The strike was averted in extremis at VIA Rail after an agreement in principle reached between the union and the employer during tight negotiations continued overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
The union has had to postpone the start of the strike four times since midnight Monday, when the 72-hour strike notice was issued on Thursday.
This agreement is subject to a ratification vote by the 2,400 unionized members of Unifor Local 100.
Once ratified by the employees, the collective agreements will be retroactive to January 1, 2022 and in effect until December 31, 2024.
“The fight against the concessions proposed by VIA Rail was not easy, but the determination, commitment and solidarity of our members helped the negotiating committees move forward and reach this agreement in principle” , reacted Scott Doherty, chief negotiator and executive assistant to the national president.
“From the start, our bargaining committees have felt the weight of their responsibility – fighting to get the best deal for their members,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer.
For its part, VIA Rail was pleased with this happy ending to the showdown, while deploring the uncertainties caused by the union’s strike threats.
“VIA Rail is pleased to have negotiated these agreements and recognizes the hard work of both parties during this process,” said Martin R Landry, President and CEO.
“We sympathize with passengers and communities whose plans have been affected in recent days due to the uncertainty caused by this potential strike,” he added.