Teamsters Canada Rail Conference

Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, has today appointed Mr. Andrew Sims as arbitrator in the negotiations between Canadian National Railway (CN) and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.

"I am confident that working with Mr. Sims, the parties can successfully reach a collective agreement and improve their working relationship," said Minister Ambrose. "I am pleased that the parties are working together to ensure that the economic recovery of the country is not in jeopardy," the Minister further stated.

Mr. Sims is a nationally recognized labour arbitrator and mediator. He has held the positions of Chair of the Alberta Labour Relations Board and part-time Vice-Chair of the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

The parties' memorandum of settlement, which put an end to their work stoppage on December 2, 2009, provides that the arbitrator is to decide on all outstanding issues related to wages and benefits and on any other issues which both parties agree to send to arbitration. Mr. Sims will meet with representatives of the employer and the union as soon as possible. The decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding on the parties.