Railway Workers Warn ‘Work Stoppage Looms’ After CN, CPKC Seek Conciliation

Railway Workers Fear Work Stoppage as CN and CPKC Request Conciliation

February 19, 2024 TruthUSA

The union representing over 9,000 workers at Canada’s top two railways has stated that public safety is at risk as contract negotiations have stalled, potentially leading to a strike.

On Feb. 16, Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. asked the labour minister to appoint a conciliator for the bargaining process over a new collective agreement for train conductors, engineers, and yard workers.

The notice of dispute begins the countdown to a potential strike or lockout, which could occur as early as 81 days after, in early May.

Teamsters Canada president François Laporte claims that the two railway operators are seeking to eliminate key rest provisions from workers’ contracts, a move that could increase crew fatigue and pose a risk to public safety.

CN has stated that recent regulatory changes have made it more difficult to find crews and have necessitated a “modernization of the compensation model.”

CPKC has stated that it has been negotiating in good faith since September and offered compensation boosts and more predictable schedules, but that the railway and the union are “far apart on the issues.”