Red Deer
Red Deer Transit workers authorize strike action if City refuses to address concerns
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Submitted by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569
Red Deer Transit Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strike
ATU Local 569 Members Frustrated by City’s stall tactics at bargaining table
Pushed to the brink by the City of Red Deer’s refusal to negotiate a contract for fair wages, fair scheduling, improved health measures, and other issues, Red Deer Transit workers voted 99% in favour of strike action in their dispute with the City.
The contract between the workers’ union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569-Edmonton, AB, and the City expired on December 31, 2022, and the parties have been in negotiations since then.
“The City has refused to negotiate beyond their unilaterally set mandate,” said Local 569 President/Business Agent Steve Bradshaw. “It’s as if we can only negotiate by their rules and within their artificially set limits. They’ve built a brick wall and are huddled up behind it.”
When asked what issues are still outstanding, Red Deer Union Representative Lawanda Ramsey said that there are many outstanding issues, like forcing people into part-time positions, working them six days a week, and wages.
“We were there on the frontline throughout the pandemic and accepted zeros two years in a row while the inflation rate soared to 6 and 8 percent,” Bradshaw continued. “Now that the City is in a better financial position, they expect us to take sub-inflation increases.”
The mediator filed his report and the provincially mandated “cooling off” period is underway.
“Our Union uses a full strike only as a last resort since we don’t want to abandon our riders who depend on us. If the City of Red Deer continues to refuse to come to the table to address our concerns and treat our members like the heroes they are, we will take action,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Rest assured, our Local 569 members at Red Deer Transit have the full support of our members across Canada and the U.S.”
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
Alleged Human Traffickers arrested in Red Deer, Montreal, and Edmonton
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Human trafficking suspect arrested in Red Deer, July 2024
From Alert, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
Three human traffickers arrested in Project Endgame
Three men have been arrested and stand accused of running a human trafficking operation that stretched across Canada; operating throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.
Project Endgame was a year-long investigation led by ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit, and also relied on the assistance of the Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, and the Quebec joint forces Anti-Pimping team known as EILP.
Arrests and search warrants had taken place in Edmonton, Montreal, and Red Deer. A total of 23 charges related to human trafficking offences have been laid against Clyde Elien-Abbot, 31, Kevin Dorcelus-Cetoute, 31, and Jean Rodnil Dubois, 31. Elien-Abbot was arrested on January 31, 2025 in Edmonton, while the other two accused were arrested on July 23, 2024.
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Peavey Mart Centrium
Westerner Park Reflects on the Impact of Peavey Mart’s Closure
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Westerner Park acknowledges the recent announcement of Peavey Mart closing all its locations across Canada, and the significant impact this will have on our community.
Peavey Mart has been the naming sponsor of the Centrium since 2021, a partnership that has helped create lasting memories for thousands of Central Albertans. Their support extended beyond their name on the building—Peavey Mart embraced our community by participating in activities during Westerner Days and supplying essential items that brought these events to life.
“Our partnership with Peavey Mart exemplifies the kind of meaningful relationships that can have a lasting impact,” said Shelly Flint, CEO of Westerner Park. “While their closure is undoubtedly a loss for the community, we are grateful for the support they’ve provided over the years and remain committed to finding the right partnerships to continue serving Central Alberta.”
As Westerner Park navigates this transition, the organization remains as a hub of Central Alberta. This includes not only hosting more events and attractions on the park but also finding new ways to connect with the community. “Whether it’s collaborating on events outside of our grounds or encouraging our team to participate in local initiatives as volunteers, our focus remains on strengthening our ties with the people and organizations that make this region so vibrant,” Flint added.
Westerner Park is actively seeking businesses and organizations that share a vision of fostering growth and connection within the community. Any parties interested in exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to reach out.
ABOUT WESTERNER PARK
Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s largest tradeshow, agricultural, sports, entertainment, and convention facility. A not-for-profit organization and agricultural society, Westerner Park typically generates $150 million annually in economic activity, hosting over 1,000 events and 1.5 million visitors each year.
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