We represent 65% of rail employees. You've heard from all the other unions. We've made it very clear today that the safety management system doesn't exist. There is no safety culture. It is not safe.
However, to be very fair, you know that. Parliament has acted. The Railway Safety Act amendments are in place. They changed that to our signing off on all components. All of these things, hopefully, will be in place.
Again, with the companies seeing it post-9/11, a lot will have to do with their willingness to move forward. We're certainly willing to move forward with them, but as a backcheck, the minister shall inspect.... To be blunt, that's why the direct line to Transport Canada was put in place. If you deal with the company more than likely you'll be disciplined, as brother Beatty said, and it will not be good for your career.
At this time, it doesn't exist. It will exist. We're asking you to move it forward more quickly. It was delayed by the companies as we've moved forward.
That's why we're asking to start the process now. We don't want to wait until September or October of next year. It took seven years to get fatigue management, or eight years, which I worked with. It took 18 months for the pilots just to continue, which I also worked on. They're sitting on the minister's desk. I hope she signs them soon.
To redo their safety management system, with all of their involvement, is going to take a long time. That's why we're calling for a recommendation to start the process now or in September, not next April, May, or June, whenever the regulations come into effect.