IAM Union members of Local 1857 at Berks Intertruck in Duncan recently welcomed Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), for a visit that led to important discussions on workers’ rights, solidarity, and the future of the labour movement.
This visit was made possible through the efforts of Local 1857 members Gregg McLennan and Lucas Gustafson, who played a key role in organizing the event.
The gathering included several notable leaders and members from the local labour community:
- Bea Bruske, CLC President, who shared her perspective on the state of labour rights across Canada.
- Carlos Carvalho, CLC Representative for Vancouver Island, an advocate for the region’s workers.
- Jen McPherson, President of the Nanaimo Duncan District Labour Council, who has been a strong voice for local workers.
- Lucas Gustafson, Local 1857 Shop Steward and Parts Person, who helped coordinate the visit.
- Travis Wierson, Local 1857 Parts Person, whose contributions to the event were invaluable.
Other members of Local 1857 who were part of the visit include:
- Gregg McLennan, Local 692 Shop Steward from Duncan Iron Works, whose commitment to workers’ rights helped bring the visit together.
- Brandon Atkinson, Local 1857 Technician, who represents the skilled technical workforce.
- Andrew Purchase, Local 1857 Technician, contributing his expertise to the ongoing work of the local union.
- Luciano Michieli, Local 1857 Technician, an active member in driving the goals of the union forward.
Gregg McLennan and Lucas Gustafson’s efforts were crucial in bringing this event to fruition, and their leadership reflects a commitment to strengthening the local labour movement. By organizing the visit, they provided members an opportunity to connect directly with CLC leadership, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and collective action.
