Calgary, March 19, 2022 - Despite the
best efforts of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) Negotiating
Committee, there will be a lockout tonight at Canadian Pacific (CP). A
lockout is a work stoppage initiated by company management during a
labour dispute. Unlike a strike, in which employees refuse to work, a
lockout is initiated by the employer.
Shortly before the lockout was
announced, the Teamsters Union expressed its desire to continue
bargaining. Unfortunately, the employer chose to put the Canadian supply
chain and tens of thousands of jobs at risk.
As Canadians grapple with a
never-ending pandemic, exploding commodity prices and the war in
Ukraine, the rail carrier is adding an unnecessary layer of insecurity,
especially for those who depend on the rail network.
“We are
very disappointed with this turn of events," said Dave Fulton, TCRC
spokesperson at the bargaining table. “Canadian
Pacific management must be taken to task for this situation. They set
the deadline for a lockout to happen tonight, when we were willing to
pursue negotiations. Even more so, they then moved the goalpost when it
came time to discuss the terms of final and binding arbitration.”
In final and binding arbitration, the
parties agree to accept the arbitrator's decision as final. The
Teamsters were willing to explore this type of arbitration, but were
unable to reach an agreement with the employer.
Wages and pensions remain major
stumbling blocks. However, also at issue in these talks are working
conditions that call into question the railway’s
capacity to recruit and retain workforce members.
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