1582@gmail.com or 1-905-651-0944
I remain yours in solidarity,
Paul Thorp
President
Amalgamated Transit Union Canada
(ATU Canada)
Bus. 416-679-8846