Local rail workers feel the loss of Calgary conductor killed in accident

By Collin Gallant on November 23, 2018.

Medicine Hat News

A Canadian Pacific train conductor who died after an accident in downtown Calgary on Monday was not based out of Medicine Hat, local union officials tell the News, but add that all rail workers consider it a loss.

“It’s very sad to hear about this happening to one of our brothers,” said Bo Sadownick, the local union president with Teamsters Rail Conference Div. 322.

It represents about 300 workers at the Medicine Hat marshalling yards who handle runs in and out of Calgary.

“For everyone, it really highlights how dangerous the work can be.”

The Teamsters national office announced on Thursday morning that the accident occurred Monday on tracks adjacent to Ninth Avenue in downtown Calgary. No more information is being released, though the union says it will monitor a Transportation Safety Board investigation that is now underway.

“While the loss of a fellow railroader is always tragic, it seems even more so at this time of year,” said Doug Finnson, national president of the Teamsters Rail Conference. “Over the Holidays, I hope we will all keep a place in our hearts to remember our deceased co-worker.”

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