Union to hold rally in honour of slain bus driver

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This article was published 15/02/2017 (2882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The union representing Winnipeg Transit drivers is holding a rally Friday morning in the court yard at city hall to raise awareness about the dangers faced by drivers and to honour Irvine Jubal Fraser, who was killed in a senseless attack earlier this week.

John Callahan, president of Local 1505 Amalgamated Transit Union, said the event is important to transit workers.

“It’s an opportunity to bring people together to heal,” Callahan said. “To pay tribute to a fallen brother.”

The rally is set for 10 a.m. Friday.

Callahan said he expects a strong turnout from Transit employees and other union members from across the city. ATU Canada president Paul Thorp is scheduled to appear, he said, as well as labour leaders from across the country.

Transit driver safety has been a recurring issue for the transit union for several years and Callahan said he hopes one of the results from the rally is to see concrete action to deal with the issue.

“Safety has been an issue for a long time,” Callahan said. “We’re hoping this gives it the shot in the arm it needs.”

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca