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Celebrating 100 Years

The Teamsters Union, established in 1903, was originally formed by the merger of two rival Unions that represented workers who drove teams of horses, which was how most freight was delivered at that time. This new Union quickly spread across North America. 

This led to the formation of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Chauffeurs, Stable Men and Helpers Local No. 464 Milk Drivers and Dairy Employees Union in 1919, chartered on February 17th.

We’re not sure how long after, but thankfully it was shortened to Teamsters Local Union No. 464 sometime later.

The Teamsters were formed out of a desire to improve working conditions, fight for safer workplaces, equality and better quality of life. 100 years later and we still fight for the same rights today.

Teamsters 464 is the oldest existing Local in Canada today, celebrating its 100th year. To look back on where we’ve come from, it is amazing to see that our first ever contract provided minimum wages ranging from $95-$150/month (+ $0.01/quart commissions for Driver Salesmen).

It was a 6-day workweek of only 8 hours/day, which was a big deal at the time. However, you could work 7 days a week and have the 7th week off instead.

How times have changed!

I certainly hope that in another 100 years, people will look back on our current agreements and be amazed at how backward we were in 2019.

As 100 years is a significant milestone, your Local will be hosting some events over the coming year to commemorate this centenary.

Please keep an eye on your mail and Union boards for further information as it becomes available.

Thank you!

Paul Barton

Secretary-Treasurer

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Testimonial

For 35 years I have been a Teamster and a Dairyworker, I was a young kid needing a job in tough economic times. I found a place to work and make a living, I learned to work together with others having varying and different backgrounds than my own.

Much has changed for me personally and professionally, I got married to my beautiful wife of almost 25 years and we have raised two amazing children, both of whom are presently studying abroad. Both of my children were recipients of Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Funding.

So much of my success I can credit to having a well paying union job. The Teamsters have been a great union for me, negotiating strong collective agreements that held good wage and benefit packages as well as the cornerstone beliefs of seniority and workers’ rights. The Teamsters gave me a good wage and a voice.

I have always been an active Teamster, and now I sit on Local 464's Executive Board.

There can be a great degree of personal feelings when the word union is mentioned, but so often I look at professional associations and realize the name may be different, but the thought is the same...strength in numbers.

As I get toward the end of my career, I look forward to the thought of receiving the Teamsters Canada Pension Plan, and I am so grateful for the belief others had before me that Teamsters deserved a good and decent retirement...thank you.

Drew


- Drew Speirs
- Dave S

"I have been a member of Teamsters Local 464 for 23 years and have seen many of the executives come and go. Some of the previous executives nearly ran the Local into bankruptcy including losing our pension.  Bobby Kornhass, Bob Ryder and Paul Barton brought us back from the brink. Since they took over in 2000, we at Dairyland (Saputo) have had the best contracts I have seen since I have been there."

- Randy Onyschak