Brothers and Sisters,
 
The other day, I received the CP ES safety statistics to date for 2009 and feel that it is necessary to share them with you.
 
From the pyramid graph, you can see that the number of all injuries (that were reported or recorded) in Engineering services in 2009 is half again as many as last year at this time.  Lost time injuries have tripled and FRA injuries have doubled!!

 

In November 2008, it was announced that there were going to be big changes in the management of Engineering Services.  (http://www.teamsters.ca/en/news/1085/executive_changes_at_cp_rail).
 
I, and the rest of your Executive Board, had some grave concerns with the company's decision in this regard and because of this, have been working extra hard to ensure that your personal injuries trended downwards instead of spiking higher than the other class 1's. We believe that injuries must go down, not head off through the roof as they are presently doing and we believe that the present upper management has to be committed to this as well.
 
Even we could not expect this huge increase in injuries, especially ones of such a serious nature. In less than two (2) months in 2009, while the majority of seasonal employees are on layoff, we are seeing a huge spike in injuries and accidents.  This is as unacceptable as it is alarming.
 
CPRail used to say "Safety is an Attitude". Well, I believe it should be a positive and committed attitude, one that must be adhered to from the top all the way down.  If those at the higher echelons are truly committed to safety, that attitude will be communicated down the ranks.  The same goes if they have a poor commitment.
 
We must not accept the words of those who say that major derailments, and the evacuations they cause, are "business as usual" at CPR. We have to strive for better.  We must not accept the attitude of having to "suck it up" when issuing valid safety and workplace concerns.  We deserve better.
 
When the company boasts that CP is the safest railway in North America, the charts provided show that this certainly isn't true if you work here.
 
It seems that Engineering Services (ES) have put a cost on your safety and when they do that, it is you who pay the price.
 
At the moment we are involved in quite a few safety related issues with ES, who are slow to respond (when they respond at all) and even slower to actually listen to the concerns. We are trying to work with them on safety and urge that you do as well,  no matter how frustrating it becomes. There are always a few managers who really care and are willing to work with us. Hopefully they will be able to convince their bosses and effect positive change.
 
Remember that every injury is a possible fatality, so I am asking you once again, no matter which railroad you work for, no matter what you do or how long you have been doing it.... work safe.
 
Protect yourself and your co-workers, with safety over production always foremost in your thoughts.
 
Now more than ever, keep in mind that your safety is much too important to leave in the hands of management.
 
Stay safe, stay strong, stay united,
 
Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED