Media Advisory - Coast guard communications officers' union to comment on spill report

VANCOUVER, July 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Unifor spokespeople will be available for comment following today's release of recommendations in the Independent Review of the M/V Marathassa Fuel Oil Spill Environmental Response Operation.

John Butler is scheduled to present his report at 10 a.m. PT, followed by comment at 11 a.m. PT from the Coast Guard and federal government officials from the ministries of transportation and the environment.

"The Marathassa spill in Vancouver's harbour was within sight of a closed coast guard station," said Joie Warnock, Unifor's Western Director. "Stephen Harper's cuts to the coast guard has meant fewer officers and reduced capacity to monitor traffic and distress communication."

Unifor Local 2182 represents Canada's Coast Guard Marine Communications Officers. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.

SOURCE Unifor

Joie Warnock at 604-785-9363 (cell) or [email protected]