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The CUPE family has suffered a great loss with the sudden passing of Brother Brian Cochrane on Sunday, November 15.

Brother Cochrane was former president of CUPE Local 416, representing City of Toronto outside workers.

Brother Cochrane was a very committed union leader who led Toronto outside workers for a decade - through amalgamation in 1998 and during the 2002 strike.  Under his leadership, jobs were contracted in and many improvements were achieved for Toronto workers,” said Paul Moist, CUPE National President.

By downloading costs of many social programs to municipal governments, the former Harris government caused untold challenges for Toronto which in turn made for a difficult labour relations climate. 

During the Harris government, civic employees weathered some very difficult times. Yet the successful merger of 11 collective agreements, and the creation of a strong Local 416 are a testimony to Brian’s skills as a negotiator and a mediator,” added Moist.

Brian’s untimely passing is a loss for the CUPE family. On behalf of all 600,000 CUPE members, I extend my sincerest condolences to his partner Maureen O’Reilly, his mother Pauline, and his two sons,” said Moist.