The Team That Puts Members First

Past Vice President, Teamsters Local 31 (2003-2017) and IBT Women’s Committee Member.

Shop Steward, Metro Vancouver Regional District since 2003

Catherine Gastaldello has been employed at Metro Vancouver Regional District for 35 years. She is currently the Administrative Coordinator at Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and has served as Teamsters Local 31 Shop Steward for over twenty years. 

She brings unmatched experience, dedication, and integrity to the Bethel Unity Slate. Known for her deep commitment to fairness and transparent communication, Catherine has long been a respected advocate for working people.

In 2003, Catherine was elected Vice President of Teamsters Local 31, securing the second highest number of individual votes of all the candidates running. During her 15-year tenure as Vice President, she was a determined advocate for members across all sectors and served on the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Women’s Committee.

Catherine championed the voices of Teamsters women at the international level and pushed for the creation of a Local 31 Women’s Committee—a proposal that was never supported by the current President of Local 31 and remains unrealized to this day. This is unsurprising when Sisters who speak up at General Membership Meetings are interrupted, treated poorly, and left with unanswered questions.

By 2017, Catherine made the difficult decision to resign from her position as Vice President of Teamsters Local 31. She cited the increasingly exclusionary nature of leadership under what she describes as “family-and-friends program.” Catherine’s resignation was an act of principle; she refused to remain
silent and constantly outvoted in the face of diminishing accountability due to nepotism and internal favoritism.

As an experienced administrator, Catherine brings exceptional organizational skills and professionalism to every role she takes on. In addition to successfully completing Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) courses, Catherine is also a certified Mental Health First Aider and a representative on various Labour/Management Committees at Metro Vancouver Regional District, which reflects her compassionate approach to leadership and member support.

Catherine is running with the Bethel Unity Slate because she believes it is time to restore dignity, accountability, and member-driven representation to Teamsters Local 31. Her unwavering dedication to equity and transparency make her a trusted voice for meaningful change.

Outside of her union work, Catherine is a proud mother and a new grandmother. She enjoys preparing home-cooked meals with her husband, long walks with her sweet little Havanese dog Molly, and volunteering on her condo’s strata board.

Owner Operator, Team Transport Services Ltd. (Formerly Indian River Transport Ltd.)

Elected and Re-elected Shop Steward and Bargaining Committee member

Former Member CLAC Local 66 Board and Arbitration Appeals Board

Brian Chan is an owner operator with more than 25 years of experience in the container drayage sector. After many years with Team Transport Services Ltd. (formerly Indian River Transport Ltd.), Brian brings extensive frontline experience and a strong understanding of how union representation directly affects working conditions on the job.

In September 2024, Brian became a Teamster following many years of active involvement with another union that represents workers in the transportation industry. Prior to his workplace amalgamation that saw workers joining the Teamsters, Brian served as an elected Shop Steward and Bargaining Committee member with CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada) for members at Team Transport Services Ltd.

Prior to becoming a Teamster, Brian was elected to the CLAC Local 66 Board and the Arbitration Appeals Board. His union training includes Shop Steward education, Human Rights in the Workplace, Labour Law and Labour Relations, and certification as a Mental Health First Aider.

During his career, Brian has consistently stepped into leadership roles because he believes unions must actively enforce ratified collective agreement language and protect members from unfair treatment. He has worked to ensure members’ voices are heard, grievances are handled properly, and employers are held accountable to the agreements they have signed.

Brian is proud to be running with the Bethel Unity Slate because, “Enough is enough!”

He believes the core principles of unionism—strong representation, transparency, and respect for seniority—have been eroded under the current leadership of Teamsters Local 31. The current "quid pro quo" conduct he’s observed, which fails to enforce the contract, is unacceptable and egregious to the brothers and sisters of the bargaining unit. He would like to see the culture change to prioritize clear processes, consistent decision-making, and leadership that listens to members instead of sidelining them.

Brian is tired of seeing the same problems repeated—and is committed to being part of a team that fixes them. He believes unity is not just a slogan, but the foundation for fair treatment, stronger contracts, and a union that truly works for its members.

Outside of work, Brian is an avid sports fan who also enjoys outdoor activities and camping. He values work-life balance and prioritizes family time above all else.

Elected Shop Steward 2003

Elected Chief Shop Steward 2025

UPS Package Car Driver—33 years

Diploma in Business Finance and Investment Management

Bob Radomski is a proven and principled voice for the rank-and-file, with more than three decades as a driver at UPS and more than 20 years as a Shop Steward. He’s spent his career standing up for his coworkers, whether that’s on the road, on the floor, or across the table from management.

As an elected Shop Steward, his only concern is his coworkers. Bob saw management taking advantage of people who didn’t know their rights, and he knew he could be a strong and effective advocate. He was recently elected Chief Shop Steward, which is a testament to his dedication.

Bob is running with the Bethel Unity Slate because he believes Teamsters Local 31 members deserve better—not family dynasties and cronyism—but real transparency, strong principled representation, and inclusive leadership.

He believes strongly that every Shop Steward must be supported and educated to be effective and deplores the lack of professional development for all Shop Stewards at Teamsters Local 31 over the last two decades.

Bob is a graduate of Langara College with a Diploma in Business Finance and Investment Management who worked as a foreign currency trader before he joined UPS. Despite his aptitude for and success in the financial sector, Bob found the values of the financial sector didn’t sit right with him.  As a self-
described white-collar refugee, Bob started work at UPS to pursue a more honest and grounded life—which the stability, benefits, and pension secured by Teamsters Canada made possible.

During his career, Bob has quietly lived the values of hard work, integrity, and solidarity. Now, he’s ready to bring those values into leadership at Teamsters Local 31 for the benefit of all members in BC and the Yukon—not a few hand-picked insiders.

Bob is proud of the Bethel Unity Slate’s emphasis on the inclusion of the membership in union business. He believes that the Local's focus must be on the delivery of services to the membership, not the current leadership's preoccupation with preserving a family legacy.

Bob and his wife are the proud parents of two adult sons. One is a Registered Massage Therapist and the other is an electrician and proud IBEW member.

Outside of his union work, Bob is a passionate soccer and hockey player who typically holds the line on defense. He’s a long-time volunteer soccer coach in Maple Ridge and a member of the board directors of the Ridge Meadows F.C. Society. He is a loyal fan of Southampton FC, FC Barcelona, and the Vancouver Whitecaps. If he’s not playing or watching sports, you’ll likely find Bob and his wife walking their beloved Welsh Springer Spaniel, Winston, at the local dog park.

Elected Shop Steward

Driver, Van Kam Freightways

Member Bargaining Committee, Policy Committee, and Health and Safety Committee

Robert Qualizza is a second-generation Local 31 Teamster who has proudly served for 42 years and still brings fire and grit to the job every single day.

After Rob was sworn in as a Teamster by Ross Peterson himself in 1983, he has worked his way in the industry from crane and rigging lead hand, to highway haul driver, to local in-town driver with Van Kam Freightways.

Rob has been elected a Shop Steward three times, sat on bargaining and policy committees, and been a vocal advocate for fair treatment and accountability at every step of the way. He has successfully completed several union courses, and has served as a member of the Bargaining Committee, Policy Committee, and Health and Safety Committee.
 
It is his firm belief that Shop Stewards and the union should support, protect, and put members first without exception. For this reason, Rob joined the Bethel Unity Slate to build a union that listens to the rank-and-file and educates all Shop Stewards to truly fight for members.
 
He says it’s time for change at Teamsters Local 31, starting with an end to nepotism and covert leadership with secrecy and hidden agendas. The members across BC and Yukon deserve better representation and stewardship of their hard-earned union fees, and Rob is ready to deliver.

Outside of work, Rob is a bit of a legend in the lifting and dancing worlds. As a competitive powerlifter with the BC Powerlifting Association, Rob has earned numerous awards, including “Best Bench Press” at Matsqui Prison (where he competed as a civilian, in case you were wondering) and second-place at a BC Winter Games event held in Duncan.

His parents were avid ballroom dancers, so Rob grew up ballroom dancing. He won his first dance competition at age 13. Currently, he is competing with Crystal Ballroom.

Rob also gives back to the community, serving as a long-time director of charity sporting events that support the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Every fall, you’ll also find him helping with traffic control at the annual Toy Run.

Package Handler, UPS Vancouver Hub

Elected Shop Steward 2024 Elected Chief Shop Steward 2025

BSc in Architecture

Pursuing MBA in Project and Quality Management

Bryan Eribal is a Package Handler at the UPS Vancouver Hub, where he has worked for the past 12 years. He was elected a Shop Steward in June 2024, motivated by a strong desire to stand up for his coworkers and to help ensure fairness in the workplace. Recently, Bryan was elected Chief Shop Steward.  

As a Shop Steward, Bryan is committed to advocating for members’ rights, supporting coworkers through workplace challenges, and serving as a constructive and effective advocate when dealing with management.

Bryan is running with the Bethel Unity Slate because he believes meaningful change is needed at Teamsters Local 31. He supports the slate’s commitment to stronger representation, greater transparency, and restoring trust within the membership.

In particular, Bryan would like to modernize how member concerns are addressed, apply the collective agreements fairly and consistently, and build a more responsive, accountable, and united union local that serves the needs of its members first.

Bryan brings with him extensive experience in architecture, construction, project management, and computer software applications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of San Carlos Technological Centre in Cebu, Philippines, and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Project and Quality Management. Bryan is fluent in English and Tagalog and speaks some Arabic.

To strengthen his skills and commitment to serving the membership, Bryan completed the Teamsters Shop Steward Seminar, Heart of the Union and the JC 36 Shop Steward seminar.

Outside of work, Bryan is an avid cyclist and has previously participated in the Cypress Challenge in support of Parkinson’s Disease research. He enjoys visiting local breweries, camping, and spending quality time with his wife and their two children. 

Shop Steward 2012-Present

Warehouseman, Martin Brower — 16 years

Craig McAree is a warehouseman, union activist, and lifelong community builder with more than two decades in the logistics industry. With 16 years at Martin Brower and five years at GFS, Craig has seen firsthand how strong, principled union representation can make a real difference on the job.

From 2012 to the present, he’s served as a Shop Steward and earned a reputation for being firm, fair, and unwavering in his commitment to the members he represents. Craig is also a member of the Bid committee and recent member of the Safety committee.

A proud Teamster since 2009, Craig has not been shy about calling out complacency, nepotism, and a lack of accountability with current leadership at Local 31. He’s running with the Bethel Unity Slate to restore integrity, transparency, and trust to Teamsters Local 31 and to help build a leadership team that reflects diversity, independence, and service — not family dynasty.

 Craig believes unions work best when they are honest, member-driven, and rooted in solidarity. He’s ready to help lead Local 31 back to those values.

Shop Steward

P&D Driver, TST-CF 37 Years

Elected Bargaining Committee Member 2014, 2017, 2021, 2026

Evan Hirst is a second-generation Local 31 Teamster who has 37 years and counting behind the wheel as a P&D Driver at TST-CF. After several veteran Shop Stewards retired or passed away, Evan stepped up and became a Shop Steward to enforce the contract and defend members.

His union values run deep. Evan’s father, Brian Hirst, was a proud Teamster for decades—first as a Shop Steward at Public Freightways and then as a Line Haul Shop Steward for 30 years at Canadian Freightways. Following the lifelong convictions and actions of his father, Evan firmly believes that the union should serve members and their families first and foremost.

In addition to successfully completing Joint Council 36 Union Education courses, Evan has been elected as a bargaining committee member four times.

Older Teamsters will remember the Provincial and National Professional Truck Driving Championships
that were held in Canada from the 1950s until 2016. Evan won provincials nine times and nationals four
times, as well as many seconds and thirds. In 2016, he won provincials, which makes Evan the last
reigning champion in British Columbia before the competitions were discontinued.

Now, Evan is bringing his experience, precision, and strong advocacy to run with the Bethel Unity Slate.
He is running because he firmly believes it’s time for the rank-and-file members to push for integrity,
accountability, and an end to nepotism at Teamsters Local 31.

Evan is determined that Local 31 can do better at looking after all members and is committed to being
part of that transformation.

Outside of union work, Evan enjoys working on vintage cars, cruising with friends, and spending time
with his mother. He and his late father restored several vintage vehicles, including a 1967 Chevrolet
Impala and a 1961 Chevrolet Belair. Evan also follows motorsports and stays active through weight lifting
and biking.

Warehouseman, Martin Brower

Member of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Paul Marsen is a warehouseman at Martin Brower, with over 11 years of experience on the job and more than two decades of experience in unionized workplaces.

A Teamster for more than a decade, Paul’s union journey spans three unions, including the Steelworkers Union (2003-2009) and the Brewery, Winery & Distillery Workers Union (2009-2014). That breadth of experience has given him a clear understanding of what strong representation looks like—and when it’s falling short.

Paul is running with the Bethel Unity Slate because he believes the current leadership at Teamsters Local 31 is failing to support its members. This is the first union he’s belonged to that feels non-existent in his working life.

He is motivated to bring Teamsters Local 31 fully into the 21^st Century by raising standards, restoring accountability and transparency, and ensuring the union truly works for its members. Paul believes in a proactive approach to advocating for, representing, and protecting members and is ready to help raise the bar for Local 31 to be visible, responsive, and member-driven.

While Paul began his working life as a delivery driver before spending seven years in real estate, he ultimately chose unionized warehouse work because he believes in fair wages and collective strength. At Martin Brower, he is an active member of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee, where he advocates for a safer workplace and management accountability on the floor.

Born in Burnaby and raised in Coquitlam, Paul comes from deep labour roots. His late father was a union member who operated conveyance equipment in local mills. On his mother’s side, union values extend internationally: Paul’s great-uncle, Jørgen Hustad, was a Norwegian newspaper editor and Labour Party politician who refused to be censored during the Nazi occupation of Norway during the Second World War. That legacy of courage, independence, and public service continues to inspire Paul’s commitment to working people.

As the father of four young adults—one son and three daughters—Paul is motivated by the future he wants to help build, both at work and in the broader community. At home, he’s also recently welcomed Jerry, a black-and-white rescue cat who is 10 years old. In his downtime, Paul is an avid fan of the BC Lions, Vancouver Canucks, and Formula One and IndyCar racing.