Vancouver, BC – Stan Pickthall didn’t take the train to Vancouver but he did go by plane and he did tour a number of automobiles in his most recent site visit of IAM work places.
The Canadian GVP along with Chief of Staff Gord Falconer joined Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Tania Canniff to tour G4S operations at Vancouver International Airport. “This was a unique experience for me to go underground at one of Canada’s busiest airports,” said Pickthall. “Our member here provide security screening, perimeter security, maintain the underground baggage beltway system and much more. There’s so much that they do every day that most people are unaware of. It was an eye opener for me.”
From planes the tour switched modes of transportation to automobiles where IAM District Lodge 250 represents the highest concentration of auto dealership membership in the country. From auto technicians to parts personnel and detailers, Pickthall was able to tour two facilities operated by Brown Brothers Ford. Accompanied by IAM District Lodge 250 Directing Business Representative Walter Gerlach, it was an opportunity to talk with members about the service they receive from the union, the atmosphere of their workplace as well as any areas where the IAM can improve. “It’s more relaxing to talk with members on the job, they’re more comfortable in that environment, they’re more open and willing to tell you what’s on their mind,” said Pickthall. “Sometimes you have to be ready for complaints or requests but that goes with the territory. Every workplace is different with their own set of issues, it’s my job to listen to the good and the bad and act on them and that’s the value of these visits.”
