(Ottawa) The specter of a strike hangs over the country’s rail transport. The union representing more than 9,000 workers at Canada’s two largest railway companies has obtained a strong strike mandate from its members just as negotiations to renew collective agreements have stalled. A walkout could occur as early as May 22.
By a vote of 98%, the members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which brings together workers from Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), came out clearly in favor of a mandate of strike. The participation rate was 92%.
Negotiations for the renewal of collective agreements for conductors, engineers and marshaling yard workers have been stalling for several weeks. Workers were asked to vote on the appropriateness of a strike mandate starting April 8 and had until noon today to do so.
The main stumbling block in the negotiations concerns working hours. The CFCT says the two rail companies are seeking to eliminate key rest provisions from employment contracts – a move that could increase crew fatigue and endanger public safety, according to the union.
An undeniable sign of the serious consequences that a strike in rail transport could have, the president of the CFTC, Paul Boucher, came to announce the results of the vote at 1 p.m. on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
“CN and CPKC, the message is clear. Your employees have spoken. They do not want to know anything about your proposals which could affect their rights and their security,” Mr. Boucher said at a press conference.
“The intention of these companies is to take as many hours as possible from employees because they are unable to find enough workers. […] Compromising on safety is never the solution to resolving a workforce problem,” insisted the president of the CFTC.
In February, the CN and the CPKC asked the federal Minister of Labor to appoint a conciliator. This approach had the effect of launching the legal process with a view to a possible strike or lockout, which could occur from 81 days after the appointment of the federal conciliators.