Both CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City say they have filed conciliation requests in ongoing collective negotiations with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
The union said it was “surprised” by the development on Friday, adding that it is actively working to respond to these notices and will provide further updates to members soon.
CN, based in Montreal, indicates that these negotiations are being carried out on behalf of approximately 6,000 workers across the country, including conductors, trainee conductors, train training coordinators and locomotive engineers.
He maintains in a press release that CN is proposing a modernization of its remuneration model to take into account recent regulatory changes which have tested the availability of teams.
CN says it believes it is possible to reach an agreement through the collective bargaining process and “remains committed to working with the CFTC to reach an agreement.”
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) states in a press release that it has been negotiating since September, but that “the positions of the CPKC and union leaders remain irreconcilable.”
The Calgary-based company says the negotiations involve two collective agreements representing approximately 3,280 workers across Canada.
It says both collective agreements expired at the end of 2023, but will remain in force until a new agreement is reached.