2011

GEORGE CAMERON Editor

'THE HITCHING POST" ATU 1374 NEWSLETTER

Volunteers For News

The President’s Message

For more information Brothers and Sisters

Mail: #802-6540 Burlington Ave Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4G3

……. labor union, an organization of workers that have banded together, often for the purpose of getting better working conditions or pay.

E-mail: [email protected] Tel/Fax Home - 604 - 564-564-4783 Cell Phone 604 - 818-3564

Up coming Events 2011 –2012 October 22nd, 2011Vancouver Greyhound Retirement and Presentations New Westminster Quay Casino Hotel (Check Page 15 for more information) November 19- 2011 Greyhound Drivers 7th Annual Christmas Social and Dinner: Compass Point Hotel Surrey, B.C. 5:00pm (Check Page 3 for more information)

December 2, 2011 to be held at Noon. The New Dynasty Restaurant #400, 388 Country Hills Blvd. N.E. Calgary, Alberta Greyhound Social

“The Hitching Post” ATU Local 1374 Newsletter Summer/Fall 2011 Issue #8 Inside this Issue Cover. President’s Message

Page 16. Lorne Bond Greyhound History continued

Page 2. President’s continued STC news

Page 17. Ambrose Mackwood One of highway Heroes

Page 3. Bulkley Valley news 7th Vancouver Greyhound Christmas Social

Page 18. Rob Bravi Last Trip Kelowna BC

Page 4 . Secretary Scribbles

June 6 - 9 20112 ATU Canadian Council Conference Hotel Hilton Lac-Leamy Gatineau Quebec June 2012 Kamloops 7th Annual Fish Out (Date place TBA) July 6-15 2012 Calgary Stampede August 3-4-5 2012 All employees and retirees of Greyhound – Red Deer Transit - Brewster - STC Re-Union 2012 Brookmere ,B.C. (In the planning stage)

Page 5. Fish Out /cartoons Calgary Social Gathering Page 6. Update on Stan Stickland/ Penticton Retirement Party Page 7. Fuel Conservation Winnipeg Maintenance Report Page 8. Good Old Days / Shepell FGI Page 9. Canadian Transit Curling in Jeopardy / Special Fee Assessment Page 10. Obits with photos

Check the website for updates on information and events, when they come available

Page 11. Brewster Driver Tom Brown Obituary Page 12. Fish Out Kamloops

Have a Great Fall and Winter - Please Drive Safe From the ATU Executive Board Local 1374 Page 28

Page 13. Lorne Bond History Greyhound in the 50’s Continued to Page 16

Page 19. Obits with photos Page 20. Website/ Manitoba/ Thunder Bay EMB report/ 2012 Reunion Planned Page 21. Retirees/ Deceased Jan-June 2011 Page 22. ATU board Photos, info page Page 23. Editors Blurbs / Letters to the Editor Page 24. Sudbury EBM report Canadian Council Conferences CLC pensions Page 25. STC Report / Little Bald Angels Page 26. Alberta Bus Deregulation/ GCTULC the new name for Greyhound Page 27. Two Vancouver Drivers Chauffeured Prime Minister/ BC EMB report Page 28. Future Events

Page 14. Alberta EMB Report Page 15 . Vancouver Retirement Awards Dinner

Deadline Issue #9 Jan 20th, 2012

At no other time as this been more true. We must all band together to achieve better working conditions and better pay. Greyhound informed me that with deregulation coming in October to Alberta they will be abandoning some runs. The runs they talked about were the Edmonton to Peace River, Edmonton to Cold lake, Peace River to Hay river and Calgary to Alsask. They are also dropping all the runs that were farmed out As I write this I was informed there would be no layoffs as they are so short of operators. This will put some drivers that were just starting to hold a run to now be forced on to the spare board. What a wonderful job this has become. This will affect all of us in one way or another. Saskatchewan transportation Company (STC) will either pick up the run from Alsask to Calgary or will they drop the Saskatoon to Alsask portion as now they are not hauling as many passengers. Thus we could lose a regular run for STC members. I am thinking worst case scenario (I hope not ).We have to go with what greyhound has stated for now and that is they said no one would be laid off. We do see some refurbished buses coming into the system now which is a nice change but with all the buses that have been retired we are still very short of equipment which leads to sitting at a garage waiting on equipment. I travelled around to most areas this summer with ratification meetings and met most of you which was very enjoyable. The problems we are experiencing are not just in one area but are effecting all of us. I was in Kelowna for meetings when we had a rain storm roll in around supper time. Well the chair-person Fred Joynes says it won‘t last long. Man did it ever rain. In a matter of minutes the lot at the depot was flooded and the rain was still coming down. We went for supper and the water was over the wheels on cars in the parking lot. It gets even better. Got back to the hotel to find out the lobby and most of the first floor was flooded. Thank goodness Doug and I were on the second floor. Woke up the next day and the temperature was back up to plus 30. Got to love the Okanagan. The summer in Alberta has not been that great but man was it hot out east . I was in meetings in Sudbury and it was around plus 33 or more. In Winnipeg was the same thing, hotter than heck. I was in Regina for meetings and again very Hot. It just seemed like Alberta was the place that couldn‘t get warm this year and now they are saying we could have a colder than usual winter. Let‘s hope our buses have heat this winter. Back to Union issues. We are having a larger than normal amount of grievances that are going to arbitration this year. From terminations to discipline handed down. Greyhound is fighting us every step of the way. Now they are handing down five (5) day suspensions for backing up accidents if you don‘t have a ground guide. We are fighting these suspensions but if they are going to do this then please DON‘T BACK UP WITHOUT A GROUND GUIDE. Another issue we have run into is retirees coming back for the summer and Greyhound sending them for medicals. That would not in itself be a problem but we had two retirees who Greyhound said failed the medical exam. Now these drivers have a valid license which they had to have a medical to get, but are sent to Greyhound’s doctor and now they fail. What to do now. Again we have to claw and

fight. On the brighter side we ratified all four (4) contracts (STC, Greyhound, Brewster, and Red Deer) We achieved raises on all these properties which I believe was a great accomplishment .Without the support of the sub-local executives and you the members we could never have done this. At Brewster we ratified a three (3) year deal with raises of 2 % year one 2 % year two and 2 % on year three. I never never dealt with a man like that in my life.(Brewster president Michael Hannan). His first offer was a 10 cent an hour increase. This coming from a man that makes over 300 thousand a year. The membership refused the offer and we were given notice that we would be locked out at midnight. I continued to try to get back to the table and Hannan finally agreed hours before the lock out. I want to thank the Brewster members and Chairperson Al Bernard for all their hard work in ratifying this agreement. I spend two days in Banff this summer and seen a lot of our members there. Looks like you guys are having a busy summer. Red Deer Transit also ratified their agreement with raises of 3 % year one 3 % year two and 3 % on year three. This was another hard fought battle when the company threatening to apply for mediation and then three weeks later getting back to the table .At times it seemed like management was stumbling and unsure were to proceed next. I have to thank the members and Bob Relkow (chairperson) Linda Dences (vice chair) and Jeff Oxford (steward) for all their hard work in achieving this deal. WE are still having a number of issues at Red deer Transit with management trying to hold discipline meeting without involving the Union. Bob and his crew are working hard to change this but sometimes it seems like you are beating your head against the wall. We had a meeting again last week with management as there was parts of the new agreement that they didn‘t know how they were going to execute. Hopefully they now are on the right track and communicate this to the rest of their team. Greyhound members ratified their agreement also with raises of 2 % year one 2 ¼ % year two and 2 ½ % year three. We also achieved a prescription card. Now when you get a prescription filled you show the pharmacist the card and only pay the 10% . This will be a lot nicer that having to pay the full amount then waiting for reimbursement. WE did things a little different this time around in negotiations with Greyhound. When we met the first time we said we wanted to talk money first as there was no need to waste time if we were not going to get a raise. The company agreed and talks continued. Things proceeded along and we finally firmly believed we had the best offer we were going to get. We met for the first time in March and ratified in September. We travelled from Vancouver to Sudbury and points in between for ratification meetings and had good turn outs for the meetings. Thank you to all the sub-locals for all your hard work in setting up and helping with the meetings. The STC contract was also ratified with raises of 1 ½ % year one , 2% year two and 2% year three. This was another battle as they got to a point where they just weren‘t moving anymore. We ended up in conciliation and finally arrived at a deal. There is a great team at STC with Darren Thoresen (Saskatchewan) Wayne Reeve (Prince Albert) Glen Hegel (Saskatoon) and Kevin Hall (Regina). Thank You guys for all your hard work. We continue to have issues at STC but the executive is very diligent in keeping on top of things. When I was in Regina ,Saskatoon, and Prince Albert I met quite a few of you the members and it was nice to see some old friends again from when I Page 2

North Battleford bus depot with a big hole in the parking lot that seemed to take forever to fix. Who knew getting a load of gravel hauled in could be so hard, but I was dealing with greyhound management so there was my mistake I guess. There has been a number of members that have retired this year and I wish you all the best in retirement or your new adventure. I believe that all 1374 members are the best at what they do. Everyone of you are proud and that shows in the jobs you do everyday. You all stood strong and united and all four properties ended up with raises. What a great accomplishment.

Two Vancouver Greyhound Drivers Chauffeured Prime Minister Steven Harper During the Spring Campaign

I can honestly say I am PROUD to be a member of ATU Local 1374. In Solidarity Gary Galbreath President Business Agent ATU Local 1374

Dear Brothers and Sisters; Here‘s hoping everyone has had a great summer! I would like to start out by saying ―Thank You‖ to all Board members on all our hard work on the contract and also, ―Thank You‖ to everyone that voted. (Continued from Page 25)

Greetings from Saskatchewan! Summer is now winding down and looking at Fall we see change on the horizon. The deregulation of Alberta intercity bus routes is going to also impact S.T.C. on the Saskatoon - Alsask - Calgary route with a reduction of three trips a week. This is not only a great loss for Alberta passengers but also employees of Greyhound, Agents, and other companies which interline with Greyhound. Both Saskatchewan Transportation Company and Greyhound members have now ratified collective agreements. Great team effort was put forward on behalf of both negotiating committees. The Greyhound Board which all readers recognize through this publication and the STC Board which is represented by Kevin Hall - Regina Division, Glen Hegel - Saskatoon Division and Wayne Reeve - Prince Albert Division. High water levels have created several challenges in Saskatchewan. Road erosion as well as washed out bridges and water crossing roads in several areas. The Diefenbaker Bridge which is the access to the north from Prince Albert has now had a crack discovered in one of the main beams. This has created a major disruption in serving both La Ronge and Creighton Communities. Two buses have to be left on the north side of the river and passengers and freight have to be shuttled across the bridge that the future includes a little more optimism. because of a 15,000 kg restriction. Traffic plus bus transfers has created approximately a 45 minute to one hour delay in these two schedules. Changes are constant, but lets all hope.

Darren Thoresen

Saskatchewan Executive Board Member

During the Campaign for the spring election, Prime Minister made several trips to British Columbia, where Greyhound managed some of the transportation while on the lower mainland. Pictures above is Prime Minister Harper with Driver Jim Curry pose a photo opp. Regarding the Prime Minister, both Scott Rambough and I enjoyed driving Steven Harper, and being in the motorcade, we knew we would not get lost, while in the convoy of 8 ghost cars. He was a very pleasant guy to talk to, as we did have our 15 seconds of fame and a photo opp. Regarding the gimme 5 fuel conservation program which is on Page 7. Back in 2002, we had the opportunity to write a story line for a training video about motor coach fuel conservation, my submission was deemed to be one 6 national co- winners, in 2003, all the national co-winners were brought to Ottawa to participate in filming of the training video , we did participate in that and it was a lot of fun. but since then there has been far more worldwide emphasis put on going green and saving the planet, etc, not to mention more money for us and hopefully getting a decent raise, and yes I do know drivers do not sit around and talk about how much fuel they can save, they are more apt to talk about how fast there bus can go, people are impressed with speed. Thanks George, for the avenue to promote this worldly cause. Regards, Jim Curry.

We made history in accepting the contract on the first vote. I would also like to thank our President, Gary, for all his hard work, and to Amanda and all the board members that worked on the other three properties we look after, getting them all contracts. Now all four properties have new contracts without any job action taking place. I was able to visit all the divisions in BC, and had some good talks with the members. We are still in need of Union officers in Kamloops. If anyone is interested, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected] . We are still having some growing pains with dispatch being moved to Kamloops and Payroll being Burlington. We need your cooperation in letting me or the Union office know if you are short on your pay. We want to work with the company to resolve these issues as soon as possible. A big ―Congratulations‖ to all the drivers that have retired this year. Thank you for all of your many years of service. There is a Retirement Party planned for October in Vancouver. Details will be announced. It would be nice to see a good turnout to honour our retired drivers. Finally, I would like to remind all employees, that our customers are the reason we get paid. Without them we would not have jobs. I know some days there are challenges, but we have to smile and show RESPECT. And as employees we have to show that same RESPECT for one another. You may not like the people you work with, but we still have to work with together. Together with your commitment we can create a Happy Work Environment. Have a great Fall Season!! In Solidarity! Douglas Wrench Executive Board Member for BC. ATU Local 1374 Page 27

NEWS FROM THE BULKLEY VALLEY SMITHERS B.C.

Rural Albertans will be hurt by bus deregulation Financial Secretary Treasurer ATU 1374 The quality of life of rural Albertans is being thrown under the bus. And it is being done with the approval of our province's politicians. Alberta Transportation Minister Luke Ouellette boldly suggests that bus deregulation won't deprive remote communities of vital service. This seems like wishful thinking at best. At worst, it constitutes serious neglect of rural needs. Removing requirements for bus companies to meet minimum service levels will affect life across Alberta.

how often to offer their services. All this leaves rural Albertans in an increasingly precarious position that can't be ignored. Factor in safety and the situation becomes more alarming. Last year's Alberta traffic collisions statistics showed that the majority of fatal crashes (72 per cent) occurred in rural areas. It should be the government's job to ensure that the most dangerous roads aren't left to private operators motivated by profit in a deregulated system.

When existing provincial regulations are wiped out in the fall, communities and local small businesses unable to offer a promise of big profits for certified curb side providers and private bus lines will bear the brunt of the impacts.

Unionized bus operators in a regulated environment work hard to provide the public with safe service, to even the most remote areas. Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union go through rigorous training and regular maintenance is required of our fleet.

Deregulation isn't justifiable based on cost savings for the province either, and governments across Canada know this. Deregulation means provincial governments will lose money.

The guarantee of regulated provincial bus service upholds the government obligation to provide vital and essential links to all Albertans. These links allow for fair and affordable access to services that have already been wiped away locally and that urban Albertans may take for granted. Rural families should not have to expect less from their own government because they don't live in a big city.

Manitoba's review found that taking away intercity bus service would mean an annual $1.5 million loss because of increased shipping and freight costs alone. The study also confirmed that the government's ability to provide its residents with provincial programs and services would undoubtedly take a turn for the worse. Saskatchewan is also aware of this reality. The provincial government ensures proper regulated service through the Saskatchewan Transit Commission. Despite all the evidence, Alberta's current government is set to lurch forward with deregulation on Oct. 1. With a provincial election potentially on the horizon, the Progressive Conservatives can't ignore the painful impacts of their decisions for our rural communities. Firstly, there's the obvious. Deregulation limits access to out-oftown services. Years of provincial cuts mean that many have no choice but to travel to access specialists and other vital services. The province is now washing its hands of a duty to ensure affordable and reliable ways to carry out this essential travel. Secondly, further isolation makes a bad situation worse when it comes to rural health care. Alberta's own reporting shows that the presence of health-care providers is the lowest per capita when communities become more isolated from urban economies. The last federal census showed that those in isolated communities had about half the health-care providers available to them compared to urban patients. Combined, these two facts alone leave little doubt that bus deregulation is more than a trivial issue. What's more, deregulation puts an unfair financial burden on ordinary people. Gas and diesel prices are rising. Needless to say, private providers will factor in the cost of fuel when they make decisions on how much to charge as well as where and Page 26

Our Transportation minister must face the reality that bus deregulation is a grave mistake. The future of rural Alberta depends on it. Amanda West, a former coach operator, is financial secretary treasurer of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1374

Amanda West Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp Now known as GCTULC Greyhound Canada Transportation Unlimited Liability Corporation - ULC

By Wayne Askew

Hello Brother and Sisters. Well, the aircraft is still sitting awaiting repairs. We have had a change in our group of three regular operators in Smithers. We were pleased to welcome Alan McDonald here in January. Alan has fitted in quite well and has proven popular with our client base. As with most of BC, we have had more than our share of rain this year which has made for a quiet fire season and the Smithers Golf Course is in phenomenal shape. As some of you may have heard, I had an encounter with some falling ice west of Terrace in early February. Thankfully, injuries were very minor and I was back to work after only five weeks. I received a great deal of support from the Operations & Safety departments as well as the membership. Thank you all for your well wishes. Other than that it is rather quiet on the "Northwestern Front". Wishing you all good fishing, good golf & happy landings. Wayne Askew Driver and Area Reporter Smithers, BC

7th Annual Retired Greyhound Drivers Christmas Social November 19th, 2011 5:00pm The 7th annual Christmas Social for Nonretired/Retired Greyhound Drivers, spouses, guests and friends will be held at the Compass Point Hotel (the Old Days Inn) 9850 King George Blvd, Surrey, B.C. Book your room early, ask for the Greyhound rate of $79.99 = Taxes for 2 Queen or 1 King beds. Jake’s Steakhouse on the main floor has been booked for the entire group. There will be a condensed menu and everyone will be responsible for your separate bill for food and drinks. You can have a drink in the lounge next door to the restaurant. Please contact John B or Marilyn Scott (ASAP) if you wish to attend, as space is limited and we want to have dinner staffed accordingly. Phone John or Marilyn 604-536-0790-home 604-789-6091-cell

What Does Unlimited Liability Corporation - ULC Mean? A corporate structure that permits a company to be incorporated and flow all profits and losses to shareholders. An unlimited liability corporation (ULC) shelters shareholders from liability in most circumstances except upon liquidation of the company. Shareholders or past shareholders that disposed of their shares less than one year before liquidation become liable for the debts of the company.

Investopedia explains Unlimited Liability Corporation - ULC The ULC has become a useful vehicle for the acquisition of a Canadian business by a U.S. investor, due to preferential tax treatment. The U.S. Internal Revenue Code states that the ULC is disregarded for U.S. tax purposes, as profits and losses flow through to shareholders.

Downtown Smithers taken in 1989

Come and Join Us Page 3

“Little Bald Angels” My Fellow Union Brothers and Sisters,

when you call that you have your pay stubs at hand for verification.

This year is really flying by. We have been extremely busy here in the office, having completed negotiations for Brewster, STC, Red Deer Transit and GCTULC within the past several months and, as always, preparations for the several arbitrations that are on the go. Gary and I attended Corporate Occupational Health & Safety Meetings in Victoria, B.C. earlier this year and will be attending another meeting here in Calgary during September. We‘ve had one Executive Board meeting this year, held here in Calgary in March. We attended the Canadian Council Conference in Regina during July, and have spent the past month travelling around to various locations to talk about the GCTULC contract offer. Whew! There really is no rest for the weary, as we still have two Executive Board meetings to hold this year, not to mention the countless hours we will spend fighting deregulation in Alberta and putting pressure on as many politicians as we can to prevent the loss of our jobs.

PLEASE NOTE- It is the responsibility of the member to stay current and up to date with his/her ADDRESS and DUES. Any member falling 2 months in arrears may be suspended. We do have a TOLL FREE NUMBER to this office for all members to keep in touch or arrange payments with me.

We are very proud of all the hard work we have done as a Negotiating Committee. All our properties achieved good contracts this time around, and although GCTULC‘s contract offer is still pending ratification, we are confident of a positive outcome. In the past, we have seen a faction of members who turn down the first offer brought back from the company, in hopes that more money will be found in the next offer. Historically, this has always resulted in a worse contract being accepted. We do hope that this time, we have broken this vicious cycle. As always, we would love to see more involvement at the sub-local level, but turn out remains an issue. We are only as strong as our weakest member, so please get involved, even if it is just to attend your local union meetings on a regular basis. Contact your SubLocal Chairperson to find out when your next meeting is being held. Our website is a great source of information, as is our Facebook page. We do try to keep the membership as up to date as possible on what is happening at our end of things. If you have questions or concerns, please don‘t hesitate to contact your local Executive Board Member or the office. We will do what we can to answer your queries and help in any way possible. As reported on our website, the dues for all members increased by $1.00 effective July 1, 2011. The dues for GCTC and STC are $52.25 per month. The dues for BTC are $50.00 per month. The dues for RDT are $54.25 per month, which is inclusive of a $2.00 honorarium for the RTD Sub-local Chairperson. Full dues for members on WSIB or WCB are reflected above. Members are reminded that if you are Laid Off, on Leave of Absence or on Sick Leave for a calendar month or more, the dues will be $25.90 per month as per Article 4 Section 3 of our Bylaws. Should any member have any questions or dispute regarding discrepancies in deductions, please call me at 1-866-255-1374. Please make sure Page 4

One last quick note to the many fabulous Retirees! I wanted to let them know that the yearly dues increases do not effect them at all. Dues for Retirees remain at $4.00 per month / $48.00 per year. If you have questions, don‘t hesitate to call or drop by! We always look forward to seeing or hearing from you. The General Apology:

The Little Bald Angels is a Registered Charity in the province of Saskatchewan, administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Little Bald Angels mandate is to provide Pediatric Cancer patients and their families with various types of assistance during the course of their Cancer treatment. Province wide pediatric Cancer patients that are treated at the Regina and Saskatoon Cancer Centres are the recipients of the Little Bald .STC staff flexed their fundraising muscles this summer. STC held an Angels programs once application has been received. employee BBQ at each of the main terminals donating all the proceeds to this year‘s charity, Little Bald Angels. Below: STC‘s President and CEO, There can be a lot of admissions for pediatric patients such as: Shawn Grice presented the charity with a cheque for $675.35 on behalf of chemotherapy, fever, neutropenia, blood work, transfusions, evaluations and examinations. Just to name a few! all STC employees who enjoyed the outing and sharing a great cause.

The office would like to extend an apology for the delay in getting this issue out to you. Due to protracted scheduling issues around contract talks, we couldn‘t devote enough attention to this project to do it justice. George must have pulled out all his remaining hair over these problems, but we‘ll try to keep it on track in the future. The next issue will be out in January so keep an eye out in the new year!

Most families spend a lot of time at the clinic and traveling to the clinic. Our main goal is to help relieve some of the daily stresses that can occur during days when families have to travel to the clinic. As a registered charity we are able to do this by providing the following types of assistance:  Food gift certificates  Emergency Hotel accommodations  Parking Passes at the hospital  Gasoline gift cards  Bottled water at the clinic  Snacks for patients and family members at the clinic  Emla Cream (to take the sting out of the many needles the children receive during treatment.)  Emergency overnight bags  STC Bus Passes  Many more gifts throughout the year!

The next deadline is January 20th, 2012.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fall! Amanda West

The company has been working hard to offer passengers more onbus amenities such as:  Wi-Fi, AC power outlets, window shades, extended legroom and fold down trays.  April – Senior‘s Sale  June, July, August – Youth Pass  High customer service rating



Being a parent and having to see your child go through Cancer is one of the hardest things in life. You see it on their faces, you hear it in their voices and you can feel it when you speak to them, they fear for their child. On a day when the world seems to have fallen beneath a persons feet we want to be able to use the Little Bald Angels to lift them up. We believe our community will come together to share their gifts and talents and the Little Bald Angels will fly among us for years to come!

(Please go to page 2 for the continued report from the Saskatchewan EBM.) Page 25

Calgary Greyhound Employees Set Date for Year End Get Together With the Contract put away for another 3 years, I'd like to congratulate the negotiating team on a job well done. The Unity in that room was the BEST we've seen in a long time and the results of the vote show we ARE a Union!!!! Hats off to all that voted and Thank you for the vote of confidence towards your Executive Board's recommendation! All is not won however and To my Ontario constituents, I would like to point out some very important facts to keep in mind for our fall elections. With all the cuts Happening in Alberta with Bus Deregulation or as they call it "Modernization" it is very important to remember that if a Conservative Government is elected in Ontario that same agenda will most likely be introduced here with all their thoughts and actions geared toward Big Business and no thoughts given to the impact of service cuts and our Jobs I would encourage people to take a second look before casting their ballots and to please do your civil duty and VOTE!!! For those who don't understand the effects of Deregulation vs. a Regulated system, in a nut shell a Regulated system gives the carrier exclusive running rights or limited competition on lucrative runs in exchange for service provided on not so lucrative runs. Under a Deregulated environment it's all about profits competition is open to any carrier with the proper licensing and insurance, to offer a service but the less profitable routes are abandoned because companies don't have to provide service to smaller towns off the beaten path. From my point of View, the senior couple who lived in a small town all their lives and who decide to spend their golden years in familiar surroundings will not be able to go for medical appointments to the city because they will have no bus service. Competition will also drive prices of tickets down and in the end less money for maintenance and maybe even for wages. In the early 90 's the U.S. deregulated and about 50% of the rural communities lost their bus service and the accident rates have gone up. Alberta's Conservatives snuck this Bill in the back door with no public consultation and with total disregard for the residents of Alberta, and any province electing a Conservative Government is subject to the same treatment. So Please vote with your job in mind. All this combined with foreign ownership which sees profits leave our country to other destinations, (another convenient perk for Corporations facilitated by the Federal Conservatives) why would any Corporation who don't have any roots in this country care what kind of service they are providing as long as they get the profits? I would encourage all of you to get involved .

Guilles Tessier

Ontario Executive Board Member A.T.U. Local 1374 Sudbury On. Page 24

CANADIAN COUNCIL Conferences and Presentations 2012 ATU CANADIAN COUNCIL Hilton Lac-Leamy Gatineau, Quebec June 6th - 9th CLC files Access to Information request on pension Published: January 23rd 2011 Source: Canadian Labor Congress The Canadian Labor Congress has filed an Access to Information request to find out who lobbied the Federal Finance Minister and his department against proposals that would enhance the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans. Last summer Jim Flaherty said that improving the CPP was the best way to ensure the retirement security of Canadians but the minister has now changed his mind in favor of vastly inferior private sector plans. The financial services sector was lobbying hard prior to the finance ministers meeting in Kananaskis in December. The CLC filed two access requests in late December 2010, and they ask for both internal government and external lobbying materials related to the CPP and private sector Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs). High management fees charged by banks and insurance companies can reduce pension savings by more than 50 per cent. The CPP is a far better option.

Richard Stobert & Gord Krzoska have set the date, time and place for this year‘s year end get together. A social where old friends can come to mingle, eat, drink and be merry. The date is Friday December 2, 2011 to be held at Noon. The New Dynasty Restaurant #400, 388 Country Hills Blvd. N.E. Calgary, Alberta will be gathering place for this yearly social. For more information contact: Richard Stobert 403-247-6668 or [email protected] Gord Krzoska 403-228-9155 or [email protected] So come on, out and see your old friends, talk about the good old days, the stories and keep up with the gossip. It will be a great afternoon for everyone.

Alberta Spare Reindeer

Cartoon Art Work By Martin Tuba GCTC Driver Kamloops BC Watch for more work in other issues of the Hitching Post

Page 5

Retired Greyhound Penticton Operator Stan Stickland Making slow recovery The Editor

80 Years Ago POSTED IN THE AROW LAKE NEWS NAKUSP BC

The Editor’s Blurb Letters to the by George Cameron

Hi, George,

(Sent in by L.B Sutherland Penticton)

Stan Stickland, is making a slow but remarkable recovery after suffering a major stroke late last summer. There is a long way ahead, with rehabilitation and physical as he progress seems to be seen every day. With a smile and some speech returning, it‘s hard to say when a full recovery will be. As his friends and old drivers visit him, his spirits are high and his humor is starting to return, and that is good sign. Shortly before his stroke, he was enjoying a wonderful day of golf which was the 38th annual Greyhound Golf Tournament. With a packed day in the sunshine, Stan never missed a tournament , or a day on the course, with his old buddies. We hope his recovery will be swift and he once again return to the game his loves so much. We all pray and hope that will happen soon to this wonderful man, who was comedian at all the parties, a true sportsman and course, also a wonderful and safe driver for Greyhound Canada. We are all behind you Sticky, get well so you can keep us all laughing..

Penticton BC holds Retirement Party By Editor George Cameron

In Penticton they held a retirement party October 1st at the Days Inn to honour 4 recent local drivers who recently retired. The drivers are Rob Bravi, Bernie Cymek, Larry Kendler, Colleen Snelson. As this vent happened as this issue was being completed, we will try and get some information and photos, for the Winter Issue. Congratulations to all of you, I hope you enjoy your retirement as we all are. It was my pleasure to call you great friends and fellow professional drivers, now with so many stories to tell, and just as many memories that will last life time. Here‘s a little tidbit for you all. Sip some beer, enjoy the grandkids Give yourself a treat Take advantage of your bus pass Get slippers for your feet Page 6

On May 8th 1931- The first round trip of the Canadian Greyhound Coaches between Nelson and Nakusp was completed Monday at 12 noon, when the 21 passenger coach that left Nelson at 4:00 Saturday afternoon for the Arrow Lakes capital returned to its base. The bus layup at Nakusp Sunday. The big bus which was recently placed on the Nelson - Slocan lake run kept the schedule exactly, five hours each way with the usual stops at Slocan Lake and valley points. The bus leaves Nakusp at 7 a.m. and arrives in Nelson at 12, leaving at 4. This gives Nakuspites 4 hours for shopping in Nelson and they arrive back here at 9 o'clock at night. As soon as the Monashee road to Vernon is open the stage from that city will connect with this coach line giving down lake residents a chance to take advantage of this excellent service. Footnote: The above story was in the Nelson Daily News 80 years ago. The last trip that Greyhound operated from Nakusp to Nelson left Nakusp at 6:10 a.m. on September 6, 1963 and was driven by Tom Koziancic, who lived in Crescent Valley. With the schedule being cancelled Koziancic then moved to Penticton, continuing his career with Greyhound until his retirement in1990. Greyhound closed their Nelson Division in 1963 and the drivers were relocated to Penticton and Calgary. George Selfridge and his son Ken operated a scheduled service between Vernon and Nakusp between the years 1965 to 1975. However, during that period Ken decided to work for Greyhound and worked for them until he retired in 2008, after many successful years of driving. Below is one of the new busses in Calgary with New Logo

Editor It has been many years since we last met, in fact I believe it was probably in the Greyhound Terminal in Kamloops in the mid-nineties. I hope all is well with you and that life is good.

I really have to apologise for the latest of this issue. The deadline was set back three times to accommodate all the contracts from the 4 companies; Brewster, Red Deer Transit, Saskatchewan Transportation Corp, and Greyhound Canada Transportation Unlimited Liability Corporation (the new name) under the umbrella of Local 1374, which all needed to have a collective bargaining agreement. The Executive Board of 1374, did a tremendous job in the last few months, getting all the agreements and all ratified. They are totally exhausted, and deserve a break from it all to catch their breath. It ‗s not easy getting meetings set up, travel dates, flying around the country, along with the regular union business of discipline hearings with various employees across the system. The seminars, workshops, conferences, along with regular meetings scheduled around at each of the main cities. The companies trying to change a few things, which was not negotiated after the fact. So the meetings went on. As for the contract for Greyhound. I personally thought the increase in wages was good, although I know, as well as we all did, the many lost items which was given up in the past, will likely never get back, but under the circumstances, this contact will keep the wages flowing, and steady work in these very difficult times in the economy. Changing some things in the issue would be not good, as most of the information, even though its late, it will still be important, so I left it as is. Other parts or articles have come and gone, so I had to pull them out, and report on the aftermath of them. I did get photos and stories from drivers in the east, but I wish more people, would send me material to put in this newsletter for all of us can read, it is nice to see what most of us have missed or have forgotten about. So please send a picture of your retirement, or a funny story you had while working, there are hundreds of them out there, let‘s see some of them. There are thousands of them out there, lets, share them for everyone can enjoy tour stories and photos.

I stumbled across the A.T.U. newsletter while snooping on the net, and I have to tell you that I truly enjoyed the article about Brewster at the Olympics. It was great to see pictures of friends and colleagues that I have not seen or spoken with in a number of years. I suspect that it was a pleasurable time for all who participated. Ann and I are now residing in Kelowna. If you are ever in the area please give us a shout. Best Regards, Mel Billings Hi there - George, Finally had a chance to sit down and read The #6 Hitching Post, I am always busy this year. Was involved with Envision Edmonton, the Indy Race, the Elections, trying to save the Edmonton City Center airport. I saw you were working during the Olympics, and driving a Brewster Bus. Of course I am still at Greyhound and my route is the early morning trip out of Edmonton for Jasper 5401/5172, I am hoping the retire on that one! If you are ever this way, that is where I am for some lunch hours. Also, I got my flight instructor rating in March 2009 and work part time teaching people how to fly in Camrose. You can talk to Jim Curry, I took him for a flight around Edmonton in April. It was great to read all what you wrote, so I could catch to everything now! I‘m also the Webmaster and designer for www.camroseflightcenter.net Check it out!! Thanks so much. Francois Lehodey, P.Eng. Flight Instructor Camrose Flight Center

I have received from albums from Lorne Bond, and Ron Clermont in Kamloops. Ron has saved just about every picture of a bus, baggage tags, forms, and every day items for the operation of the company going back over 50 years. I will be sifting through 3 huge albums and will share them in the next issue, in late January. I have a wonderful write up from Mr. Lorne Bond who wrote a 4 page article of how it was in the 1950‘s to drive Greyhound in British Columbia. I have read it, but there just room in this issue to put it in, it is one of the best informative data I have read, and will bring along memories to those who worked and remember the good old days. Thanks to Lorne and Ron for helping me getting some new or should say Old Stuff to enjoyed by those who read this Newsletter. I need more send what you can, it will be returned after it has been cleared here.

Francois Lehodey The “Pilot”

Francois Lehodey - The “Bus Driver” Ready to roll out of Jasper to Edmonton Page 23

Your Executive Board Is Ready To Serve You

Hello Editor; This is the story about the gimme five fuel conservation program. Way back in 2002, there was a contest run by the feds, natural resources Canada to promote bus fuel conservation. All the drivers of every major bus company were invited to write a written story line for a training video about motor coach fuel conservation. Well my entry, titled , the gimme five program, was deemed to be one of six national co-winners. they paid a cash prize of $100 each, but also invited all six national co-winners to Ottawa in November 2003, for the filming of the training video which we participated in with speaking roles, this video eventually came out in nov.2005. i know that all the hounds in Canada were given an entry form, because, Lorraine card had an entry form put into every pay envelope. but, she and every manager in B.C.. has seen this gimme five program, and have failed to promote it. It was not even posting it on a bulletin board. I feel it‘s as good a time as any to promote it in any way possible. Thanks, Jim Curry

THE GIMME FIVE FUEL CONSERVATION PROGRAM BY: Jim Curry Vancouver Greyhound Operator

The Gimme Five fuel conservation program is intended to promote fuel conservation and reduce air pollution. The best way to get a driver‘s attention is to hit him in the wallet. Affecting the bottom line can mean more $ in the bus bank. Dollars saved per trip and per day through fuel conservation can mean more money for all of us. 1. Let us START with this. When starting from a stop, accelerate smoothly whether it is an automatic or manual transmission. Use progressive up shifting. When starting in first gear, use only enough throttle to get into second gear. Do not run up to the maximum governed RPM in low to medium gears. The days of screaming GM Detroit Diesels are gone! The torque and horsepower of modern engines allows for smooth acceleration with lighter throttle. Avoid jackrabbit starting and shifting techniques. It is not where you run it is where you finish!

Back Row L-R) Frank Smathers Terminal Executive Board Member - Dan Bialobzyski Alberta Executive Board Member - Darren Thoressen Saskatchewan Executive Board Member - Eric Carr Manitoba Executive Board Member Jeff Melnick Maintenance Executive Board Member

2. Once you are moving down the open road maintain a smooth, even pressure on the throttle. This will give you a smoother, safer and relaxed ride behind the steering wheel and for the passengers behind you. They will notice this. Did you read the bus driver‘s horoscope. It said all of your troubles are behind you !!!

(Front Row L-R) Bob Swyryda Vice President - Gary Galbreath President Business Agent - Amanda West Financial Secretary Treasurer Gullies' Tessier Ontario Executive Board Member - Douglas Wrench British Columbia Executive Board Member

3. Now that you are on the road, establish a corporate speed limit. This limit should be equal to the posted speed limit!

*****For Information***** C1 – 416 Meridian Road S.E., Calgary, Alberta T2A 1X2 1.866.255.1374 phone: 403.229.1335 fax: 403.229.1153 Website: www.atu1374.com Page 22

4. Use Road Management. This includes all the aspects of defensive driving such as: Maintain an adequate following distance Reading the road and traffic ahead of and around you Avoiding unnecessary braking and shifting. Remember to keep your momentum going forward whenever possible.

Welcome to ATU 1374 Serving our Members for 67 years 1944 - 2011

News From the Winnipeg Shop By Jeff Melnick

Executive Board Member Maintenance

Hello Folks, It has been a really hot dry summer here in Manitoba but the best part is that there was no mosquitoes and I only had to cut the grass twice!!! The contract was ratified with an 86% vote in favour which was really nice to see but it sure would have been better if everyone voted. Our membership numbers are down and every vote counts, democracies is our right and I encourage you all to get involved and exercise that right! After 27 months with no increases, the company knew that we needed something. The wage increase is good and the prescription drug card is a huge achievement but the best part is that we are moving in the right direction. Please get out to your local meetings and bring your ideas and thoughts forward to your local representatives' as well as to the Union office and Executives. Lets get things on the table starting now instead of waiting till the contract ends in 2014. You all have a voice, so lets use it! Thank you for all you and have a great end to the summer cause unfortunately winter just around the corner!

Jeff Melnick Maintenance EBM

5. During extended STOPS on route and at the end of the line, try to eliminate idling. When arriving at destinations such as terminals, hotels, restaurants, national park scenic viewpoints, etc. the motor should be turned off. This will obviously conserve fuel and provide a better environment around the bus by eliminating fumes, noise, vibrations, etc.. Noting that regional bylaws dictate time limits regarding idling. The motors should not be started until approximately 3 to 10 minutes prior to departure. BOTTOM LINE: MORE MONEY IN THE BANK AND LESS POLLUTION!!!! Page 7

RETIREES January – June 2011

To: All ATU 1374 Members – GCTC Re: Sheppell-fgi Employee Assistance Program Dear Brothers and Sisters, Decco-Walton Camp 5 Gallagher Bus Lines of Hope, BC. Taking crew out on long weekends. Glen Gallagher Collection

As most of you will be aware, Greyhound recently sent out a package, reminding employees that a free, confidential employee assistance program is available to each of you and your families. I would like to take this opportunity to also remind you of Sheppell-fgi and their services.

NAME:

COMPANY:

POSITION:

LOCATION:

PENSION DATE:

Taylor, Clyde Redl, Arnold Michiels, Christopher Carruthers, Danny Lagasse, Victor Mullie, Bernard Smith, Gerald Brownlee, Alan Dacquay, Denis Massett, Rod Mattheis, Donna Toiger, Andres Linton, Michael Snelson, Colleen Crilley, Joseph Thompson, Knolly

GCTULC STC GCTULC GCTULC GCTULC GCTULC GCTULC GCTULC GCTCLC STC RDT GCTULC GCTULC GCTULC GCTULC GG/GCTULC

Operator Operator Operator Maintenance Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Maintenance Operator Operator Operator Operator Maintenance Maintenance

Regina Saskatoon Calgary Edmonton Vancouver Regina Winnipeg Kelowna Winnipeg Saskatoon Red Deer Thunder Bay Winnipeg Kelowna Calgary Winnipeg

September 1, 2010 September 1, 2010 December 5, 2010 January 1, 2011 January 1, 2011 January 1, 2011 January 1, 2011 February 1, 2011 February 1, 2011 February 1, 2011 February 1, 2011 February 1, 2011 March 1, 2011 April 1, 2011 April 1, 2011 May 1, 2011

Scheppel-fgi provides free and confidential counseling for any Greyhound employee and their immediate family members. Consultations can take place over the phone, in person, or online. All matters and records relating to participation in the Employee Assistance Program are private, voluntary and confidential. No identifying information will be forwarded to anyone within Greyhound. The services that Sheppell-fgi provide cover everything from mental health and well being to quitting smoking. They even have an on-line wellness library that you can access at any time, with just the click of your mouse. We all know that our jobs can be stressful and that they can be more so at this time of year. Please don‘t hesitate to take advantage of this assistance program, as it is there for our benefit. If you want more information, please go to their website at http://www.shepellfgi.com or call, toll free, 1-800387-4765. There are counselors available to speak to you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fraternally, Amanda West

A, West

Financial Secretary Treasurer [email protected]

YEARS OF SERVICE: 31 years 24 years 3 years 29 years 25 years 35 years 37 years 3 years 32 years 30 years 31 years 35 years 38 years 29 years 22 years 30 years

DECEASED MEMBERS January - June 2011 Name Black, John Cooney, Robert Irvine, Eldred

Company STC STC STC

Position Operator Operator Maintenance

Location Saskatoon Saskatoon Regina

Deceased

Years of Service

unknown January 2, 2010 February 17, 2010

29 years 35 years 22 years

January 29, 2011 February 26, 2011 March 12, 2011 March 28, 2011 April 7, 2011 April 16, 2011 June 26, 2011

28 years 36 years 31 years 29 years 18 years 30 years 26 years

n.b. the names above were only recently confirmed and some information not known Oleck, Edward Samulenok, Edward Sandberg, Thor Markiewicz, Robert Hildebrand, Howard Boyd, David Bagdon, Alfred

STC GCTULC GCTULC STC GCTULC GCTULC GCTULC

Operator Terminal Operator Operator P&D Operator Operator

Regina Calgary Kamloops Prince Albert Coquitlam Kamloops Thunder Bay

Taken in Chilliwack 1910 Page 8

Page 21

I

ATU 1374 Website

Canadian Transit Bonspiel’s in Jeopardy

www.atu1374.com Thanks for using the website to get up to date information which is happening day by day, it certainly helped with the Brewster Proposal. New features have been added to made it easy to navigate. Some new links were, added along with a counter to let us know how many hits were getting, which is a lot and that‘s good.

By the Editor

Our special thanks to The Webmaster Luis, who is busy getting reports and special news items on line when the news breaks, it‘s immediately put on the web to keep you the members informed on very important issue, with the contract talks, and negations, with the 4 companies represented by Local Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1374. All the Hitching Posts are there, in color, but the files is very large and takes time to download it, to view even on PDF, so you are able to print a color version if you like. Most of the old site has been transferred, we hope you like the format and the layout. If you have any questions please inform us at the head-office, also let us know what you think. We apologize for the delay of this issue, the union had to deal with 4 contracts in one year, this was a first and delayed the newsletter. Our purpose however is to keep you the members regular and/or retired informed to the best of our ability.

2012 Reunion Planned By the Editor

After two great Reunions in Brookmere, B.C. and Rosetown Saskatchewan, many attempts to have another one, fell through due to time, and location seemed to be a problem. This summer while talking to a retired driver who was part of the planning of the first one in Brookmere, we thought we would have another go at it. This time it would be open to all the 4 companies of the ATU local 1374, with Greyhound, Brewster, Red Deer Transit, and STC who would be welcome to come and take part in in the 2012 Reunion at Brookmere, B.C. about 26 (43kms) miles south Merritt off Highway 5.

Greetings from sunny Manitoba. Here on the prairies, I would like to congratulate all the members for ratifying the collect agreement for Greyhound. The turn out was high and that goes to show the state of the union right now. We in Manitoba are still vigilant on the deregulation file as we can see what is going on with our Alberta brothers and sisters. In my meetings with the provincial government in the past, I have been assured that the current government does not want to deregulate in Manitoba. That being said, the government is willing to work with Greyhound on some modifications to the current regulatory system. On October 4th, make sure that your vote counts in the provincial elections. In the Thunder Bay region, the members are concerned about union involvement and no local management. I have held meetings there and will continue to try to establish a strong union presence in their area and to facilitate a stronger sub-local structure.

In closing, I would like to wish all the members and their families safe travels to where ever you might be travelling The plans so far are that the dates would be the 3-4-5 of August. and the very best for the holidays Registration would be on the 3rd, with camping facilities for converted busses, trailers, RV campers, and tents are all welcome. Although his In Solidarity, reunion, would be more self– serving, with more of a social atmosphere, with meeting new folks, and enjoying a hopeful sunny and warm weekend.

Eric Carr Eric Carr

We are asking for volunteers to help us, in anyway they can, with ideas and Manitoba and North West Ontario support with the planning of this gathering. We are also hoping to that the Executive Board Member following companies with help donate some items towards the event, or maybe support a pancake Breakfast or Dinner. For more information, please contact the Editor. Updates will be announced as they are finalized.

Special Assessment Dues September 27, 2011 ATU 1374 MEMBERS

Hello Members;

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I sent a E-mail to Al Miller, in Edmonton with the hopes that the Bonspiel 2012 was going to be planned. He sent out 'feelers' (earlier this year) to everyone he had an email list about resurrecting the Bonspiel. Got 'read receipts' from all of them but 1. Got absolutely no responses about interest. That, unfortunately appears to be the sorry state of affairs. No one appears to be interested in even talking about this event. He thinks mostly they are afraid to do anything that may involve hosting.

It is our duty to notify you, that, in accordance with A.T.U. Constitution and General Laws – Section 21.15, a special dues assessment of $50.00 per member will be deducted from your next scheduled pay period. As all of you are aware, we are fighting many legal battles on behalf of our membership. This year, in particular, has been extremely costly. We are seeing the end to our most expensive arbitration to date, with the final cost totaling $70,000.00. The costs of defending the membership and our contracts are increasing every year. We have 10 cases scheduled to go to arbitration in the new year and these encompass the vast majority of our properties.

To get to answer my question. Based on the incredibly dismal lack of response he had not proceeded with any plans to resurrect the bonspiel. I have since retired and have registered in several mixed fun leagues at the Saville over the course of the winter. If you hear back from anyone else who has any interest, please let me know. AI had thought about having a central organizing committee to liaison with sponsors and have a coordinated bank acct so the local chapters would only have to worry about providing timely information about venues, catering etc. As Al mentioned (Quote -George, I really wish things had evolved differently and there was more interest. It was truly an honour meeting you and watching your 'unique' style of turtle curling. Plus you're a fun guy off the ice too! Next year I will likely be moving to the West Coast (Langley/Surrey or Abbottsford) so I'll have to look you up and find out where the good curling centers are out there- Unquote”

Due to these costs, we have found it necessary to collect, as per the bylaws, an extra assessment from our members on a per capita basis. This amount reflects the outstanding cost of one single arbitration case that originated in Edmonton. We, as an Executive Board, diligently strive to provide the best service that we can to each and every member. We have already cut expenses in every area possible. As per a decision made by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board last year, it is in your best interests that we seek a legal opinion on each and every grievance that may proceed to arbitration. This has substantially increased the costs of our day to day business. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact this office or your local Executive Board member to discuss them. In Solidarity,

Your Executive Board

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Page 9

DAVID OMER BOYD 11 November 1942 – 16 April 2011

While working out of the Cache Creek and Prince George divisions David served eight years with the RCMP in an auxiliary capacity. Another passion for David was his Honda Valkyrie motorcycle on which he and his ‗biker chick‘ clocked many thousands of kilometres. A cross-Canada trip to Halifax return was the highlight of seventeen biking summers. David also enjoyed travelling in the US during the 1970‘s and ‗80‘s with his best friend, John Mooy. David was also a writer receiving on-air recognition as an entrant in a CBC Writer‘s contest. As a volunteer teacher in Tian Jin he collected many accolades particularly from the primary students to whom he taught first aid. They thought it was so much fun to bandage each other and it didn‘t matter if the English learned was minimal.

Joseph Francis Schneider April 18th 1949 - April 5th 2011

Some of the wonderful people of Greyhound are no longer with us, through part of the year, this page is a tribute to those I personally knew. At the top of the Page, is Thor Sanberg a Greyhound Driver from Kelowna who passed away after a long battle of cancer. Joe Schneider who worked at the Hope Bus Depot for a number of years before moving over to the Chilliwack Depot as Baggage and freight loader. He was extremely professional in doing his job getting thousands of buses in and out on time. He was a work alcoholic making sure the buses were loaded correctly for the online freight which needed to be unloaded in the middle of the night. He was a great asset to the Greyhound operation. Kay Mawhinney worked for over 30 years at the 2 Hope depots, she was a great agent for the traveling public, and lifesaver for all the drivers, which, was Greyhound and every foreign line charter that came through and stopped there. June Perry, the wife of the late Del Perry who passed away two years ago, who was a Greyhound Driver out of Vancouver for over 3 decades. She was a great supporter to Greyhound events . Krista Krause, the wife of Peter Krause and mother to Alexander, who was the agent in Merritt for over 20 years. Known to all the Greyhound drivers as ―MAMA”, always helpful, and making sure the drivers had enough to eat on the their short break during their runs. Many winter storms or closed roads kept some buses from leaving, so they would all hunker down until it was clear to continue their trip. The passengers loved the food and homemade soup, which was always hot and filling. This photo was taken on August 28th 2007, on The Editor George Cameron‘s last run to Vancouver before retirement.

Kathleen (Kaye) Mary Mawhinney August 13, 1939 August 25, 2011 Page 10

On Page 19, is a Vancouver Driver, David Boyd who passed away last April, he actually retired the same time as I did, and at our retirement party, we celebrated together.

To avoid the heat of Tian Jin David returned to Logan Lake each summer and time was spent with a special lady, his mother-in-law, Grace Clapperton. They dined out, went to movies, played cards or had long chats.

A life of caring for others and pride in his career ended far too soon at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, 16 April 2011 when David Omer Boyd died at the age of sixty-eight. He was surrounded by loving family, friends and those in his heart from both sides of the Pacific. Following a thirty year driving career with Greyhound Lines of Canada David retired in 2004 and with his wife, Lorraine chose to live in Tian Jin, China where Lorraine teaches English and David was the consummate tourist in the land he called magical. He learnt sufficient Mandarin to enjoy visiting the terra cotta warriors near Xi‘an, breweries in Qingdao, the Great Wall at Badaling, wondrous historical sites in Beijing, ice palaces in Harbin and the deserts of Urumchi. He particularly loved the people, the myriad of cultures and especially their food. David is survived by daughters, Jacqueline Boyd (fiancé Alex), Josephine (Dale and sons, Nathan and Anthony) all presently in Winnipeg, and stepdaughter Heather in Calgary. He had great pride in Jacqueline‘s career in the Canadian Armed Forces as she has served in the second Iraq War (Navy) and two tours in Afghanistan (Air Force). Josephine and husband, Captain Dale Devlieger, (Air Force), were his source of happiness as a grandfather. Nathan is following his grandfather in the Army life; David was in the Royal Canadian Signal Corps prior to choosing driving as a career, a choice he never regretted. Anthony graduates in June 2011 to be followed by university in September. Throughout his thirty year career as an operator/driver David gathered lifelong friends from passengers riding on the bus behind him and colleagues behind other wheels. Agent, terminal and maintenance staff was always happy to see David pull into the bus bay for they knew he would be thankful for what they did to keep the bus rolling and would do what he could to make their job easier. Ron Claremont at the Kamloops terminal was on hand night or day, often with an artifact of Greyhound history to show or share with David before adding it to his collection.

Latterly David was able to once again enjoy precious time with his niece Cara Moroz, and nephews, Michael and Christopher Moroz. His sister-in-law Evelyn Clapperton, long-time friends Valerie Rampone, Trudy and Barry Voss, and Trudy Frisk were generous with their time and companionship in his final weeks. Retired fellow driver Keith Suran kept David posted on ‗Greyhound Gossip‘ during his time in the Royal Inland Hospital and Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice. David will be sadly missed by his sister Rosallie of Whitecourt, Alberta and leaves to mourn a multitude of family, friends, and colleagues. Deepest thanks are expressed to those whose compassion and dedication eased David in his final days, also to those who sent messages of love, respect and thankfulness for having known him. At David‘s request there will be no service and if desired donations may be made to the Kamloops Hospice Assn., 72 Whiteshield Crescent., Kamloops, B.C., V2E 5S9. A ―Celebration of Life‖ is being planned around first part of July. Please contact George Cameron the Editor of the Hitchingpost for updates as to Date, Time and Place, also check for posting on the bulletin boards in the dispatch offices. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com Cremation has been entrusted to Schoening‘s Funeral Service.

Photo taken 2007 retirement awards dinner.

Page 19

Rob Bravi Retires 30 years Rob Bravi retired on Saturday May 5th after serving 30 years behind the wheel.. Rob joined Greyhound in Penticton in 1981 and worked the Okanagan, Kooteney‘s , and the lower mainland to Vancouver. The photos show, a hand shake at the end of the trip, along with many friends and colleagues to meet him bringing coach 1025 safe and sound in the Kelowna Depot. One depicts Rob signed off the last time sheet. Rob plans to take it easy for awhile, and then get back into his self promoted business of landscaping and keeping active, in the community with a odd day or two playing hooky at the golf course. It is hard to believe 30 years comes and goes so fast, with years of memories to last a lifetime. The regular passengers among the thousands he carried safely will miss his happy warm smile, and good humour. A new part of life begins, enjoy your retirement, you earned it. FORE —————

Tom Brown Oldest Brewster Driver passes away at the age of 103 By TS Owen – revised by editor

Tom Brown has lived in Banff for two thirds of his life—sixty-five years on Feb. 23—and is known fondly as the Cookie Man. Since moving here in 1944, the Scottish-born great grandfather of three worked as the manager of Sunshine Village (for one year) and the Columbia Ice field Chalet (for six), but was best known for his quips and his cookies—especially his shortbread—said granddaughter Stacey Corrigan. TS Owen ―as a kid, I went to his house at lunch and after school, and if we complained about having to go so far, he said if we got tired of walking, we could always run,‖ she said. ―He has a comment about everything. We always had grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, and we‘d better not use too much ketchup on the sandwich.‖ One of the things ―gramps‖ was famous for was baking—he amused himself by cooking shortbread and chocolate chip cookies, which he regularly distributed to the health centre, the bank and Brewster Transport. ―He had a production line,‖ she said. ―His garage was full of tins of cookies. As a kid, it was heaven.‖ An avid curler, Brown skipped a number of teams and seldom missed a bonspiel. Page 18

He was also a dedicated Mason and a Shriner. Those organizations sponsored a birthday party on Sunday for the 99-year-old, who won‘t make the century mark until the 23rd. ―We couldn‘t get the senior centre then,‖ said party organizer Brian Ford, who has known Tom Brown for only 30 years, ―but this will be fine.‖ In 2008, friends and well-wishers were invited to stop by the Banff Senior Centre to add their good wishes to those of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Lt. General Norman L. Kwong and Governor General Michaëlle Jean. They were still waiting for the queen‘s,‖ said Leland. ―They hoped to get it before Sunday.‖ He said his dad is in good health for 100, but after an accident on his scooter in 1999, is a little unsteady, gets around with a walker and has slowed down some. ―He gave up his driver‘s license at 95,‖ said son Leland. ―He wasn‘t too happy about it, but the doctors convinced him his eyesight wasn‘t very good and his reaction times were slower. We got him the scooter after that and he used it to go to the post office every day.‖ At 100, Tom Brown lived on his own at Abbey field House, until recently on the second floor. He was moved to St. Martha‘s Place in the hospital where he passed away June 3rd 2011. Born in 1909 in Aberdeen, he came to work on an uncle‘s farm in Hussar, Alberta, at 17. Six years later, he returned to Scotland, but came back to work on a stock farm near Bragg Creek before marrying. He ran his own trucking company in Dogpound for five years before moving to Banff to work for Brewster. In 1960, he bought the Mt. View, which is now the Buffalo Mountain Lodge. Semi retired in 1968, he became a volunteer bus driver, ferrying school kids and old timers‘ hockey teams around. ―He has a lot of plaques of appreciation from various groups for that,‖ Leland said. Leland‘s daughter Stacey Corrigan had twins, Connor and Meghan and daughter Lori had a daughter Chloe, making Tom a triple great grampa. Son Leland has memories of road trips with his dad when he delivered gas for Brewster to the Ice fields and Saskatchewan Crossing. ―I remember riding with him in the truck,‖ he said. ―He was fun to go with.‖ Editor’s note Having met Tom during my course of working with Brewster, I found him a genuine and caring person and treated everyone with respect and dignity. His kindness over the years will never be forgotten. We have lost a great ambassador to the Canadian Rockies. This leaves the next oldest Brewster Driver Slim Fleming nearing the age of 100, who escorted King George VI and the Queen Mother around Banff in 1939, during the cross Canada tour. He also met many other royalties from other countries, along with Hollywood screen and movie stars, who were all enriched by his knowledge and stories, he told of the Banff National Park and area. Page 11

THE SIXTH ANNUAL GREYHOUND FISH OUT Instigated by Bill Saxby, Mark Miller and Shannon Fox By Paul Derro Star Staff Writer & George Cameron Hitching Post Editor

The sixth annual Greyhound fish-out which was held on the 16-17-18 of September was once again a huge success. About twenty people showed up. Numbers were down a little bit from previous years though. We think it was because it was raining in Kamloops. Fortunately, we didn‘t see any rain at Duffy Lake. As usual, it was very cool and somewhat windy at times but we still had a great time! There was a 50/50 draw and Ron Josephson took home an extra $101. The proceeds are used for future fish-outs. We had a number of prizes donated by the Union, Surplus Herbies and Greyhound. Bill Saxby was so pleased when he saw a huge package of Jackets, sweaters and toques show up for the fish-out. They were actually Mark Miller‘s clothing allowance. The food on Saturday night was fantastic. Everyone had a part in preparing the food. Shannon Fox and his wife Gerri really put in an extra effort to ensure that everyone ate exceptionally well. We had a huge BBQ roast, wings, salads and corn on the cob. The fishing ... Well, it left a lot to be desired. We made the best of it though. We have not decided where and when the next one will be. We are thinking maybe in early June. This will help with manpower – so more of us can attend. We might have better weather, better fishing and longer days to fish. We‘ll keep you posted! A huge and heartfelt thank-you to everyone participating and for making this event a huge success. From the ―Whip It & Strip It‖ Fish-out Committee.

In 1947 Ambrose began his career with Greyhound at the age of 25. At that time there were only 21 drivers and maintenance staff of 7, plus 2 supervisory people.

Shannon Fox, Bill Saxby and Mark Miller Apologies from the Editor, due to this late issue beyond my control, this event was listed, and printed after the event. I’m happy to be able to report the out come of this event. Please check out the Winter issue in Late January for dates for the 2012 Fish Out.

After 31 years on the road, he is finally leaving the driving to someone else had a warm welcome and congratulations awaited the Greyhound bus driver. Ambrose Mackwood on completion of his final trip his bus pulled into the Sudbury bus station upon completion of a run from Toronto was greeted by operations supervisor, Wally Fauteaux, on the left and on the right, greeted by district manager Les Forbes after 2 1/2 million of safe accident-free miles. Ambrose's wife Ferne was presented with a dozen roses and smiles behind her husband. The greeting came on Mackwood's 57th birthday. With 15 years experience as a Master Driver, Mackwood had trained over 100 Greyhound bus drivers over the years. According to Forbes, Mackwood has driven over two and a half million miles without an accident. Many of the runs were between White River and North Bay, Sudbury and Toronto. As a resident of Little Current, Mackwood intends to retire on Manitoulin Island. He and his wife, Ferne, left today on a winter vacation in Florida. In 1946 Orville Caesar became president of Greyhound. Caesar lobbied intensely for wider highways to accommodate his buses and fought to change the laws restricting the length of a bus to 35 feet. His new 'Scenicruisers' were 40 feet long and illegal in certain states. A year later Mr. Mackwood started in 1947. He mentioned the recent issue of The Good Old Days in the Hitching Post, prompted him to write and say that it brought back good memories. As of today, he is the only survivor of the group at the age of 89 along with his wife they just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!!! Note from the Editor~ Thanks for sending me this information about your history with Greyhound, I hope this will bring more responses from other drivers, who have their stories to tell. This is your Newsletter, I can use all of your help, along with information, so I can share it with others.

Brad & Bill

See you there Page 12

Brad - Shannon - Rod - Norquita

Tight lines to all! Page 17

Our minimum fare was twenty-five cents; we sold lots of tickets out of our own issued stock, as we never passed a passenger anywhere without picking them up. Fares during the 50"s were in most cases about three and a half cents per passenger mile. The fare from Vancouver to Penticton was $7.10 and Vancouver to Prince George was $15.40. Drivers at meal stops usually paid 25 cents for his meal; at the lay away point $.65 cents brought you a pretty good meal. (Beer sold in the liquor store for $2.52 per dozen) or.10 cents a glass. As the 1950's came to a close, Greyhound entered a new phase of operations, dispatchers were hired, busses were larger and were all diesel and in a very few years we received buses with air Conditioning and toilets. In 1958 our double breasted blue uniforms were eliminated in favour of a much lighter coloured single breasted uniform, and one had a choice of either winter or summer weight material and at the same time we had an option of wearing the "IKE" jacket The Amalgamated Transit Union was our union starting in the early 40's, (A.T.U. Division101). Then in 1946, Western Canadian Greyhound was represented by division 1374. We formed the Vancouver Sub local in 1958. In all, we worked for a good Company, well run and the Company classed

us as their Field Representatives, and any input toward a better operation was wisely received by the Company and the 50's closed with the Company's earnings, rising and along with higher Company profits, our wages were also rising. The Company was always conscience of their public image, and in those years Greyhound set the standards for Highway Transportation for reliable safe service. No passenger was ever left behind because of cutting financial corners. If we had one passenger over, an overload would be arranged, or if in the middle of the night in some small town an overload was created, we would accommodate, by hiring a Taxi or a private car which we would use until one of our own coaches was sent out to meet us. There were no freeways or express trips, we went into every small town and every town had a leaving time, and we couldn't leave any town ahead of time going from Hope to Vancouver. We were not allowed to pick up passengers from Hope to Vancouver, but went through all the throws to please someone that may have stopped over on their tickets. As a driver we loaded and unloaded all our own baggage and express. There was no help at any depot and absolutely no security, unless the local police were called. On the road, in the case of an engine failure, were expected to get it going. If you had a flat tire you changed it. Our Coach maintenance was superb, main shops being in Penticton and Vancouver, major maintenance was in Calgary. Life with Greyhound in the 50's was much harder than it is today, but we had our rewards, in the form of security, and we had a Company that was focused and looked forward to a bright future, to which I was not disappointed. The Company continued to grow into the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Then when something went wrong, corners were cut and the dedication was gone. Somewhere in the later years, basic lessons learned and practiced by the founding fathers of Greyhound was never carried into the modern Company, because with no local management capable of making local decisions, the Modern Company is in disarray and have forgotten, or were never taught the basic rules in Transportation, to look after our customers, agents, and above all, look after your employees and then the Company will be looked after . Lorne Bond, Retired Driver, GLC

Tommy Bond - Father of Lorne Bond heading out on his last

Page 16

Western Canadian Greyhound - British Columbia in the 1950's (Penticton Division.) By Lorne Bond The Red Ribbon Award Story

Western Canadian Greyhound took over B.C. Greyhound in 1945. A Calgary based company which continued to expand their operations throughout the 50's and 60's. Home terminals for the drivers were at that time Penticton, Vancouver, Vernon, Quesnel, Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and Spence‘s Bridge. During the late 40's, a new fleet of buses were brought to the Penticton Division. In 1947 Penticton received their first new buses under the Western Canadian Greyhound banner; these were 33 passenger Courier 100 Coach, made by Motor Coach Industries in Winnipeg. These coaches were overall length of 30 feet. The length restrictions were due to the Fraser Canyon restrictions, vehicles over 30 feet were not allowed between Hope and Spence‘s Bridge. The Penticton division territorial, was Penticton to Vancouver to Prince George, Cache Creek to Revelstoke, Penticton to Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm to Kamloops, and Ashcroft to Penticton, to the International boundary at Osoyoos and Penticton to Spence‘s Bridge. Head office (Regional office) was in Penticton, with district offices and managers in Vancouver and Ashcroft. In November 1949 the Hope Princeton Highway was opened. At this time the transportation priorities changed from a trip from Penticton to Vancouver via Princeton, Merritt, and Spence‘s Bridge to Vancouver, which took 16 hours, to a 7 to 8 hour trip to and from the same destinations now possible. When the Hope Princeton highway opened, the system received ten new coaches for the Calgary Vancouver runs via the Kooteney‘s, these were the Courier 85 models, 37 passenger coaches. The coaches, the Courier 85 and courier 100's were bare boned coaches by today's standards. No air Conditioning, No washrooms, no smoking restrictions, 148 horsepower gasoline red diamond International motors, with a five speed manual transmission (Commonly known as crash boxes). No power steering, the only accessories were a hand controlled spot light and fog lights. These coaches were heated by a few water heaters and a poor defrost system, which led to frost shields glued on the inside of both windshields. These coaches served the Company well, the last Courier 100 left Vancouver to Calgary over the Big Bend in September 1959, (they were to be terminated in 1958, but decided to keep them one more year). Two more revelations were to take place in favour of the Company, first being the completion of the Fraser Canyon section of the Trans-Canada in 1962, eliminating any length restrictions, and the opening of the Rogers pass section of the Trans-Canada Highway eliminating the use of the Big bend highway cutting off some 80 miles between Revelstoke and Golden. I entered service with the company in 1953 (number 54 on the district seniority list) and retired in 1992. To work for the Company in those days was well worth my stay, although the rate of pay was only 5.8 cents per mile, (starting rate) the fact our pay was not always great, but it was always there. Drivers starting at that time were thoroughly screened. Had to have a clear driving record, height and weight restrictions were carefully

considered when an applicant went through his physical, and one restriction was that you were not accepted if you wore glasses. One had to have 2020 vision to qualify. After you were accepted, you went through the Company training school that lasted about two weeks, then you were required to student all the runs in the Penticton Division, plus student the run to Nelson, which you could be called on to overload at any time. After the training and student trips, you waited to be called and as seniority was something you never had, you were obliged to go to wherever you were assigned, which usually meant being away from your home. All added to this, you were not compensated financially for any training Student trips, hotel rooms, or meals. After qualifying, you were put on probation for six months. Later, when required to work, you had to have a uniform which the company would not share the 50% cost until after you went through your probationary period, so you bought pieces of uniforms from the established drivers and had them altered. The only thing I remember being handed as a student driver was a hat badge, you also had to have a ticket punch, which the company supplied to you for a cost of $3.00, which would come off your first pay cheque. Dress code was always high in priority, many drivers were military men from the Second World War, and when they came to work it was all spit and polish. If someone showed up for work with unpolished shoes, or creased uniforms they were told about it by the other drivers, complete uniforms were worn without exception, including caps and ties. Ties were never to be removed while on duty. Caps and tunic could be removed while driving, but the driver was expected to be fully dressed at any rest stop. Anyone caught in a Beer parlour or any place that sold liquor wearing any part of a Greyhound uniform, were fired. An applicant was expected to have a Class A license before applying, in those days a class A license was the best license available and you could drive any vehicle, If your home terminal was Vancouver, one had to be finger printed and registered with the Taxi detail with the Vancouver City police. The three major transportation Company's had an agreement, (Greyhound, Pacific Stage lines, and B.C. Electric) that anyone wishing to change Companies, had to be free from the one Company for one full year before applying to another Company to protect all three Companies from a free flow of drivers entering and leaving. Greyhound had the policy at that time, anyone that left the service of the company, was never rehired, although in the late 50's that policy was changed. To get steady employment with Greyhound meant years of seasonal work, in my case I managed to hang on at my fourth year. If you were laid off, you were still expected to make yourself available for the Christmas and Easter rush. We also had to sign a document stating that as a Greyhound driver we would never enter any driving competition. There were no log books to contend with. Although the Company limited our driving day to eight hours, if a reason came up that restriction was waived. From time to time Spotters were sent out in the entire division to access each driver's performance, and naturally, we would have no Idea who they were and they would travel with you until you sold a cash fare. Our record as a Division, both in the States as well as Canada, was rated by the Company that did the surveys, as exceptional in every way. Although there were a couple of thieves that gambled their future with the Company over a two bit fare and lost. Page 13

diligent efforts in maintaining a solid working hierarchy within their areas. It is through the establishment and ongoing operation of a solid hierarchal presence that makes our Union strong. I urge you all to use this process. The more you do, the stronger we get. Brewster Inc. I am happy to report that the Company has begun working with the membership to form an official Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Any issues or concerns identified by the members can be brought directly to this committee for resolve. The contacts are: Bill Hope representing the Company, and; Al Bernard representing the Union. September 13, 2011 Dear Sisters and Brothers, I again, would like to take this opportunity to update you all on the latest activities and issues that are currently affecting us.

Al Bernard has agreed to act as interim Sub-Local Chair until the next sub-local election. This election is tentatively planned for later this year. I encourage any member to consider running for a position. Our Union‘s strength is centered within our membership. An effective working Union is based on its established hierarchy within the workplace.

Greyhound – First Group

Red Deer Transit

At the time of this writing a new contract has been ratified with an 86% favourable vote. (Details of the contract settlement are described in another section of this newsletter). The high voting turnout and high percentage speaks volumes about our solidarity.

Your Union has worked hard on your behalf both, at the Executive level and at the Sub-Local level in the past few months. You are all aware that a new contract has been ratified with many language changes. I congratulate, Linda Dencs, Jeffery Oxford and Bob Relkov for a job well done. A total team effort was displayed to a positive end. Your contract negotiations were unique in the sense that, other than the positive percentage increase, language changes were numerous. This brings your contract into a more workable state, one that will produce less grievances and one that will allow more issues to be resolved at the sub-local level.

Now that our contract has been put to rest, the issue of deregulation is on everyone‘s mind. The Alberta Government has finalized its decision and Companies are beginning to shift their business structures to accommodate a best profit scenario. A ―best profit scenario‖ is one that benefits us in the long run. We can‘t lose sight of this. We need to let the process unfold. Companies must inventory their services and make adjustments as they see fit to increase profits. This takes time and may encompass many adjustments. Many questions and probabilities are being thrown out there. I and the rest of your Executive Board will be working on your behalf to ensure that your voice is being conveyed to management as these decisions are being made. One must keep in mind that in a deregulated environment it is not all doom and gloom. Just as runs and services are being cut, other new ones may arise. Over this ebb and flow of adjustments we may see temporary ―holes‖ in services. We may begin to lose sight, react negatively and see our glass as half empty. I urge you to keep positive, keep doing your jobs that you are all known so well for and view the glass as ―half full‖ as we move forward. I wish to thank Harold Brodmann, Edmonton Sub-Local Chair and Jeffery Zeeb, Calgary Sub-Local Chair and all of the representative Shop Stewards for their hard work and Page 14

Please join us to celebrate the retirement of your fellow drivers Retirees Ernie Plett - Mike Henderson - Brian Sedman - Don Rogers

Saturday, October 22, 2011 Inn at the Quay 900 – Quayside Drive New Westminster, BC

Cocktails: 5:30 pm Dinner: 6:30 pm

Tickets available from: Colleen Watson – 604-661-0310

As we move forward, I can assure you that your sub-local executive is one that is fair and fully capable of representing you. I encourage you to continue to contact them directly as needed. In Solidarity,

Dan Bialobzyski Alberta Executive Board Member

Special Greyhound room rate $119.00 + tax per night Call - 1-888-511-5743 Page 15