Silver Spring, MD, USA - Amalgamated Transit Union International President Larry Hanley released the following statement to mark Canada Day.
“The Amalgamated Transit Union is happy to join with all of the people of Canada in observing Canada Day. Whether you’re enjoying the fireworks over Diefenbaker Park in Saskatoon, the concerts on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, or the Canada Day Parade in Vancouver, we at the ATU have much to celebrate.
“Our members have made ATU Canada into a formidable voice for transit workers throughout the country. We have stalled privatization in Calgary, beat back intimidation in Niagara Falls, rallied against driver assaults in Kelowna, and so much more.
“Our commitment to standing against attacks that would degrade Canada’s transit systems and the livelihoods of its workers exemplify the best aspects of Canadian character.
“As we celebrate Canada Day, we at ATU are reminded of Canadians like Tommy Douglas, who we named our new conference center after. It is to not only to honor Douglas, “the greatest Canadian of all time,” but to salute all progressive Canadians whose commitment, dedication and sacrifices have helped Canada to be recognized as one of the strongest and most progressive nations in the world.
“But as Tommy reminded us again and again “tis not too late to build a better world!” The fight for working families continues, and we are again leading the defense of our nation’s workers against the corporate predators whose insatiable appetite for accumulated wealth threatens to destroy the standard of living that Canadian unions achieved over the course of a century.
“We salute our members and all unionists who carry on the proud tradition of Canadian Labour which continues to do so much to give meaning to the freedoms established in their Constitution 149 years ago.”