Media Advisory - Unifor members to testify in support of Criminal Code amendment

OTTAWA, June 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Stronger sentences are needed to deter violence and protect front-line transit workers, say transit operators and taxi drivers represented by Unifor. Union representatives will testify before the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to support Bill S-221 An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Assaults Against Public Transit Workers) introduced by Senator Bob Runciman.

"A transit operator in BC is assaulted every three days. Across Canada more than 2,000 assaults are reported every year," said Nathan Woods, president of Unifor Local 111 representing transit operators in Vancouver. "In 2011, being a taxi driver was more dangerous than being a police officer. Bill S-221 is a positive step forward in addressing the serious safety concerns of drivers."

What:		Unifor testimony on Bill S-221
When:		Wednesday, June 18, 4:15 p.m.
Where:		Room 257 East Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Who:		Nathan Woods, Unifor 111 (Vancouver, BC, transit operators)* Ben Williams, Unifor 333 (Victoria, BC, transit operators) Amrik Singh Dhami, Unifor 1688 (Ottawa, ON, taxi drivers) Debbie Montgomery, Unifor 4268 (Brampton, ON, school bus operators) Scott Desjardins, Unifor 4304 (Kitchener, ON, transit operators) *testifying

Unifor was founded Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged. With more than 300,000 members, Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector.

 

SOURCE: Unifor

Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at 778-903-6549 (cell) or  [email protected]