CN CPKC workers have voted in favor of a strike mandate as a potential work stoppage looms. The decision was made after negotiations between the company and the union representing the workers failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.
The strike mandate was approved by a majority of the workers, with 98.3% voting in favor. This gives the union the authority to call for a strike if necessary. The workers are represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which has been in negotiations with CN CPKC since November 2020.
According to the TCRC, the main issues at stake are wages, benefits, and working conditions. The union claims that CN CPKC has been unwilling to address these concerns and has not made any significant offers during negotiations. As a result, the workers have been left with no choice but to consider a strike as a means to push for their demands.
In response, CN CPKC has stated that they are committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with the workers. They have also expressed their disappointment with the strike mandate, stating that it is premature and unnecessary. The company has emphasized that they have been negotiating in good faith and have made several proposals to address the workers’ concerns.
A strike by CN CPKC workers would have a significant impact on the transportation of goods across Canada. The company operates a major rail network that connects the east and west coasts, as well as the United States. A work stoppage would disrupt the supply chain and could potentially lead to economic consequences.
The TCRC has not yet announced when a strike may occur, but they have stated that they are willing to continue negotiations with CN CPKC. However, they have also made it clear that they are prepared to take action if necessary.
In the meantime, both sides are urging for a resolution to be reached to avoid a strike. The TCRC has called on CN CPKC to return to the bargaining table with a fair offer, while the company has urged the union to consider the potential consequences of a strike.
The next steps in this ongoing dispute remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the workers at CN CPKC are determined to fight for their rights and are willing to take action if necessary. As negotiations continue, the fate of the company’s operations and the transportation of goods across the country hangs in the balance.
