June 17, 2013 at 6:00 PM
There isn’t any end to the sad stories around the closure of our London Heavy
Maintenance Base. So many lives were and continue to be affected, people
relocating, members thrust into uncertainty and change. Part of that change is
that Ben Bachl and Jonathan Cristo will be moving on and leaving the Jazz
family.
Health and Safety Coordinator
Ben Bachl has been in this position for an incredible twenty-six years. He of
course pre-dates Jazz and was the Health and Safety Coordinator at Air Ontario.
Ben has not only seen many improvements to Canadian health and safety
legislation and our own safety culture, but he has also helped shaped it. Every
one of our health and safety representatives has come through one of his
courses. It has been a remarkable journey. Safety is not always convenient, and
it has not always been accepted with open arms, but through the efforts of Ben
and the other representatives, our workplaces are safer. It can also be added
that Ben has always been a true union activist and true supporter of the labour
movement.
Wilf Fischer from Calgary Stores has accepted the appointment to be our next
Jazz Technical Services health and safety coordinator. Wilf brings with him
years of experience and training and Ben has been working closely with Wilf in
this transition period. Although there is a lot to learn, I am confident that
Wilf will successfully carry out the duties as our new health and safety
coordinator. Wilf can be reached at [email protected].
Benefits Representative
Jonathan Cristo has served as our Benefit Representative for many years and
has completed an exceptional job. This position came about when Jazz realized
there was a requirement to have someone from the membership who could assist
when they navigated through the medical system. Part of the information package
you receive from Jazz when you go on a medical leave is the contact information
for the benefits representative and how that person can help. Often people go
directly to their District Chairperson for help when they have issues with their
medical matter. Jonathan has been a resource for our District Chairpersons to
tap into and call upon when they have complicated cases to deal with. Jonathan
has consistently maintained integrity, confidentiality and professionalism when
dealing with the members and other union representatives.
Tom Troughton from Vancouver has worked closely with Jonathan over the years
on some very difficult and complicated cases. His experience and passion for our
membership will serve him well as the new Jazz Tech Benefits Representative. Tom
can be reached at [email protected].
Both Ben and Jonathan will be missed and we wish them all the best as they
seek opportunities beyond Jazz. However, their good work will carry on in Wilf
and Tom to serve our membership.