The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), a union representing more than 9,000 employees at Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC), announced that their membership voted in favor of a strike with a high percentage of 95.3%.
The contract between the rail lines and the union workers expired on 21 December 2023.
Teamsters said, “As an update on the next steps, we have previously outlined the timeline involved in the Canada Labour Code regarding the collective bargaining process. On 30 April, the conciliation phase concluded and was not extended. This means the parties have begun the 21-day ‘cooling off’ period, however in reality that is not an accurate description of what will be transpiring.”
“We will continue to meet the companies in every effort to secure a contract,” added the union.
All three committees have planned to be at the negotiating table in Montreal with the assistance of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS). This is scheduled to begin on 13 May with CN, and four days later with CPKC.
“This will continue right through the strike deadline or until a deal is reached,” noted Teamsters.
In its announcement, the union said, “As every member is aware, CPKC and CN have continued to play games throughout the entire collective bargaining process. We believe the escalating desperation in their actions paints a clear picture of distress. They continue to circumvent our bargaining committees by directly feeding inaccurate propaganda to you, the members. They issue misleading statements to the media, their customers, and the public in general. It is clear from the strike vote results that you are not falling for their empty promises. Solidarity is always important, but during trying times like these it is vital. We ask every member to remain strong and support each other. Your bargaining committees will continue to press forward and exhaust every avenue to protect your collective rights.”
New Democrats are urging the government to press Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to remain at the bargaining table with the Teamsters until a fair deal is reached.
The Centre-left to left-wing political party said that rail workers have raised serious concerns that must be addressed. “It’s troubling that Canada’s two largest railways seem to be collaborating to undermine longstanding collective agreements. The safety of workers, communities and the environment are at stake in these negotiations.” NDP stated.
Vote results:
CN
93.3% of return
97.6% in favour
CPKC
91.7% of return
99.0% in favour
CPKC-RTC
96.6% of return
95.3% in favour
