Rail workers at CN and CPKC vote to resume strike

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LAVAL, Que. – Union members at CN and CPKC railroads have voted to reauthorize strikes at both companies if a negotiated solution cannot be reached, increasing the risk of supply chain disruptions across Canada.

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Teamsters Canada said in a statement on Saturday that union members at both railroads had voted almost 99 percent in favor of extending the strike.

The union said its members had previously voted for a strike on May 1, but the 60-day deadline for voting had expired.

This means that the company must take the “unusual step” of holding a second vote on the strike.

CN spokesman Jonathan Abecassis said Saturday that the company did not want a situation to arise in which “Canadian supply chains were held hostage.”

“Our position is that we want the union to come back to the negotiating table,” Abecassis said in an interview. “We are asking the union to accept binding arbitration. It is not favorable for either party. It is favorable for reaching an agreement.”

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CPKC spokesman Terry Cunha said the company issued a statement on Friday and would not comment further on Saturday.

The update on the company’s website posted Friday said the railway was awaiting a decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board regarding the Canadian labour minister’s referral to maintain operations during a strike or lockout.

“We understand that stakeholders in our supply chain want certainty about the expected timing of a CIRB decision and potential work disruptions. However, it remains unclear when the CIRB will announce a decision,” the statement said.

It said it was unlikely that the company or union would be legally able to initiate a strike or lockout before mid-July or later and that 72 hours’ notice of the strike or lockout would have to be given.

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The company also stated that it had asked the CIRB for an extension of a 30-day cooling-off period from the date of its decision on the maintenance activities.

“This would help ensure stability and predictability regarding timelines for a potential work stoppage and allow all parties involved to plan for such an eventuality,” the company said in a statement.

Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, said the union plans to return to the bargaining table with its renewed strike mandate and work with federal government mediators.

The union said the railway companies were demanding concessions on staff rosters, working hours and fatigue management.

“CN and CPKC are trying to push through changes to our collective bargaining agreements that would roll back working conditions and safety on the railroad,” Boucher said. “The Teamsters are trying to stop them from doing that.”

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