Unifor National Council 4000 Bargaining Updates

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CN Transportation Ltd. (CNTL)

Unifor met with CNTL in Montreal February 25-28 and in Calgary March 5-8 to bargain a new collective agreement for the 1,000 dependent owner-operator truck drivers at CNTL across Canada who are members of Unifor Council 4000. The current agreement expires on March 31, 2019.

Bargaining is going well and to this point has focused on important work rules and working conditions. We have also spent considerable time discussing the Union’s proposals on improving the present ‘Progressive Disciplinary Measures’ under Article 8 of the collective agreement. The employer is receptive to our concerns. The present measures are too punitive and include a three-strike system that could trigger a member’s termination in quick fashion for otherwise minor infractions. We are working on implementing new provisions of a remedial nature and less punitive measures.

We have scheduled more dates to continue bargaining starting March 21st in Montreal when will focus on monetary issues. We will start by discussing CNTL truck specifications.

We ask that our CNTL membership not listen to any rumors within the workplace that are being circulated by members who are not Unifor Bargaining Committee Members.  The bargaining committee will post updates when new information becomes available.

CNSAR

The Unifor–CN Savage Alberta Railway (CNSAR) Bargaining Committee is continuing negotiations with CN this week at Unifor’s Edmonton Regional Office from March 11-15, 2019. Bargaining has been productive. One item the committee has focused on is improving the working conditions on spareboards, ensuring rest days are not interrupted and that spareboards do not replace regular train assignments. We also want to have our collective agreement numbered like the others at CN.

Negotiations have also included discussions on the Ministerial Order issued on December 21, 2018 by Transport Minister Marc Garneau where he instructed railway companies to revise the Work/Rest Rules for Railway Operating Employees to ensure they reflect; “the latest science and fatigue management practices.” The railway companies, including CN, are to submit proposed revisions by May 19, 2019 for Transportation Minister Marc Garneau to approve by the end of June 2019. Given that our collective agreement was negotiated for members to work under scheduled work assignments that permit for a better work/lifestyle balance, we do not believe the Ministerial Order should affect our membership or collective agreement. We will provide further updates as the information is available.