TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - The following statement was issued by Bob Kinnear, President of the Amalgamated Transit Workers Local 113, which represents more than 9,000 Operations and Maintenance staff of the Toronto Transit Commission.

"It is with sadness that we hear of the untimely passing of Brian Cochrane, who led the Toronto Civic Employees Union Local 416 for many years with great conviction, courage and success. He was a passionate, straightforward and trusted brother in the union family. Local 113 could always count on his influential support when things got tough.

"We extend our condolences to his immediate family and to his large extended family in his union. He helped make Toronto a better place. We will all miss him."

-0- 11/15/2009 /For further information: Bill Reno, (416) 223-7366/ CO: Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 113 ST: Ontario IN: LBR SU: LAB -30- CNW 17:52e 15-NOV-09