Teamsters Canada Rail Conference members re-authorize strikes against CN and CPKC

This story originally appeared on Trains.com

LAVAL, Quebec – Members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference have voted to resume strikes at CPKC and CN, the union announced Saturday.

Overall, 89.5% of union members participated in the vote, with 98.6% voting to reauthorize the strike, the union said. At CN, 98.4% of train conductors, engine drivers and shunting workers voted to reauthorize the strike, with a turnout of 90.1%. At CPKC, the same group voted 99.2% to reauthorize, with a turnout of 88.6%. CPKC train traffic controllers, who are also represented by the TCRC, voted 95.7% to reauthorize the strike, with a turnout of 88.5%.

The union had already authorized strikes at both railroads on May 1, but those authorizations are only valid for 60 days and the potential strikes on May 22 have been put on hold while the Canada Industrial Relations Board decides on a government request whether any transportation should continue in the event of a work stoppage. That decision is pending.

“CN and CPKC are trying to force changes to our collective bargaining agreements that would roll back working conditions and safety on the rails,” TCRC President Paul Boucher said in a statement. “The Teamsters are trying to stop them. With this renewed strike mandate, we intend to return to the bargaining table, work with federal mediators and do everything in our power to get a fair deal for our members and protect all Canadians.”

The railway company rejected unions’ claims that its offers endangered safety. In a statement, the CPKC said its latest offers were “fully compliant with the new legal requirements regarding rest periods”.

The union represents about 6,000 CN workers and about 3,300 CPKC workers. Failing to reach an agreement, the railroads offered binding arbitration, which they rejected. The union proposed postponing collective bargaining for two weeks to avoid simultaneous work stoppages, which the railroads also rejected.

CN’s latest offer from early June is presented here.

CPKC said in a statement Friday that it was still awaiting a decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board and believes it is unlikely that “the parties will be able to initiate a legal strike or lockout before mid-July or later.” The law requires at least 72 hours’ notice. CPKC said it had asked the CIRB to extend the cooling-off period by 30 days after the board’s decision is announced to provide “stability and predictability” regarding a potential work stoppage and “to give all parties the opportunity to plan for such an eventuality.” The railroad also said its offer of binding arbitration and two collective bargaining proposals remained on the table.

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