INFORMATION SESSIONS

Now that the REPRESENTATIONAL vote will soon be before us I was asked if I would travel to various locations and provide information and my views to the voters.

I can and do commit (if I have the means and no conflicts in meeting times) to attend local meetings, arranged by my fellow workers, and to answer any questions on any matter to assist the voter(s) in making their choice for the future.

If in fact a meeting is called I would encourage everyone to attend as I think you will be both amazed and outraged when you learn what all occured over the last couple of years.

NOTE: It would not be my intent to lobby for either the TCRC or the UTU unless I was specifically asked of my position on the subject.

As many of you know not too long ago I was asked to attend a meeting in Niagara Falls (Tim’s home terminal) to debate the issues with Tim Secord.

Tim refused.

Certainly if Tim Secord (or others that I have named below) wish for you to vote for the UTU they would now not miss an opportunity to attend a forum with the audience composed of the voters in which to explain and defend their actions and answer any related questions.

I would suggest that if I am asked to a meeting that it be promoted as an open forum to allow for an open debate. In doing so you may wish to invite any or all of the following individuals to attend;

TIM SECORD
SCOTT MONTANI
JIM FLYNN
PAUL THOMPSON
CLINT MILLER
MIKE FUTHEY
KEVIN GORING
MIKE MEYLMICK
DON ANDERSON


Best Regards,


Rex Beatty

THANK YOU

As many of you are aware the Belleville Local had a “celebration” which they called “REXAPALOOZA”. The purpose of the celebration was to show support and solidarity for the deposed General Chairpersons and the Vice-General Chairpersons and to raise money for legal fees.

Many people from across the country attended and those who were unable to attend demonstrated their support by other means.

The genuine outpouring of friendship and support was nothing short of amazing.

For those of you who know me, it was the first time that I was lost for words. Even now I am struggling to express, on behalf of all of us, our extreme gratitude, appreciation and thanks.

As most of you know, the last year and a half has been extremely difficult for us and our families. We faced many dark days but it was the faith, dedication and undying support of our fellow workers that kept us strong and will keep us strong.

Representing this workforce has been and will always be one of the highpoints in my life, no matter what the future brings.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THAT HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE.

As for the “REXAPALOOZA” celebration I would like to personally and humbly say thanks to;

CINDY LITTLE
MIKE BOOTH
THE DERAILERS
GLENN GOWER
ALLISON BOUVAIR
AND THE MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT PROVIDED THE FOOD, REFRESHEMENTS AND GAVE OF THEIR TIME TO MAKE THIS CELEBRATION THE SUCCESS IT WAS.

I would also like to say a special thanks to Guy Ethier for his unwavering faith and support of me. Guy I know these are only words but as a friend I could ask for no better.

With bowed head and many thanks,

Rex Beatty

CIRB HEARINGS TO CONTINUE MAY 26 AND 27

The hearings regarding the complaint of the former General Chairpersons and Vice-General Chairpersons against the UTU will continue in Toronto on May 26th and 27th commencing at 0930 hours.

Mr. Shell, on behalf of the UTU, will now present its position.

It is our understanding that Tim Secord will be the witness called by the UTU.

The hearing is open to the public. The CIRB Offices in Toronto are located at 1 Front Street.

Rex Beatty

CIRB ORDERS THE REPRESENTATIONAL VOTE AT CN TO COMMENCE

On Friday May 23rd, 2008, the Canada Industrial Relations Board issued a directive to commence the representational vote at CN Rail between the TCRC and the UTU.

More details will be provided when available.


Rex Beatty

UPDATE

As you will have noticed I have not issued any posts in the last few weeks.

At present there are many ongoing matters which have taken up much of my time. Further, I am reluctant to issue certain posts for fear of compromising possible resolutions, outcomes or strategies. Having said this viewers should be aware of the following ongoing matters.

1. CN Pension - Mediation is continuing and I am hopeful that it will result in settlement. Failing settlement it is my understanding that an initital Arbitration meetng will be held on May 28th,

2. The CIRB case of the deposed General Chairs and Vice-General Chairs will resume in Toronto during the week of May 26th and will continue throughout that week.

3. The Section 37 complaint by the General Chairs. Ehtier and Thompson and the related Emergency 19, 191. application is progressing. During a case management hearing in Toronto on April 29th, the CIRB directed that the matters would be addressed by a parallel process; a) a hearing in to the merits of the application and b) an attempt at mediaiton.

The first mediation session is to be held on May 9th in Toronto at the Board's Offices.

4. Finally, it is my understanding, yet to be confirmed, that the CIRB will set the "time line" for the representation vote of UTU members on CN Rail. Rumour was that the CIRB would issue the time line by the end of this week. Although we have heard such rumours before this one has a some credibilty but keep in mind it is still a rumour and I pass it on as such.

Please keep posted.

Rex Beatty