Labour history – Page 3 – Union of Canadian Transportation Employees

History of Labour Day

In collaboration with Denise Reynolds, UCTE Human Rights Officer As we celebrate Labour Day, UCTE would like to take a look at the history of this day to honor its history. Labour Day, the first Monday in September, has been a...

September 4, 2022

International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend –The story behind Thom Drew, a former Nova Scotian lighthouse keeper

Labour history UCTE history

International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend –The story behind Thom Drew, a former Nova Scotian lighthouse keeper

Mosher Island, in Nova Scotia, has a very interesting story to tell. The last lighthouse keeper to have held this job on the island was Thom Drew, a former UCTE member. Thom and his wife, Anna Drew, have found their...

August 20, 2022

Mike Johnson and the Battle of the CCGs – The Politics of Kidney Stones

Labour history UCTE history

Mike Johnson and the Battle of the CCGs – The Politics of Kidney Stones

It all started in 2019. At the time, and still today, medical clearance was required in order to work at sea with the CCG. However, there was a very specific policy on kidney stones. If the employee had even a...

July 12, 2022

Equity Labour history

Asian Heritage Month – The Story Behind the Chinese Laundries

It all started around the Canadian Pacific Railway project in 1887. Chinese workers were paid $1.00 a day, and from this small amount they had to pay for their food and equipment. White workers were paid $1.50 to $2.50 a...

May 27, 2022

Equity Labour history

Asian Heritage Month – South Asian Canadian Labour History Project

On the occasion of Asian Heritage Month, UCTE wanted to take the time to let you know about a project we discovered in connection with South Asian Canadian Labour History in British Columbia. This partnership with the South Asian Studies...

May 26, 2022

Labour history

History of the Rand Formula

It all started with a strike in Windsor, Ontario. A decision had just been made regarding labour relations. On January 29, 1946, the same year that World War II ended, Justice Ivan Rand of the Supreme Court of Canada was...

March 25, 2022

Labour history UCTE history

Coast Guard turns 60

On January 26, 1962, the federal government created the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). However, while it got a new name and structure, the CCG had it’s start as the “Marine Branch” of the Department of Marine and Fisheries in 1867....

March 18, 2022

The PSAC Building: Boldness of form, simplicity and elegance

Labour history PSAC

The PSAC Building: Boldness of form, simplicity and elegance

In collaboration with Ken Clavette On the morning of Saturday December 21, 1968, there was great deal of activity taking place at 233 Gilmour Street that would have drawn much public attention. It was the official opening of the new...

December 20, 2021

Labour history UCTE history

Biography – Percy Bourne

Today we bring you the biography of Percy Bourne, a former UCTE president. An important pillar of the union, Percy Bourne, a former UCTE National President, began his involvement with the Montreal Airport Local as a radio operator. When the...

December 13, 2021

Labour history UCTE history

Biography – Guy Jacob

Today we bring you the biography of Guy Jacob, a former UCTE president. It all started when he became president of UCTE at the 1972 convention; he was twice re-elected to the office, in 1975 and 1978. Before the union...

December 8, 2021