We learned with regret and sadness that Brother Val Neal passed away from COVID-19 a few days ago.

Val Neal has been a prominent figure in the Teamsters Union for nearly 5 decades. He became a Business Agent at Teamsters Local Union 938 in the mid-1960s and eventually held the position of Secretary-Treasurer in the early 90s with Charlie Thibault as President. In the mid-90s, he was appointed by then Teamsters Canada President Louis Lacroix to the position of Director of Teamsters Canada’s Parcel Division which he held until his retirement in 2010.
Our members in the Package Division work under good contracts today as a result of Brother Neal’s skill and dedication and the Local Union Business Agents from across the country learned well from him through the process.

Our most sincere condolences to his wife Kathy and family from Teamsters members everywhere.

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a day to remember those who died, or were injured or made ill, from their work. It is also a day people are asked to recommit to improving health and safety and preventing tragedies in the workplace.

Members of Teamsters Local 938 Retirees Club Executive at their annual Xmas luncheon, present a cheque for $1,000 and a table full of toys for needy children in Mississauga to Maria and Henry Esteves of the Breakfast with Santa Foundation. (L to R) George English, Recording Secretary, John Lediard, Trustee, Henry & Maria Esteves, Rene Lediard, Acting President, Nina Briddock, Sectretary Treasurer, Dave Linfoot, Trustee and Carmine Pietrangelo, Trustee.

Teamsters Union Local 938 President, Craig McInnes announced today that the Local is standing in unity with other brothers and sisterd across Canada at the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
“We are fighting for the safest workplace possible. We’ve lost nine of our members in various railway accidents over the past 24 months, including three from the group at CN that’s currently on strike,” said the president of the TCRC, Lyndon Isaac.

The 2019 Purolator “Tackle Hunger” Softball Tournament was a big success with 18 teams and 400 players from as far away as London and Ottawa participating. The event, in its fourth year, raises much needed funds for various food banks throughout the GTA. Pictured are the team from Ottawa celebrating their victory this year.

The Ontario Teamsters raised $140,000 for the children of Variety Village at the Ontario Teamsters Invitational on July 9th. Teamsters Local 938 President, Craig McInnes presents the cheque to the organization officials.

105 members enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of golf on June 22nd. at the Teamsters Local 938 annual member’s golf tournament held at the Royal Ontario Golf Club in Oakville.

Brother Charlie Thibault passed away earlier this week at 88 years old after experiencing a stroke. 

Brother Thibault was known for his dedication to Teamster members and to workers across Ontario. 

He began his career as a driver for Intercity Wilson Brothers and became a business agent for Teamsters Local Union 938 in 1967. He also served as a general organizer for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, where he helped hundreds of workers join a union. 

In 1970 he became president of his local. He continued rising the ranks, eventually becoming president of Joint Council 52 and international vice‑president. 

One of his biggest achievements was negotiating a master freight agreement for Ontario, a collective agreement which covered almost every single truck driver in the province. The agreement guaranteed solid middle-class wages and standardized protections and benefits for tens of thousands of drivers. 

Brother Thibault will be fondly remembered by the countless workers he helped over the course of his career, but most of all by his wife Audrey and son Derek.
Teamsters Local Union 938 would like to express its sincerest condolences to his friends, family, and loved ones at this time of sadness.