Built for Members: Introducing the TCRC Member Foundations Series
For years, members have been asking for more information — about how the union works, how decisions are made, how rights are protected, and how to stand stronger together on the job.
The TCRC Member Foundations Series is our answer.
This new national education program was built by our
members, for our members, with one goal in mind:
to give members the knowledge, confidence, and tools to protect
themselves, support their coworkers, and strengthen our Union.
This is not theory. This is about the real issues members face every day — from the yard office to the national level.
Trial Session Dates & Locations
The first delivery of the Member Foundations Series will take place in Edmonton, Vancouver, and Toronto:
Edmonton
- March 3–5 — Marriott Fairfield Edmonton North
View the complete March 3–5 schedule, session descriptions, and start times here.
- April 28–30 — Marriott Fairfield Edmonton North
Full session details and start times will be announced soon.
Vancouver Area
- March 10–12 — Poco Inn & Suites
View the complete March 10–12 schedule, session descriptions, and start times here.
- May 5–7 — USW Local 2009 (Langley, BC)
Full session details and start times will be announced soon.
Toronto
- April 14–16 — Royal Canadian Legion Branch 614
- April 21–23 — Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101
Full session details and start times will be announced soon.
Participation is voluntary, there is no registration required, and members are welcome to attend any sessions that interest them.
What Is the Member Foundations Series?
The Member Foundations Series is a hands-on education program that breaks down how the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference works and how members can actively participate in shaping their workplace and their future.
The program is built to be accessible and flexible:
- All seven modules are standalone
- Each module is 45 minutes to one hour
- Members may attend any session they choose
- There are no prerequisites
- No registration is required
Whether you’re a new member or a long-service railroader, you can drop in on the topics that matter most to you.
What You’ll Learn
The series is delivered through seven focused modules, each designed to be practical, clear, and directly relevant to members:
Unions in Canada & TCRC History
Why unions exist, how the TCRC was built, and why solidarity still
matters today.
How the TCRC Works (Structure, Representation & Dues)
How your union is organized, how representation functions, and how dues
support real advocacy.
Your Division
What Divisions do, how they operate, how elections work, and how members
can get involved.
Grievances & Arbitration
How rights are enforced, what the grievance process looks like, and what
to do when problems arise.
Formal Investigations
Your rights during investigations, what fairness looks like, and how the
union supports you.
Collective Bargaining
How agreements are negotiated, the role members play, and how gains are
achieved.
Union Busting
How to recognize employer tactics, protect each other, and maintain
solidarity on the job.
Why This Matters
An informed membership is a stronger membership.
This program is designed to:
- build knowledge and confidence
- support members at every stage of their career
- strengthen solidarity across Divisions
- protect member rights in every workplace
- reinforce democratic participation and accountability
When members understand how the union works, the union works better.
This Is Your Union — Show Up for It
Members have asked for more education, more transparency, and more
opportunity to engage.
This program delivers exactly that.
Come for one module or several. Bring your questions. Learn
something new.
Your participation helps build a stronger, more informed, and more
united TCRC.
An informed membership is a united membership.
In Solidarity,
Teamsters Canada Rail Conference