CUPE mourns Local 1004 member killed on the job

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VANCOUVER – CUPE 1004 and the entire CUPE family are mourning the death of Moreno Cerra, a 49 year-old seventeen year employee with the City of Vancouver Engineering Streets Branch, who died while on the job.

CUPE 1004 and the entire CUPE family express our deepest condolences to Mo’s family, friends and co-workers—particularly the crew members who were with him when this tragedy unfolded.

It is devastating when a workplace accident results in any of our brothers or sisters not coming home safely after their shift, and for most of us it is beyond contemplation that a family member would not return home at the end of the day.  For a member of our union family, that unthinkable circumstance became reality this weekend when a workplace accident claimed the life of Mo Cerra from Streets Branch at the City of Vancouver.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 28) while our members were working in the area of Boundary Road and Second Avenue.  Upon hearing of the accident, I went straight to National Yard where I met with the crew as they were arriving on site.  I spent two hours with them getting an understanding of what had happened and offering support from the Local.  Subsequently, I have been meeting with members and supporting them as they deal with this devastating loss, offering the full support of our union.

Mo was a long-serving member and was a very well-loved individual, the kind of person who always had a smile on his face and was always going out of his way to brighten the lives of those he worked with.  I have been in touch with the family to offer condolences and support on behalf of the entire membership of our union.

Several investigations will look into the circumstances surrounding this accident in the coming weeks, including those by the RCMP, Coroner’s Office, WorkSafeBC, the City of Vancouver and Local 1004.  We are offering our support to these investigations and are encouraging that those with knowledge of the details keep those confidential to the investigatory process until a final outcome is reached and report is published.  The City of Vancouver, as an interim measure and pending any further recommendations arising from the investigations, has already instituted new workplace rules to address preliminary observations from the accident.

In the coming days we will work with the City of Vancouver and the various support agencies and services to ensure that Mo’s co-workers and family receive the care they need in the wake of this tragedy.  It is important that we are all here for each other as we mourn our fallen co-worker so please reach out to me if you have any questions, need support or have concerns.

In solidarity
Andrew Ledger
President, CUPE Local 1004

CUPE1004 Mourns Passing of Brother Doug McNicol

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It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the tragic passing of Brother Doug McNicol. Doug bravely fought a strong fight against cancer for the past two years. On November 18th, the battle ended and our Brother Doug passed away.

Doug became a member of the Local’s Executive in the mid 1980’s and went on to work for many years as a CUPE 1004 Business Agent. He came from the shop floor, in the City’s Sanitation Branch. He served the Local and its members for over 20 years. Doug took a strong leadership role in collective bargaining and a number of significant arbitrations. The legacy he has left our members is extraordinary.

CUPE 1004 members know Doug brought passion, energy and tenacity to the work of the Union. A Brother, a leader and mentor to many and a friend to all – that is what Doug’s life was all about.

Doug leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 41 years Lurene, and his beautiful daughters, Jennifer and Jacqulin, and grandchildren Robbie and Sadie.

There will be a celebration of Doug’s life on December 3rd at 2:00pm and will be held at the PNE in the Pacific Room (west side of the Coliseum).

Free parking will be available through Gate 6 off Renfrew Street.  (Click here for detailed map and directions).

In solidarity,

Andrew Ledger
President, Local 1004

1004 supporting MoveUp members

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The BC Nurses Union (BCNU) has locked out their administrative staff, members of MoveUp. These members have been locked out for the last 44 days. CUPE 1004 executive members, Andy Healey, Frank Lee, Andrew Ledger, and Sarah Carrier joined the MoveUp members on the picket line today, along with other CUPE members from around the region.

We stand in solidarity with these members, and will continue to support them through this unjust lockout.

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In the photo: CUPE 1004 executive members, with CUPE BC president, Paul Faoro, and MoveUp president, David Black. (photo credit: Daniel Gawthrop)

CUPE mourns Local 1004 member killed on the job

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CUPE mourns Local 1004 member killed on the job

VANCOUVER – CUPE 1004 and the entire CUPE family are mourning the death of Jody Taylor, a 43 year-old arborist for the Vancouver Park Board who died yesterday while on the job in Connaught Park doing the work he loved.

IMG_2172CUPE 1004 President Andrew Ledger joined Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, City Manager Sadhu Johnston, Park Board Manager Malcolm Bromley, and Park Board Commissioner John Coupar at a press briefing this morning at City Hall to express condolences to Brother Taylor’s family, friends and co-workers affected by this terrible event.

“On April 28, Canadians mourn workers killed on the job. It is my unfortunate duty to add Jody Taylor’s name to this year’s list,” said Ledger.

“CUPE 1004 and the entire CUPE family express our deepest condolences to Jody’s family, friends and co-workers—particularly the crew members who were with him when this tragedy unfolded.”

Ledger noted that Jody, who leaves behind a 10 year-old daughter, was a much- loved public employee and a dedicated arborist who for 16 years took daily pride in keeping Vancouver’s parks, playgrounds and boulevards “not only beautiful but safe for the citizens of our city.”

Ledger said that CUPE 1004 is actively involved in the investigation of this workplace fatality.

“When workers get up in the morning and go to work, we expect to come home alive at the end of the day,” he concluded. “Tragically, this did not happen for our brother Jody. CUPE 1004 commits to redoubling our efforts to ensure that workplace safety is our highest priority.”

Coworkers raise support for Jody

The Story

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Jody Taylor. He tragically lost his life due to a work related accident on March 31st 2016. At work he was very well liked and respected by all around him so we are all completely devastated by this tragic event.

Jody’s number one priority in life was his 10 year old daughter Tristen. Their father daughter relationship was very special. You only need to look at Jody’s Facebook collection of photos of the two of them together to see the mutual adoration and love they shared. As Jody’s friends we are devastated for Tristen and the family. Thankfully Tristen will be surrounded by her loving family during this difficult time.

Funds will be directed toward Tristen’s education, ensuring that she will be able to continue her pathway toward a bright future, one that her father would undoubtedly want her to have.

Any donations will be gratefully accepted…

Sincerely,

Harry Kettmann, Jody’s friend and colleague at the Vancouver Park Board on behalf of the Taylor family.

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