Teamsters Canada Rail Conference

Published: January 22nd 2011
Source: Scott Deveau
Printer friendly version

A possible strike looms this week at Canadian National Railway Co. after the Canadian Auto Workers served strike notice early Saturday, saying its members could walk off the job as early as Tuesday if a new labour pact is not met.

The CAW represents roughly 4,000 mechanics, clerical workers, excavator operators, and truck drivers at the country’s largest railway, and has been negotiating with the railway since September.

The union’s members, who have been working without a contract since Dec. 31, 2010, said they could could walk off the job as early as 12:01 a.m. Jan. 25 if a new deal is not met.

The railway is also expected to deliver its fourth-quarter and yearend results the same day.
CN said there is sufficient time left for the parties to reach an agreement before the strike deadline at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 25, but that it has a contingency service plan in place to operate the railway in the event of a strike.

Last week, the CAW members voted for a strike mandate, if necessary, at both CN and its smaller domestic rival Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.

The CAW represents roughly 2,100 rail workers at CP, and has set a strike deadline of Feb. 8 in those talks.

CAW president Ken Lewenza said last week both negotiations have been challenging with both railways demanding concessions from workers despite an apparent recovery in the industry in recent months.

“Our members have spoken loudly and clearly about their issues and concerns and this high strike vote is a strong indication that our members are absolutely serious in addressing these concerns at the bargaining table,” he said in a statement.

“Workers at CN and CP will enjoy the full support of the union as they fight concessionary demands and secure a decent contract,” he said.